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.
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: How Ownership Transfers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains the key difference between a contract to sell and a contract of sale, and when property ownership actually transfers.
When Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Lessons from Pfizer v. Galan
A 2007 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a lawyer's procedural lapse binds the client in labor disputes and when courts may relax the rules.
When Contractual Disputes Must Go to Arbitration and Courts, Not the HLURB
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when condominium disputes belong to arbitration or courts, not the HLURB, in Frabelle Fishing Corp. ruling.
Unlawful Detainer: Proving Possession and Ownership Claims in Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer cases, possession vs. ownership claims, and evidence rules in ejectment proceedings.
Financial Crisis as Fortuitous Event: Real Estate Contract Obligations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether the 1997 Asian financial crisis excuses a developer's failure to deliver condominium units.
Retraction vs Initial Statements: Weighing Evidence in Illegal Dismissal Cases
When an employee is dismissed for serious misconduct, how should courts weigh a witness's retraction against initial statements? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Good Faith Prevails: Protecting Public Officials From Graft Charges in Discretionary Decisions
Supreme Court clears DOH official of graft for following PADPAO rates over lowest bid, affirming good faith in discretionary public decisions.
Certiorari Cannot Substitute for a Lost Appeal: Lessons from Negros Merchants v. China Banking
When can a denied motion to dismiss be challenged by certiorari? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on interlocutory orders and forum shopping.
DARAB Jurisdiction Over Emancipation Patent Cancellation Cases Explained
When can DARAB cancel an emancipation patent? The Supreme Court clarifies DARAB's exclusive jurisdiction over agrarian reform land disputes.
Upholding Employers' Rights: Just Cause and Due Process in Employee Dismissal
Supreme Court clarifies the twin requirements of just cause and due process in terminating employees, affirming dismissals for misconduct and insubordination.
PCGG v. Sandiganbayan: When Delay and Inaction Create a Cause of Action
A look at the Supreme Court ruling that government inaction on requests can itself create a cause of action, and when foreign court rulings do not bar local suits.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Parent Companies Can Be Held Liable for Franchise Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may disregard corporate fiction and hold companies liable for obligations of related entities.
Bouncing Checks and Hearsay: BP 22 Conviction Upheld Despite Evidentiary Challenges
The Supreme Court explains when hearsay testimony may be admitted in a Bouncing Checks case, and why a BP 22 conviction can stand.
Acting Appointments vs Security of Tenure: Clarifying Employment Rights in Philippine Schools
Understand the Supreme Court ruling on acting appointments in schools—when temporary positions do not ripen into permanent tenure.
Unfreezing Marcos-Era Assets: When Philippine Courts Can Act on Foreign Freeze Orders
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that allows Philippine courts to hear cases involving foreign freeze orders on Marcos-era assets.
Bail Without Court Order: When a Clerk of Court May Refuse Cash Bond
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a clerk of court may refuse a cash bond and the consequences for lawyers who file baseless administrative complaints.
Court Employee Fined P3,000 for Delayed Case Transmittal to Appellate Court
The Supreme Court fined an OIC-Clerk of Court P3,000 for transmitting appeal records 74 days late, reaffirming accountability in the judiciary.
Navigating Corporate Disputes: The Boundaries of Forum Shopping and Litis Pendentia in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when two corporate cases are not forum shopping or litis pendentia, using the Taningco dispute as a guide.
Prescription vs Possession: Quieting Title and Indefeasibility in Land Disputes
Explore how prescription, possession, and indefeasibility of title interact in land disputes, and what the Supreme Court ruled on jurisdiction.
Bail and Conspiracy: Delineating Liability in Plunder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how conspiracy affects bail in plunder cases, ruling that an accused is liable only for predicate acts he allegedly committed.
Rape and Intimidation: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Stepdaughter Abuse Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a stepfather's rape conviction, explaining how intimidation and threats can establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Immoral Conduct and Due Process in Termination Cases: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal clarifies labor arbiter jurisdiction, just cause requirements, and due process in termination disputes.
Conspiracy and Witness Credibility in Murder Cases: Lessons from People v. Tan
How Philippine courts weigh witness credibility and establish conspiracy in murder cases, explained through a 2007 Supreme Court ruling.
Upholding Employer Authority: Willful Disobedience and Seafarer Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on willful disobedience as valid cause for seafarer dismissal, with due process indemnity explained.