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.
Neglect of Duty in Public Service: Standards for Process Servers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court defines simple neglect of duty for process servers, emphasizing their vital role in the justice system and the penalties for failing to serve court processes diligently.
Sublease Rights: When Lessor's Written Consent Is Not Required
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lessee may sublease without the lessor's written consent, distinguishing sublease from assignment of rights.
Breach of Trust, Managerial Negligence, and the Scope of Employer Prerogative in Dismissal
When can a bank dismiss a manager for loss of trust and confidence? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on managerial negligence.
Holographic Wills Recognizing Testamentary Intent Beyond Formal Titles IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how courts determine testamentary intent in holographic wills, beyond formal titles and designations.
Interest on Loans and the Necessity of Written Agreements for Enforceability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sales, good faith, and why written contracts matter for property and loan enforceability.
Security Deposits in Lease Agreements: Clarifying Lessee and Sub-Lessee Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when security deposits must be returned and what lessors must prove to withhold them.
Regular vs Project Employment: Security of Tenure Prevails Over Contractual Loopholes
Supreme Court rules that continuous work in vital tasks makes an employee regular, not project, despite contracts and agency schemes.
Who's the Boss? Determining Employer Liability in Labor-Only Contracting
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a principal employer becomes solidarily liable with a labor-only contractor for workers' claims.
When Can a Prosecutor Dismiss Cases Without Ombudsman Approval? Soriano v. Marcelo
The Supreme Court clarifies when city prosecutors may dismiss cases against public officers without Ombudsman approval, and what constitutes grave abuse of discretion.
OFW Illegal Dismissal Claims and Forged Documents: Key Lessons from G & M Philippines v. Cuambot
The Supreme Court explains how forged payslips and resignation letters affect OFW illegal dismissal claims, and why doubts are resolved in favor of labor.
Respectful Advocacy Limits on Attorney Language in Legal Filings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer discipline for abusive language in pleadings, citing Canons 8 and 11 of the CPR.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Consequences of Misconduct and Abandonment of Duty
The Supreme Court affirms that the Ombudsman can impose penalties directly, and that dishonesty by accountable officers warrants dismissal from service.
Novation in Property Sales: When a Deed of Absolute Sale Supersedes a Conditional Sale
Explaining when a later deed of absolute sale novates or supersedes an earlier conditional sale, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Commingling and Certification Elections: Navigating Union Affiliations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when commingling of rank-and-file and supervisory union officers bars separate certification elections.
Mining Contract Transfers: When New Laws Don't Apply Retroactively
Supreme Court ruling on FTAA transfers, presidential approval requirements, and the non-retroactive application of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
Spanish Titles vs Torrens System: What Landowners Must Know After SBMA Ruling
A 2006 Supreme Court ruling confirms Spanish-era titles are no longer valid proof of land ownership in the Philippines. Here's what it means for property claims.
When Is a Company Cook a Regular Employee? A Philippine Labor Law Guide
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a company cook is a regular employee, not a domestic helper, and the rules on illegal dismissal.
Co-Owner's Sale of Undivided Share: When a Second Sale Is Void
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on co-ownership, double sale, and reconveyance actions. Learn the rules on land titles and fraud.
Perfected Contract of Sale: The Decisive Role of Clear Agreement on Price
A "suggested indicative price" is not a definite price. The Supreme Court explains when a contract of sale is perfected.
Dereliction of Duty: Forfeiture of Benefits for Negligent Court Personnel
Learn how the Supreme Court penalizes court personnel for dereliction of duty, including forfeiture of benefits and dismissal from service.
Divorce Abroad and Remarrying in the Philippines After a Spouse's Foreign Naturalization
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on divorce abroad, foreign naturalization, and remarriage in the Philippines under the Family Code.
Lease Extension Balancing Landlord Rights and Tenant Long-Term Occupancy
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may extend a lease under Article 1687 and how to compute reasonable rent after expiration.
Property Transfers in Common-Law Relationships: Navigating Legal Restrictions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property transfers to common-law spouses, void sales, and conjugal property rules explained.
When Court Errors Are Judicial, Not Administrative: The Tallado Administrative Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that judges' alleged errors in issuing TROs are judicial matters, not grounds for administrative discipline absent bad faith.