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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Speedy Trial Rights When Agreement Nullifies Delay In Securities Act Cases
Supreme Court ruling on when an accused's agreement to defer trial negates claims of speedy trial violation in securities cases.
Stay Orders in Corporate Rehabilitation: Why All Claims Against Distressed Firms Are Suspended
The Supreme Court explains why all claims against corporations under rehabilitation are suspended, regardless of when the claim arose.
Corporate Rehabilitation vs. Creditor Claims: The Broad Scope of Stay Orders
The Supreme Court clarifies that suspension orders under corporate rehabilitation cover all creditor claims, regardless of when they arose.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Weighing Company Doctor vs Independent Medical Opinion
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarer disability claims when company physicians and independent doctors disagree, favoring the worker's evidence.
Voluntary Resignation Bars Seafarers Claims Understanding Contractual Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how voluntary resignation affects seafarers' claims for sickness allowance and disability benefits under POEA contracts.
Breach of Contract Claims Need Specific Facts: Luistro v. First Gas Power
Learn how the Supreme Court dismissed a breach of contract suit for lack of cause of action and vague fraud allegations.
Corporate Officer Status Determines Jurisdiction Illegal Dismissal Claims Must BE Filed IN Regular Courts
When a dismissed employee is a corporate officer, jurisdiction over illegal dismissal claims lies with regular courts, not the NLRC.
Forged Signatures and Public Trust: Examining Falsification of Documents by Public Officials
A lawyer's deceitful sale of client property leads to suspension, exploring falsification claims and professional responsibility.
Deceptive Recruitment: When Promises of Overseas Jobs Lead to Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court holds recruitment agencies liable for moral damages when they abandon distressed OFWs and make baseless claims of suicide.
Finality of DARAB Decisions: No Reopening Despite Alleged Errors
A final DARAB ruling is immutable. Learn why the Supreme Court barred a tenant from reopening his case despite claims of jurisdictional errors.
In Ejectment, Courts Cannot Decide Issues Beyond the Pleadings
In Sioson v. Heirs of Avanceña, the Court rules ejectment courts cannot adjudicate claims over property not alleged in the complaint—only the disputed lot's possession is at issue.
When a Lease Lapses: A Lesson on Property Rights, Renewal Options, and Fraud Claims
Supreme Court ruling explains when a lease ends, how renewal options work, and why proving fraud requires solid evidence.
Illegal Dismissal and Employee Misconduct: Balancing Rights and Responsibilities in Employment Law
Learn how the Supreme Court balanced illegal dismissal claims against employee misconduct in Palteng v. United Coconut Planters Bank.
Redundancy Programs Upholding Employer Rights IN Employee Dismissal
Supreme Court affirms employer's right to contract out work during business exigencies, clarifying limits of unfair labor practice claims.
Importation vs Transshipment: When Seized Goods Cannot Be Released Under Bond
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when transshipment claims fail and seized goods cannot be released under bond due to fraud.
Land Registration Court Authority Overlapping Property Claims
When a court executes a final judgment, it cannot add reliefs—like possession—that the appellate court never awarded.
The 24-Hour Rule in Cargo Claims: Carrier Liability Under Philippine Shipping Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 24-hour claim rule under the Code of Commerce for damaged cargo and its effect on carrier liability.
Ancestral Domain vs Public Land: Resolving Indigenous Land Claims in Forest Reservations
Supreme Court clarifies NCIP jurisdiction over ancestral land claims but upholds protection of forest reservations from private claims.
Overcoming Fraud Claims Clear Proof Required FOR Land Title Reconveyance IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reconveyance: fraud must be proven by clear and convincing evidence, not mere allegations.
Rehabilitation Proceedings Suspending Actions FOR Corporate Rescue
Explaining when corporations may seek rehabilitation, the automatic suspension of claims, and the temporary nature of the relief.
Reinstatement Pending Appeal: Employer Obligations and the Corporate Rehabilitation Exception
When can a company under rehabilitation skip payroll reinstatement? The Supreme Court explains the two-fold test for wage claims pending appeal.
Voluntary Surrender of Tenancy Rights: Landicho v. Sia Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on voluntary surrender of tenancy rights, farm helper claims, and prescription in Landicho v. Sia.
Appeal Bonds in Labor Cases: Timely Filing Is Key to Perfecting Appeals
Learn why a late or invalid appeal bond fails to perfect an employer's labor appeal, and what this means for employee claims.
Final Judgments and Set-Off Claims: Manila Banking Corp. v. Rabina
Supreme Court ruling on final judgments, set-off claims, and HLURB jurisdiction over subdivision mortgage disputes.