Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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Surety Bonds Solidary Liability Despite Contract Amendments In Construction Projects
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on surety bonds, solidary liability, and why contract amendments don't automatically release sureties.
Seafarers Disability Navigating THE 120 240 DAY Rule FOR Entitlement TO Benefits
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 120-day rule does not automatically make a seafarer's disability permanent, explaining the 240-day extension.
Falsification of Private Documents: Where Venue Lies Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that venue for falsification of private documents is where the falsification occurred, not where the document was used.
Liability IN Shipping Pinewood Marine Clarifies Agents Responsibility FOR Cargo Claims
Breach of Contract and Unilateral Termination: The Talampas v. Moldex Realty Case
When can a party unilaterally terminate a contract? The Supreme Court explains in Talampas v. Moldex Realty.
Upholding Due Process and Proving Employer-Employee Relationship in Philippine Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases and the four-fold test for employer-employee relationship.
Dying Declarations AND Treachery Establishing Guilt IN Murder Cases Under Philippine LAW
Attorney Neglect of Duty in Disbarment Cases and the Effect of Death on Administrative Proceedings
Explore how a lawyer's neglect of duty triggers disbarment proceedings, and why a respondent's death can lead to case dismissal.
Seafarers Disability Upholding Company Doctors Assessment Absent Third Opinion
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarer disability claims, emphasizing company doctor assessments prevail absent third-doctor review under CBA.
Protecting Seafarers Work Related Illnesses AND THE Presumption OF Compensability
Upholding Legal Ethics: Disciplining Lawyers for Obstructing Justice and Misleading Courts
A lawyer's duty to the court outweighs loyalty to a client. Learn how obstruction and misleading courts lead to suspension.
Lawyer's Neglect of Appeal Brief: When Courts Dismiss Disbarment Cases
A lawyer who lets an appeal lapse violates the Code of Professional Responsibility, but death of the respondent can end the case.
Navigating Appeals Jurisdiction of the Court of Tax Appeals in Collection Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that the CTA has exclusive appellate jurisdiction over tax collection cases, and wrong appeals must be dismissed.
Upholding Workers Rights Interpreting Employment Contracts IN Favor OF Labor
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability becomes total and permanent, and how CBA conflict-resolution clauses bind the parties.
CTA Has Exclusive Power Over Certiorari in Local Tax Cases, SC Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies that the CTA, not the CA, has exclusive jurisdiction over certiorari petitions assailing RTC interlocutory orders in local tax cases.
Prior Possession Is Key in Philippine Forcible Entry Cases
Philippine forcible entry cases hinge on prior physical possession. The Supreme Court explains why in Alcedo v. Sagudang.
Prejudicial Question and Corporate Authority: When Estafa Proceedings May Be Suspended
Explains when a prejudicial question suspends estafa proceedings, focusing on corporate authority and demand validity under Philippine law.
Breach of Trust: Understanding Malversation of Public Funds in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the elements of malversation under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code, including the presumption of misappropriation when funds are not forthcoming upon demand.
Just Compensation in Eminent Domain: Balancing Judicial Discretion and Statutory Guidelines
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts must balance judicial discretion with statutory guidelines in determining just compensation for agrarian reform lands.
Redemption Rights and Time Limits: When the Clock Stops Ticking in Foreclosures
Understand when a foreclosure buyer gets possession, how redemption periods work, and why a donation mortis causa needs probate.
Negligence in Appeals: When a Lawyer's Delay Can Cost You Your Case
A party who sleeps on its rights cannot blame counsel for an abandoned appeal. Learn the finality rule.
Intra-Corporate Disputes as Prejudicial Questions in Estafa Cases
When an intra-corporate dispute over officer authority can suspend criminal estafa proceedings, explained through a 2015 Supreme Court ruling.
Res Judicata Bars Repeated Lawsuits for the Same Breach of Contract
A single breach of contract gives rise to only one cause of action. Learn how the Supreme Court applied res judicata to bar a second lawsuit.
Reconveyance Actions Survive Death and Stand Apart from Estate Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that reconveyance actions survive a party's death and proceed independently of estate settlement proceedings.