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.
Who Can Question a Bigamous Marriage? Lessons from Amor-Catalan v. Catalan
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies who has legal personality to question a bigamous marriage and the need to prove foreign divorce decrees.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Land Valuation and Timely Payment
The Supreme Court rules on how agrarian reform lands should be valued and why delayed payment violates the constitutional right to just compensation.
Divorce Abroad and Remarriage in the Philippines: Legal Standing in Bigamy Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who may challenge a bigamous marriage when a foreign divorce is involved, and what evidence is required.
Donation Inter Vivos in the Philippines: Proving Forgery and Document Authenticity
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how to prove forgery of a deed of donation, including the weight of expert testimony and circumstantial evidence.
Indirect Contempt in the Philippines: Why Proper Procedure Matters in Wage Orders
A look at how the Supreme Court ruled on procedural lapses and the validity of Wage Order No. R02-03 in Metrobank v. NWPC.
Fresh Period Rule for Appeals: The First Aqua Sugar Traders Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that a motion for reconsideration grants litigants a fresh 15-day period to appeal, applying the Neypes doctrine retroactively.
Control Test and Regular Employment: When a Retainer Is Not an Employer-Employee Relationship
The Supreme Court explains when a company doctor under a retainer agreement is not a regular employee under the control test.
Protecting Government Assets Understanding Exemptions From Execution IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government funds and properties are exempt from execution, and when judges and sheriffs can be held liable.
Why Courts Must Scrutinize Motions to Withdraw Criminal Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that inordinate delay in preliminary investigation violates an accused's constitutional right to due process and speedy disposition.
Annulment of Judgment for Lack of Due Process: A Philippine Legal Guide
Learn when Philippine courts may annul a final judgment for lack of due process, using the Supreme Court's ruling in Intestate Estate of Nimfa Sian v. PNB.
Justice Delayed IS Justice Denied Understanding Your Right TO Speedy Trial IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that inordinate delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Forum Shopping in Philippine Courts: Why Filing Multiple Cases Can Backfire
Learn how the Supreme Court defines forum shopping, why filing multiple cases over the same dispute can get a case dismissed, and what the certification against forum shopping requires.
Foreclosure vs Corporate Rehabilitation: Why Timing Is Key in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how prior foreclosure affects corporate rehabilitation petitions and the proper remedy for dismissal orders.
Failure to Pay Appeal Docket Fees: When Courts May Reinstate an Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that failure to pay appeal docket fees does not automatically dismiss an appeal; courts have discretion to reinstate.
Hospital Liability for Doctor Negligence in the Philippines: Corporate Responsibility Explained
When can a Philippine hospital be held liable for a doctor's negligence? The Supreme Court's ruling in Professional Services, Inc. v. Agana clarifies corporate responsibility.
Moonlighting and Misconduct: When a Second Job Leads to Legal Trouble in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on loss of trust and confidence as just cause for dismissing managerial employees who engage in misconduct.
Proving Employee Abandonment: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what employers must prove to establish employee abandonment—and why mere absence is not enough.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Why Timing Matters in Philippine Property Expropriation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation in expropriation is valued at the time of filing or taking, whichever comes first.
Credible Witnesses Are Key in Philippine Naturalization Cases: Edison So v. Republic
The Supreme Court explains why character witnesses must know an applicant well, not merely parrot the law, in judicial naturalization cases.
Burden of Proof in Labor Cases: Supreme Court Upholds Employee Rights in Wage Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that employers bear the burden of proof in labor standards cases, protecting workers' claims for unpaid wages.
Estafa by Misappropriation: When Failing to Return Entrusted Money Is a Crime
Understand when failing to return money received for a specific purpose becomes estafa under Philippine law, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
SEC Suspension Orders and Labor Disputes: What the Rubberworld Case Means
The Supreme Court clarifies that SEC suspension orders in rehabilitation cases automatically stay labor claims, making any labor ruling void.
Navigating Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: Why a POEA License Is Your Shield
Learn how Philippine law defines large-scale illegal recruitment, why a POEA license matters, and what the Supreme Court says about proving this crime.
Substantial Compliance vs Strict Procedure: Negligence and Liability in Fire Incidents
A fire spreads from one food stall to another—who pays? The Supreme Court clarifies negligence, fortuitous events, and procedural rules.