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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Construction Arbitration in the Philippines: Why CIAC Jurisdiction Is Broad and Binding
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies CIAC's broad jurisdiction over construction disputes, explaining why arbitration clauses vest exclusive authority regardless of contract restrictions.
Land Sale Contracts in the Philippines: Ensuring Object Certainty and Navigating Legal Heirs
A Supreme Court ruling on forged land sales, object certainty, and the rights of legal heirs in Philippine property disputes.
Forged Deeds and Disputed Titles: How Philippine Courts Determine Land Ownership
A Supreme Court ruling explains how courts resolve land ownership disputes when a deed of sale is alleged to be forged.
Implied Trust in Mortgage Contracts: When the Named Mortgagee Is Not the Real Lender
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a mortgage contract's named mortgagee may be held as a mere trustee for the true lender under an implied trust.
Quo Warranto and Reinstatement Rights After Ombudsman Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on quo warranto, reinstatement rights, and the immediate executory nature of Ombudsman dismissal orders.
Loan Interest Rate Adjustments Understanding Banks Rights AND Borrowers Obligations IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on implied trusts in mortgage contracts, parol evidence, and borrower protections.
Environmental Compliance vs. Business Operations: When Is a Jewelry Maker Exempt From LLDA Clearance
The Supreme Court clarifies when a jewelry maker is exempt from LLDA clearance requirements, and why size and assets matter more than the nature of the business.
Government Liability for Lost Goods: Waivers of State Immunity in Philippine Customs Law
When can the Bureau of Customs be held liable for seized goods that disappear while in its custody? The Supreme Court explains the limits of state immunity.
Upholding Integrity Court Employees Conduct AND Accountability IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that public officers may be held liable for conduct unbecoming even in private dealings, reinforcing the public trust doctrine.
CBA Interpretation: Anniversary Increases Cannot Offset Contractual Wage Hikes
Supreme Court rules on CBA interpretation—anniversary raises cannot offset contractual wage increases, and management prerogative yields to CBA terms.
Private Dealings, Public Trust: When Personal Conduct Creates Administrative Liability for Philippine Public O
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public official's private dealings can still trigger administrative liability, even if the act is unrelated to official duties.
Can a Bank Foreclose the Entire Loan on a Partial Mortgage? Philippine Supreme Court Rules
Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether a bank may foreclose a real estate mortgage for the full loan amount when only part of it was secured by the property.
Where Can a Mortgage Be Foreclosed in the Philippines? Venue Rules Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies venue and scope of extrajudicial foreclosure, including what happens when a mortgage covers only part of a loan.
Protecting Press Freedom Understanding Libel and Fair Reporting in Philippine Media Law
Explore the boundaries of libel and fair reporting in Philippine media law through the Supreme Court's ruling in Angeles v. Gaite.
Dominancy Test Prevails in Philippine Trademark Infringement Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that the dominancy test governs trademark infringement, focusing on dominant features rather than overall differences.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Burden of Proof and Just Cause Explained
The Supreme Court explains the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases and when loss of trust and confidence is a valid just cause.
When Does DARAB Have Jurisdiction Over Agrarian Disputes? The Bagongahasa Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies DARAB's jurisdiction over CLOA cancellation cases, emphasizing the need for an agrarian dispute involving tenancy relations.
Protecting Your Property From Confiscation: Third Party Claims in Philippine Criminal Cases
Learn how third parties can protect property from confiscation in Philippine criminal cases, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Sea Lion Fishing Corporation.
Moral Conduct in Public Service: Upholding Ethical Standards in the Judiciary
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of libel complaint against prosecutor who questioned a judge's moral fitness in official pleadings.
Surety Agreements in the Philippines: Understanding Liability Limits and Payment Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies surety liability caps, payment evidence, and when obligations are extinguished under Article 2054.
Loss of Trust Without Proof: Navigating Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that loss of trust and confidence requires clear evidence, not mere suspicion, to justify employee dismissal.
Robbery With Homicide and Conspiracy: Philippine Law Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies liability for robbery with homicide, conspiracy, and penalties under Article 294 of the Revised Penal Code.
SALN Omissions and Simple Negligence in Government Service: The Pleyto Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a public official's failure to disclose a spouse's business interests in the SALN amounts to simple negligence, not dishonesty.
When Prohibition Fails: Understanding the Limits of Extraordinary Writs in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when certiorari may be used despite a pending information, and how fair reporting protects the press from libel.