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.
Philippine Legal Interest on Loans: When Does 12% Apply? Villanueva v. CA Explained
Learn when 12% legal interest applies to unpaid loans in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Villanueva v. Court of Appeals.
Buyer’s Right to Specific Performance When a Seller Backs Out of a Contract to Sell
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that sellers cannot unilaterally rescind a Contract to Sell, and buyers may sue for specific performance.
Valid Dismissal in the Philippines: When Loss of Trust Justifies Termination of Managerial Employees
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when loss of trust and confidence justifies valid dismissal of managerial employees under the Labor Code.
Loss of Trust and Confidence in Employee Dismissal: What Philippine Law Requires
Philippine jurisprudence on loss of trust and confidence as a valid ground for employee dismissal, explained through the Brent Hospital case.
When Private Immorality Leads to Public Disbarment: Understanding Lawyer Ethics in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a lawyer's private misconduct—abandoning his family—can lead to disbarment.
Perfecting CAR Sales Contracts IN THE Philippines Understanding Buyer Rights AND Seller Obligations
Learn when a car sale contract is perfected in the Philippines, buyer rights, and seller obligations from the Xentrex Automotive case.
Withdrawal of an Administrative Complaint: Does It Auto-Dismiss Cases Against Court Personnel?
Withdrawing an administrative complaint against court personnel does not automatically end the case. The Supreme Court explains when dismissal is proper.
Shipping Delays: When the 1-Year COGSA Limit Does Not Apply in the Philippines
Philippine law distinguishes physical cargo damage from pure economic loss due to delay. Learn when the 10-year Civil Code prescriptive period applies instead of COGSA's 1-year rule.
Litis Pendentia in the Philippines: Stopping Duplicate Lawsuits
Learn when Philippine courts dismiss duplicate lawsuits for litis pendentia, the requisites, and how to prevent splitting a cause of action.
When Can You Dismiss an Employee for Misconduct: Loss of Trust and Confidence Explained
Learn when Philippine employers can validly dismiss employees for loss of trust and confidence, and why criminal acquittal doesn't bar termination.
When Can an Employee Be Dismissed for Loss of Trust and Confidence: A Philippine Guide
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the high standard for dismissing employees on grounds of loss of trust and confidence.
Subleasing Restrictions: Understanding Lease Agreements in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law treats subleasing without consent, the risks for landlords and tenants, and practical tips for valid lease agreements.
Common Carriers and Fortuitous Events: When Is a Carrier Liable for Passenger Injury
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a tire blowout is not a fortuitous event and why common carriers face a presumption of negligence in passenger injury cases.
Lost Luggage Liability of Common Carriers in the Philippines: The Sarkies Tours Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies common carrier liability for lost passenger luggage, including moral and exemplary damages under the Civil Code.
Employers Bad Faith Actions Employee Rights AND Remedies IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine law protects employees and passengers from employer bad faith, with remedies and damages explained in plain language.
Medical Malpractice in the Philippines: Navigating Negligence Claims
Learn how Philippine courts handle medical malpractice and negligence claims, including key legal principles and practical guidance.
Insurable Interest: Can a Landlord Claim Insurance on a Tenant's Property?
Philippine Supreme Court rules a landlord cannot claim fire insurance proceeds on a tenant's merchandise without insurable interest. Learn the key principles.
Seafarers' Rights: Protecting Overseas Workers From Illegal Dismissal
Supreme Court ruling protects Filipino seafarers from illegal dismissal when they seek ITF or CSR help for labor grievances.
Clerk of Court Accountability: Ensuring Document Integrity in Philippine Courts
When a clerk of court certifies a tampered copy, public trust in the judiciary suffers. This case explains the duty.
When Can a Seaman Be Dismissed: Understanding Seafarer Rights and Obligations
Learn the legal grounds for dismissing a seaman in the Philippines, plus the rights and obligations of seafarers under Philippine maritime law.
Employee Dismissal: Proving Just Cause and Observing Due Process in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employee dismissal: employers must prove just cause with substantial evidence and observe due process.
Breach of Trust in Employment: Employers' Burden of Proof in Dismissal Cases
In illegal dismissal cases, employers must prove just cause by substantial evidence. Learn the rules from Pacific Maritime v. Ranay.
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: Employee Rights and Employer Responsibilities in the Philippines
Learn the legal rules on workplace sexual harassment in the Philippines, including employer duties, due process, and employee remedies.
Public Trust and Accountability: Consequences for Dishonest Public Servants
When a court employee steals evidence, the Supreme Court shows that dishonesty ends public service.