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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Incestuous Rape: Upholding Parental Moral Ascendancy and Protecting Minor Victims
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of a father figure, clarifying force, minority as aggravating circumstance, and damages.
Simulated Contracts: When a Deed of Sale Isn't Really a Sale
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a deed of sale is absolutely simulated and void, using Tanchuling v. Cantela as a guide.
Compromise and Complicity: How Settlement With One Party Affects Liability of Others in Securities Fraud
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether settling with one defendant in a securities fraud case extinguishes liability of other alleged co-conspirators.
Solidary Liability in Suretyship: Partners' Obligations in Loan Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on solidary liability of partners and sureties in loan agreements, explained in plain language.
Land Registration Jurisdiction: When Full Trial Beats Summary Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when land registration cases need full trial instead of summary proceedings under PD 1529.
Breach of Trust as Just Cause for Dismissal in Philippine Banking
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a bank branch head's breach of trust justifies dismissal under Article 282 of the Labor Code.
Conflicting Medical Reports: When a Seafarer Gets Full Disability Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court rules on conflicting company doctor reports, entitling seafarer to full permanent disability benefits under POEA-SEC.
Temporary Layoffs in the Philippines: When Financial Stability Claims Fail Legal Scrutiny
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when temporary layoffs are illegal, requiring employers to prove good faith and dire business exigency.
Limits of a General Power of Attorney Authority to Sell Real Property in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a general power of attorney does not authorize an agent to sell real property without a special power of attorney.
Service of Summons on Corporations: Strict Compliance Required in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that service of summons on corporations requires strict compliance with Rule 14, Section 11, listing only specific officers.
Arrastre Operator Liability: Proving Diligence in Cargo Handling
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on arrastre operator negligence, burden of proof, and liability for damaged cargo under custody.
Redundancy Dismissals: Strict Compliance With Labor Code Imperative
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict requirements for valid redundancy termination, including mandatory DOLE notice and fair selection criteria.
Service of Summons on Corporations: Why Strict Compliance Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that service of summons on corporations must strictly follow Rule 14, Section 11; substantial compliance no longer applies.
Seafarer's Right to Disability Benefits When Employer Delays Post-Employment Medical Exam
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer duties and seafarer rights in post-employment medical examinations under the POEA-SEC.
Independent Contractor vs Labor-Only Contracting: When the Principal Is Not the Employer
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor is truly independent, shielding the principal from employer liability.
B P 22 and Estate Liability Ensuring Debtors Obligations Extend Beyond Death
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on B.P. 22 and estate liability, clarifying that a debtor's obligation survives death and may be enforced against the estate.
Upholding Civil Liability: Death Does Not Erase Debt in B.P. 22 Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that criminal liability for B.P. 22 does not extinguish civil liability, which survives the offender's death.
Flight Delay Liability: Fortuitous Events and Bad Faith in Breach of Contract
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when airlines are liable for flight delays—fortuitous events and bad faith explained.
Motion for Reconsideration: When Strict Compliance Is Not Required in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a motion for reconsideration before the NLRC may be excused before filing certiorari.
Unjust Enrichment in Lease Agreements When a Burnt Building Doesnt Excuse Rent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lessee liability for rent after a building on leased land burns down, explained in plain language.
Causal Connection Is Key in Seafarer Disability Claims for Work-Related Illnesses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers must prove a causal connection between their illness and work to receive disability benefits.
Security of Tenure vs Management Prerogative: Balancing Rights in Security Agency Employment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the balance between security of tenure and management prerogative in security agency employment.
Sheriffs Duty Timely Reporting In Writ Execution Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs mandatory duty to file periodic returns in writ execution, imposing administrative liability for delay.
Work-Related Skin Illness: Seafarer Wins Disability Benefits Despite Fit-to-Work Declaration
Philippine Supreme Court rules a seafarer with work-related skin illness can get disability benefits even if declared fit to work.