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.
Agent's Duty to Prioritize Principal's Interests: Lessons from a Carnapped Vehicle Case
When a bank-agent failed to file an insurance claim for a carnapped vehicle and demanded full payment instead, the Supreme Court ruled it breached its fiduciary duty.
Upholding the Validity of a Sale When Allegations of Forgery Fall Short
The Supreme Court explains when a notarized deed of sale stands despite claims of forgery, and why bare allegations are not enough.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When Payment Becomes Final Despite a Reversed Award
A Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability benefits, the 120-day rule, and when conditional payment becomes final satisfaction of judgment.
Seafarers Disability Claims Upholding Company Doctors Assessment Absent Third Opinion
Supreme Court clarifies when a company-designated physician's disability grading prevails over a seafarer's private doctor in POEA-SEC claims.
Death of Accused Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal and Civil Liability
Explore how the Supreme Court applied of the Revised Penal Code in People v. Toukyo, clarifying that death abates criminal liability and related civil claims.
Unlawful Detainer When Initial Objection Voids A Claim OF Tolerance
Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer, lease renewal options, and binding successors-in-interest in property law.
Good Faith and Land Titles: The Limits of Torrens System Protection in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a buyer's failure to pay full price under a Contract to Sell prevents enforcement, and the limits of good faith claims.
Timely Disability Claims: Seafarers' Rights and Employer Obligations Under POEA-SEC
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified seafarers' disability claims, the 120/240-day rule, and why timely filing matters under POEA-SEC.
Corporate Rehabilitation: Why Unappealed Court Orders Bind Parties in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on why failing to appeal a rehabilitation order within 15 days bars a party from later challenging it.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: Proving Justifying Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains what it takes to prove self-defense and defense of relatives under Article 11 of the Revised Penal Code.
Union Registration Misrepresentation Claims and the Limits of Cancellation Under the Labor Code
The Supreme Court clarifies that only grounds listed in Article 247 of the Labor Code justify cancellation of union registration, not lack of mutuality of interests.
Torrens Title vs Prior Possession: Resolving Ejectment Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a Torrens title holder can eject occupants who claim prior possession and ownership.
Valid Consignation Demands Strict Compliance With Legal Requirements
Learn when depositing rent in a bank account is not valid consignation, and what the law requires for debt payment.
Implied Trusts Protecting Shared Property Interests Despite Title Registration
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how implied trusts can protect co-ownership rights even when property titles name only one person.
Implied Trusts and Co-Ownership: Hidden Property Rights in Family Lending Businesses
When a family lending business buys property under one sibling's name, an implied trust may preserve everyone's share.
Forced Resignation: When a "Voluntary" Resignation Is Really Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is forced and amounts to illegal dismissal, protecting employees from undue influence.
Submarine Cables as Taxable Real Property: Supreme Court Clarifies Local Government Authority
The Supreme Court rules submarine cables are taxable real property, affirming local governments' power to impose real property tax on these assets.
Homicide vs Murder: When Treachery and Evident Premeditation Fail in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is homicide, not murder, because treachery and evident premeditation were not proven.
Project Employment vs Regular Employment: What Philippine Law Says
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are project employees and not regular employees, and what this means for termination rights.
Breach of Contract vs. Damages: How Philippine Courts Determine Jurisdiction
Philippine courts determine jurisdiction by the primary relief sought, not the complaint's label. Learn how the Supreme Court clarified this in a landmark ruling.
Judicial Immunity and the Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies in Agrarian Compensation Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when landowners may directly sue for just compensation despite the exhaustion of administrative remedies doctrine.
Third Party Claims in Execution: Protecting Property Rights Under Rule 39
Learn how third-party claimants can protect property wrongly levied in execution, and why certiorari is not the right remedy.
Third-Party Claims in Property Execution: PSALM v. Maunlad Homes Explained
Learn how Philippine law protects third-party property owners from wrongful levy during judgment execution, based on PSALM v. Maunlad Homes.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: The Duty to Remit Funds in Agency Agreements
When can an agent withhold funds from a principal? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of an agent's right of retention and the duty to remit.