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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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.
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.
Breach of Trust: Disbarment for Lawyer Neglect and Misconduct in Attorney-Client Relations
A lawyer's failure to file a client's case for three years, refusal to return funds, and practice while suspended led to disbarment.
Upholding Professional Responsibility Attorneys Negligence AND Dishonesty IN Handling Client Affairs
Party-List Seat Allocation: Supreme Court Upholds COMELEC’s Proportional Distribution
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC’s party-list seat allocation under the BANAT formula, clarifying how additional seats are distributed proportionally.
Upholding Client Trust: Attorney Disbarred for Neglect, Non-Communication, and Practicing While Suspended
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for neglecting a client's case, failing to return funds, and practicing law while under suspension.
Local Autonomy vs National Interest: Can Congress Override Local Taxing Power
The Supreme Court strikes down RA 9167 provisions that diverted local amusement taxes to a national agency, affirming local fiscal autonomy.
Unproven Claims When Government Contracts Lack Evidence Of Delivery
Supreme Court affirms COA denial of P63M textbook claim for lack of proof of delivery and appropriation.
Writ of Kalikasan and Oil Pipeline Safety: The West Tower Case
A look at the Supreme Court's landmark ruling on the Writ of Kalikasan, environmental protection orders, and the safe operation of aging oil pipelines.
Grave Abuse of Discretion: When Courts Overstep Their Boundaries
Learn when a court's denial of a motion to dismiss amounts to grave abuse of discretion, and when errors are merely judgment calls.
Self-Defense in Homicide Cases: When a Police Officer’s Plea Fails
A police officer’s self-defense claim in a homicide case failed because physical evidence contradicted his story. Learn the legal requisites.
Res Judicata in Property Recovery Cases: What the Supreme Court's Lee v. Chong Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies how res judicata bars repeated claims over the same property, even when a new case is framed differently.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Seclusion: People v. Nuyok
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions based on circumstantial evidence, ruling that seclusion is not an element of the crime.
Registered-Owner Rule in Bus Accidents: Liability and Cross-Claims Explained
Learn how the registered-owner rule makes bus owners liable for accidents, and how they can recover via cross-claims.
Contributory Negligence in Property Disputes: Balancing Rights and Responsibilities
When adjoining landowners cause damage to each other, Philippine courts weigh contributory negligence in awarding damages. Learn from the Vergara v. Sonkin case.
Protecting Workers Employers Faulty Systems Cannot Justify Employee Penalties
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that employers cannot penalize workers for systemic failures beyond their control.
Determining Employer Status Unmasking Labor Only Contracting IN THE Philippines
Mortgage Foreclosure: Default Admissions Justify Summary Judgment
When a debtor admits default on a secured loan, Philippine courts may grant summary judgment in mortgage foreclosure without full trial.
Registered Owner vs Actual Operator: Who Pays in Vehicle Accidents?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the registered-owner rule in vehicle accidents and the right to reimbursement via cross-claim against the actual operator.
Taxing Times: Government Instrumentalities and Real Property Tax Exemptions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government instrumentalities like airport authorities are exempt from local real property taxes.
Seafarers Disability Defining Total AND Permanent Under Philippine LAW 3
Illegal Dismissal: Proving Just Cause at the Time of Termination
When can an employer validly dismiss an employee? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on just cause, due process, and burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases.
Optional Retirement Requires Employee's Explicit Consent: A Guide to Article 302 of the Labor Code
The Supreme Court clarifies that optional retirement before age 65 requires the employee's explicit, voluntary consent; otherwise, it is illegal dismissal.
Just Compensation and Agrarian Reform: Applying RA 6657 to Lands Under PD 27
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how RA 6657 governs just compensation for lands previously covered by PD 27, ensuring farmers receive fair value.