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.
Courts, Not Legislators, Set Just Compensation in Philippine Eminent Domain Cases
Supreme Court rules statutory caps like NPC's 10% easement limit cannot override judicial determination of just compensation.
False Designation of Origin: When "Made in Portugal" Labels Mislead Consumers
The Supreme Court's ruling in Uyco v. Lo clarifies when geographic labels on products constitute false designation of origin under Philippine trademark law.
Tenants Rights and Landlords Title: Estoppel and Redemption in Lease Agreements
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on repurchase agreements, estoppel, and landlord-tenant rights in foreclosure cases.
When Is a General Manager Considered a Corporate Officer? Philippine Jurisprudence
Explore how Philippine law defines corporate officers, and when a general manager may be considered one, based on Supreme Court rulings.
Falsification of Documents: Probable Cause and Presumptions of Regularity
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when allegations of falsification are enough to warrant prosecution, and the weight given to notarized documents.
Unraveling Estafa: The Supreme Court's Stance on Misappropriation and Probable Cause
A look at Burgundy Realty v. Reyes, where the Supreme Court clarified the elements of estafa and the low bar for probable cause in preliminary investigations.
Theft in Telecommunications: Defining International Simple Resale and the Limits of Search Warrants
The Supreme Court clarifies that international simple resale constitutes theft under Philippine law and explains the rules on search warrants.
Balancing Justice and Procedure When Attorney Negligence Threatens a Client's Appeal
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may relax procedural rules, holding that a counsel's ordinary negligence binds the client and cannot justify a late appeal.
Arbitrator Impartiality and Third Party Influence in Philippine Arbitration Awards
When can a third party's conduct taint an arbitration award? The Supreme Court clarifies standards for vacating awards on grounds of evident partiality.
Rehabilitation vs Secured Interests: Balancing Creditor Rights in Corporate Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how corporate rehabilitation balances secured creditors' rights with the need for equal treatment and recovery.
Personal Guarantees and Piercing the Corporate Veil: Lessons from Crisologo v. People
When corporate officers sign personal guarantees, they may face personal liability. The Supreme Court clarifies the limits in Crisologo v. People.
Sheriffs' Duty of Timely Execution and Reporting: Lessons from Vicsal v. Dela Cruz-Buendia
A sheriff's failure to file timely returns and furnish parties copies constitutes simple neglect of duty, as ruled in Vicsal Development Corp. v. Dela Cruz-Buendia.
Laches and Land Ownership: Registered Titles Prevail Despite Delayed Action
The Supreme Court clarifies that laches cannot bar a registered landowner's right to recover property, reaffirming the strength of Torrens titles.
Prohibited Pleadings in Intra-Corporate Disputes: Dismissal Motions and Board Resolutions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that motions to dismiss are prohibited pleadings in intra-corporate disputes, even when backed by board resolutions.
Brokers Entitlement to Commission: The Efficient Procuring Cause in Real Estate Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a real estate broker earns a commission, the efficient procuring cause rule, and written authority contracts.
Finality vs Justice: Reconciling Immutability of Judgments With Equitable Labor Standards
The Supreme Court clarifies when a final judgment can be reconsidered, balancing the doctrine of immutability with the rights of illegally dismissed employees.
Judicial Accountability: The Price of Delay in Rendering Decisions
This article examines the Supreme Court's ruling on the consequences of delayed decisions and the importance of judicial accountability in the Philippine legal system.
Novation Requires Clear Intent: Upholding Lease Agreements in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that novation of a lease into a deposit requires clear intent, not mere inference from circumstances.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When Can Philippine Employers Dismiss Managerial Employees?
The Supreme Court in Manese v. Jollibee clarifies the less stringent standard for dismissing managerial employees for loss of trust and confidence.
Norkis Trading v. Buenavista: Labor-Only Contracting and Employer Status
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on labor-only contracting, employer status, and the binding effect of DOLE findings in Norkis Trading v. Buenavista.
Wage Deductions VS Post Employment Claims Protecting Employee Rights
Learn how the Supreme Court protects employee rights in wage deductions, labor-only contracting, and illegal dismissal cases under Philippine law.
Duty to Bargain Union Representation Despite Pending Cancellation Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court rules on duty to bargain despite pending union cancellation, labor-only contracting, and illegal dismissal.
Defining Capital: Filipino Control of Public Utilities Under the Constitution
The Supreme Court clarifies that mean in the Constitution's requirement that public utilities be at least 60% Filipino-owned? The answer—that "capital" refers to voting stock, not all outstanding shar
Foreclosure vs Rehabilitation: When a Stay Order Takes Effect
A stay order in corporate rehabilitation does not undo a foreclosure completed before the petition. Ownership matters.