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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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.
Simplified Union Registration in the Philippines: Understanding DOLE Department Order 40-03
The Supreme Court upheld DOLE Department Order 40-03, confirming simplified registration rules for local chapters of labor federations.
Luga v. Arciaga: Land Ownership, Tolerance, and the Limits of Possession Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies when tolerated occupancy defeats a claim of ownership by adverse possession in Luga v. Arciaga.
Protecting Labor Rights: How Philippine Courts Determine Employer-Employee Relationships for Retirement Benefi
Philippine courts resolve doubts in labor disputes in favor of workers. Learn how the Supreme Court determines employer-employee relationships for retirement benefits.
Repeated Infractions: When Company Policy Violations Justify Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that an employee's repeated violations of company rules can justify dismissal, even if past offenses were already penalized.
Kidnapping with Rape: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for kidnapping with rape, explaining how credible testimony and the sweetheart defense are weighed.
Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Documentary Stamp Tax on Passbook Savings Accounts
The Supreme Court rules that passbook savings accounts with higher interest rates are certificates of deposit subject to documentary stamp tax.
Partial Redemption in Philippine Foreclosure: Can You Redeem Select Properties?
Philippine law allows partial redemption of foreclosed properties. Learn the rules, limits, and practical implications from a key Supreme Court ruling.
Levy on Mortgaged Property in the Philippines: Sheriff's Duties Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that sheriffs may levy mortgaged properties to satisfy judgments, as debtors retain beneficial ownership until foreclosure.
Resignation and Administrative Cases in the Philippines: What Andutan Teaches Us
Can a resigned public official still face administrative cases? The Supreme Court's Andutan ruling clarifies the limits of Ombudsman jurisdiction.
Judicial Impartiality and Avoiding Impropriety in Cases Involving Relatives
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's transfer affects decision validity and the rules on new trial grounds in criminal cases.
When a Justice Transfers: Promulgation of Sandiganbayan Decisions and New Trial Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Sandiganbayan decision is valid despite a ponente's transfer, and tightens the rules on new trials.
Reckless Driving and Road Accidents: Understanding Liability in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on reckless imprudence clarifies when a driver is criminally liable for a road accident. Learn the rules.
Docket Fees and Substantial Justice: When Technicalities Take a Backseat
The Supreme Court relaxed the strict docket-fee rule in Heirs of Reinoso v. Court of Appeals, ruling that procedure must not defeat the merits of a case.
Liability in Maritime Charters: Who Pays When the Ship Goes Down
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who bears liability when a chartered vessel sinks, applying the Civil Code over the Code of Commerce.
When Company Rules Clash With Labor Rights Reinstatement Despite Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court rules on reinstatement without backwages when both employer and workers are at fault in labor dispute.
Ethical Boundaries for Public Officials: Soliciting Loans and Conflict of Interest
Public officials cannot solicit loans from entities they regulate, even if they are cooperative members. The Supreme Court clarifies the rule.
Loan Contract Perfection and Mortgage Validity: Insights from Palada v. Solidbank
When is a loan contract perfected, and what makes a real estate mortgage valid? The Supreme Court clarifies in Palada v. Solidbank.
Parental Liability in Statutory Rape: Philippine Law and Child Protection
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies statutory rape by a parent, penalties under RA 9346, and damages awarded to minor victims.
League of Cities v. COMELEC: The Finality of the 16 Cityhood Laws
The Supreme Court denies a second motion for reconsideration, affirming the constitutionality of the 16 Cityhood Laws with finality.
Employee Transfers and Constructive Dismissal in the Philippines: Employer Rights and Employee Protection
When is a job transfer constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court explains management prerogative, diminution of benefits, and employee rights.