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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Disqualification vs. COC Cancellation: Timelines That Decide Election Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the critical distinction between election disqualification petitions and petitions to cancel certificates of candidacy.
Bigamy Defenses, Double Jeopardy, and Private Prosecution: Key Lessons from Bangayan v. Bangayan
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on bigamy, double jeopardy, and why only the Solicitor General can appeal an acquittal.
Demurrage Recovery in the Philippines: How Subrogation Protects Payers
Learn how legal subrogation allows an indent representative to collect demurrage from a defaulting buyer, as ruled by the Supreme Court.
Personal Liability of Corporate Officers: When Are They Responsible for Company Debts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers and directors can be held personally liable for corporate obligations and debts.
Reconveyance Action Is Imprescriptible When Owner Remains in Possession
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an action for reconveyance of property does not prescribe—key exception for owners in possession.
Unseen Crimes Unshakable Justice How Philippine Courts Use Circumstantial Evidence in Murder Cases
Philippine courts can convict of murder based on circumstantial evidence alone. Learn the rules and how the Supreme Court applies them.
When Void Government Contracts Still Get Paid: Quantum Meruit Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains when contractors can recover payment for void government contracts through quantum meruit, citing DPWH v. Quiwa.
Treachery and Dwelling: Aggravating Circumstances in Philippine Murder Cases
How the Supreme Court applied treachery and dwelling as qualifying and aggravating circumstances in a murder conviction, with practical lessons.
Quasi-Delict Liability and Negligence in Vehicular Accidents: Insights from G.R. No. 279772
Supreme Court affirms quasi-delict liability for negligent driving, clarifying rules on overtaking, right of way, and vicarious liability of employers.
When Lawyers Face Discipline: The Tan v. Gumba Case and Professional Responsibility in the Philippines
A lawyer who deceived a client into a loan through false documents was suspended for six months. Learn the ethical rules and lessons from this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Bouncing Checks Law: When Acquittal Does Not Erase Civil Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that acquittal in a B.P. 22 case does not automatically extinguish civil liability for dishonored checks.
Supreme Court: Five-Day Rule for Small Claims Is Mandatory, Not Flexible
The Supreme Court reminds judges that the five-day period to decide small claims cases is mandatory, not a flexible guideline.
Small Claims Deadlines Are Mandatory: What Judges and Litigants Must Know
A judge's five-day deadline to decide small claims cases is mandatory, not flexible, the Supreme Court ruled. Learn the rules.
Psychological Incapacity: When Expert Testimony Fails to Prove a Void Marriage
The Supreme Court explains when expert testimony on psychological incapacity fails to prove a void marriage under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Probationary Teacher Rights in the Philippines: Non-Renewal and Security of Tenure
When can a private school validly refuse to renew a probationary teacher's contract? The Supreme Court's ruling in St. Paul College vs. Ancheta explains.
Loss of Trust and Confidence in Labor Disputes: The Keppel Bank Case
When can a bank validly dismiss a branch manager for loss of trust and confidence? The Supreme Court explains the limits of this just cause.
Breach of Contract in Construction: Completion, Damages, and Mutual Breach Under Philippine Law
When both contractor and client breach a construction contract, Philippine courts equitably adjust damages. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accidents: When Negligence and Vicarious Liability Apply
Supreme Court affirms joint liability of driver and owner in a vehicular accident, clarifying negligence, proximate cause, and vicarious liability under the Civil Code.
Eminent Domain Just Compensation: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on just compensation for underground tunnel taking under eminent domain, protecting landowners' constitutional rights.
When a Final Judgment Bars a New Case: Res Judicata and Forum Shopping in Loan Disputes
The Supreme Court explains how a final ruling on loan interest rates can bar a later case through res judicata and forum shopping.
Res Judicata and Forum Shopping in Foreclosure Disputes: Villanueva v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court explains how res judicata and forum shopping bar repeated challenges to loan interest rates and foreclosure proceedings.
Reconveyance Claims: Proving Land Identity Under Article 434 of the Civil Code
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reconveyance actions: claimants must prove land identity and title. Learn the requirements under Article 434.
Project Employees and Due Process: Clarifying Notice Requirements for Contract Completion
The Supreme Court clarifies when project employees must receive notice of contract completion and the due process requirements for termination.
Voluntary Retirement: Why Employee Consent Is Key to Valid Retirement Plans
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on voluntary retirement plans, employee consent, and the validity of retirement agreements in labor law.