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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Losing Appeal Rights: Justifiable Cause and Timely Surrender After Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a convicted accused loses appeal rights by missing promulgation without justifiable cause.
Mortgage Foreclosure Absence of Special Power to Sell Invalidates Extrajudicial Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court rules that extrajudicial foreclosure requires a special power to sell inserted in or attached to the mortgage deed, otherwise the proceedings are void.
Surety Bonds and Indemnity: Why Renewal Disputes Don't Erase Contractual Liability
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a deed of indemnity authorizing bond renewals binds signatories even without separate consent to each renewal.
Project vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure in Construction
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are project employees and how employers prove project employment.
Standing to Sue, Heirs' Rights, and Property Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land registration, heirs' rights, and the standing of the Republic to oppose property claims.
Insurance Claim Denied for Drunk Driver: Proving Intoxication in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when insurers may deny claims due to driver intoxication and the evidence required.
When Courts Can Correct Final Judgments: Erroneous Penalties in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when final and executory judgments may be corrected for erroneous penalties, citing Sumbilla v. Matrix Finance.
Acquittal Based on Lack of Evidence Understanding Civil Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when acquittal does not erase civil liability, explaining the distinction between criminal and civil responsibility.
Seafarer Death Benefits: Proving Work Relatedness and Contractual Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when seafarer death benefits are payable under the POEA Standard Employment Contract, emphasizing work relatedness and contract term.
Supervening Events and Restitution: When Final Judgments Can Be Overturned
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when supervening events justify setting aside final judgments and ordering restitution of executed amounts.
Forged Deeds vs Innocent Purchasers: Protecting Land Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when forged deeds defeat innocent purchaser protection under the Torrens system.
Surety Bonds Solidary Liability Despite Contract Amendments In Construction Projects
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on surety bonds, solidary liability, and why contract amendments don't automatically release sureties.
Forgery vs Good Faith: Protecting Registered Land Owners in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when buyers of forged deeds can claim good faith protection and when registered owners keep their title.
Falsification of Private Documents: Where Venue Lies Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that venue for falsification of private documents is where the falsification occurred, not where the document was used.
Seafarers Disability Upholding Company Doctors Assessment Absent Third Opinion
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarer disability claims, emphasizing company doctor assessments prevail absent third-doctor review under CBA.
Reconveyance Actions Survive Death and Stand Apart from Estate Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that reconveyance actions survive a party's death and proceed independently of estate settlement proceedings.
Upholding Due Process and Proving Employer-Employee Relationship in Philippine Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases and the four-fold test for employer-employee relationship.
Registered Owner vs Actual Operator: Who Pays in Vehicle Accidents?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the registered-owner rule in vehicle accidents and the right to reimbursement via cross-claim against the actual operator.
Just Compensation and Agrarian Reform: Applying RA 6657 to Lands Under PD 27
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how RA 6657 governs just compensation for lands previously covered by PD 27, ensuring farmers receive fair value.
Adoption Decree Annulled Protecting Spousal AND Childrens Rights IN Adoption Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court annuls adoption decree, affirming that spousal consent and children's rights are mandatory in adoption proceedings.
Government Contracts and Procurement: Why Funding Rules and Indispensable Parties Matter
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on local government loans, procurement funding requirements, and the need to implead indispensable parties in taxpayer suits.
Just Compensation in Eminent Domain: Value at Time of Taking Plus Interest for Delay
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation is based on fair market value at the time of taking, plus legal interest for delayed payment.
When Fit-to-Work Assessments Prevail: Seafarer Disability Claims Under POEA-SEC
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a company-designated physician's fit-to-work declaration prevails over a seafarer's chosen doctor in disability claims.
Seafarers Must Comply With Timely Medical Reporting To Claim Disability Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why seafarers must undergo post-employment medical exams within three days to claim disability benefits.