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.
Insurance Policy Incontestability Clarifying Reinstatement Dates And Insurer Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the incontestability period starts after policy reinstatement, and what insurers must prove to deny claims.
Filing Money Claims Against Government: Lessons from a Dismissed Flood Damage Case
The Supreme Court affirms COA's denial of P122-million flood damage claims against DPWH, citing prescription, laches, and the state's immunity from suit.
Retirement Benefits Premium Contributions Determine Creditable Service For Government Employees
GSIS v. Pauig: only service periods with paid GSIS premiums count for retirement benefits; casual and temporary service may be excluded.
Maintaining the Status Quo: Upholding Preliminary Injunctions in Property Disputes
Learn when courts uphold preliminary injunctions in property disputes and why challenging final judgments through annulment of court processes fails.
Enforceability of Oral Contracts: Protecting Contractors' Rights Through Quantum Meruit
Oral contracts are binding in the Philippines. Learn how quantum meruit protects contractors who complete work without written agreements.
Accretion vs. Reclamation: Philippine Supreme Court Rules on Artificial Land Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that artificially filled land is not accretion under Article 457, settling ownership disputes over man-made extensions.
Security of Tenure for OFWs: Why Illegal Dismissal and Void Contracts Matter
A Supreme Court ruling affirms that overseas Filipino workers enjoy security of tenure, and contracts violating this right are void.
Illegal Dismissal: Backwages and Separation Pay Computed Until Final Judgment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that backwages and separation pay for illegally dismissed employees run until the judgment becomes final, regardless of who appealed.
Just Compensation for Agrarian Land: The Cut-Off Rule Before RA 9700
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when RA 9700 applies to agrarian land valuation, protecting landowners with claims filed before July 1, 2009.
Conspiracy and Probable Cause in Corporate Criminal Cases: The Ient v. Tullett Prebon Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies when conspiracy and probable cause establish criminal liability for corporate officers under the Corporation Code.
Res Ipsa Loquitur in Bus Accidents: When Negligence Is Implied Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court applies res ipsa loquitur in a bus-motorcycle collision, explaining when negligence is presumed and employers are liable.
Surety’s Liability: The Extent and Limits Under Philippine Law
Understand the scope of a surety’s obligations in the Philippines, including liability limits, defenses, and key legal principles.
PDAF Scam: Hearsay Evidence and Probable Cause in Plunder Cases
The Supreme Court upholds the Ombudsman's probable cause findings in the PDAF scam cases, clarifying that hearsay evidence can establish probable cause.
When Postponements Don't Imply Misconduct: A Lesson in Ethical Practice
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's requests for postponement do not constitute professional misconduct, emphasizing the need for clear evidence of malice.
Baguio Land Titles Validation Denied for Expanded Areas Despite Prior Resurvey Approval
Supreme Court rules resurvey approval doesn't validate expanded Baguio land titles under PD 1271, requiring strict compliance.
Unraveling Fraud Protecting Heirs Rights IN Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when heirs can pursue quieting of title and reconveyance despite allegations of fraud and laches.
Determining Damages in Wrongful Death: Balancing Compensation and Proof
How the Supreme Court balances compensation and proof in wrongful death cases, and what heirs must prove to recover damages.
Illegal Dismissal Claims: When Breach of Trust Justifies Termination Despite Weak Theft Evidence
Philippine Auto Components v. Jumadla clarifies when loss of trust and confidence can justify dismissal even if serious misconduct is not proven.
Duty of Disclosure in Insurance Contracts: Insurers Must Prove Concealment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that insurers bear the burden of proving concealment or misrepresentation by convincing evidence before rescinding policies.
Compulsory vs. Permissive Counterclaims: What Philippine Litigants Must Know
Learn the difference between compulsory and permissive counterclaims in Philippine courts, including docket fees, forum shopping, and the Alba v. Malapajo ruling.
Insubordination in the Workplace: Defining the Scope of Employee Duties and Employer Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's refusal to follow orders is insubordination and when it is a justified defense against dismissal.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Strict Adherence to POEA Contract Procedures Required
SC ruling in Calimlim v. Wallem Maritime: seafarers must follow POEA-SEC procedures, including third-doctor referral, or company physician's assessment stands.
Foreign Ownership in Public Utilities: The High Court Defines "Capital"
The Supreme Court clarifies that Under the Constitution
Stroke Compensation Claims: When Work Stress Meets Employee Welfare
Supreme Court clarifies when stroke and hypertension are compensable under PD 626, emphasizing probability over certainty in employee claims.