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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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.
Seafarers' Rights: Defining Total and Permanent Disability in Maritime Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's partial disability becomes total and permanent under the POEA-SEC and Labor Code.
Cash Deposit or Counter Bond: The Only Ways to Discharge an Attachment in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that only cash deposits or counter-bonds can discharge a writ of attachment—not real property.
When Can a Bank Deposit Real Property Instead of Cash to Lift an Attachment?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that under Rule 57, only cash deposit or counter-bond can lift a writ of attachment.
Notarial Misconduct: Scope of Authority and Ethical Obligations of Lawyers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies lawyers' ethical duties in notarial practice and the scope of their authority in Davao Import Distributors v. Atty. Landero.
Loss of Earning Capacity: The Necessity of Competent Proof in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that loss of earning capacity in criminal cases requires competent proof, not self-serving testimony.
Enforceability of Compromise Agreements: A Pathway to Resolving Legal Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court approves compromise agreement in insurance dispute, showing how amicable settlements end litigation and become binding judgments.
Amending Complaints Upholding Justice AND Preventing Delay
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on consolidating reivindicatory and cancellation of title actions to avoid conflicting decisions and delay.
Decoding Loan Payments: How Courts Apply Payments to Interest vs Principal in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how loan payments are applied to interest before principal, and when chattel mortgages cover future loans.
Assignment of Contractual Rights: Consent Requirements and Third Party Obligations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when contractual assignment binds the debtor and when assignee consent is required under Civil Code.
VAT Refund Denials: Why "Zero-Rated" Must Appear on Invoices
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on VAT refund claims: strict invoicing rules, including the "zero-rated" imprint, determine success.
Forcible Entry Proof: Prior Physical Possession Is Key to Ejectment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in forcible entry cases, proof of prior physical possession, not mere ownership, is essential.
Novation Requires Clear Creditor Consent Protecting Banks IN Debt Assumption Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on debt assumption, assignment of credit, and the need for creditor consent under Civil Code.
Possession Trumps Ownership: Upholding Conviction for Illegal Firearms Based on Control, Not Title
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that illegal possession of firearms requires control, not ownership. Conviction upheld on constructive possession.
Redemption of Foreclosed Property: Full Payment Required, Good Intent Not Enough
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that redeeming a foreclosed property requires full payment of the redemption price within the one-year period, not just partial payments or good intentions.
Theft or Mistake: Gauging Intent in Employee Dismissal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an employee's taking of company property constitutes theft justifying dismissal, and when it is merely a mistake.
Understanding Documentary Stamp Tax on Trust Agreements: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Case
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when documentary stamp tax applies to trust agreements and the evidence needed for tax refund claims.
Upholding Integrity: Attorney Liability for Notarial Register Errors in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court holds notary public liable for erroneous notarial register entries, stressing the duty to record every notarial act accurately.
The Doctor's Dilemma: Hospital Liability in Medical Negligence Cases in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on medical negligence, physician-patient duty, and hospital solidary liability under Article 2180 of the Civil Code.
Indispensable Parties in Partition Suits: Ensuring Complete Justice
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who must be joined in partition actions and why dismissal is the wrong remedy for non-joinder.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Preserving Integrity of Seized Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court explains why lapses in drug evidence custody are not automatically fatal, as long as the item's integrity is preserved.
Upholding Employee Rights Minor Infractions Dont Justify Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court rules minor infractions like eating on duty or occasional tardiness do not justify employee dismissal.
Slippage in Construction Contracts: Government Immunity and Contractor Accountability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on government immunity in construction contracts and contractor liability for project delays and slippage.
Compromise Agreements Upholding Due Process and Party Rights in Contractual Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies due process and party rights in compromise agreements within contractual disputes.