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.
Withdrawing a Resignation: When Retraction Before Acceptance Is Valid
Can an employee retract a resignation before the employer accepts it? The Supreme Court explains the rules in Vergara v. ANZ Global Services.
Understanding the Rule on Hierarchy of Courts: Implications for Legal Venue and Depositions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the hierarchy of courts rule in Palafox v. Mendiola, addressing venue for defamation cases and deposition timing.
Supreme Court: Direct Petitions to SC Violate Hierarchy of Courts Rule
SC dismisses Palafox petition for bypassing Court of Appeals, reaffirming strict rule on hierarchy of courts in Philippine litigation.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Proving Work-Related Illness Under the POEA Contract
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's illness is compensable under the POEA Standard Employment Contract and the burden of proof required.
When a Company Doctor's Delay Makes a Seafarer's Disability Total and Permanent
Explain the Supreme Court's ruling in Salonga v. Solvang Philippines: a company doctor's failure to issue a timely disability assessment makes a seafarer's injury total and permanent.
Understanding Jurisdiction in Bank Liquidation: Filing Claims Against Closed Banks in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle claims against closed banks, including the liquidation court's exclusive jurisdiction under RA 7653.
Understanding the Distinction Between Attempted and Frustrated Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a shooting is attempted, not frustrated, murder—and why proving the wound's fatality matters.
Free Patents on Private Land: Nullity and the Limits of Torrens Indefeasibility
When a free patent is issued over private land, it is void. The Supreme Court explains why in Alberto v. Flores.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When a Doctor's Assessment Is Not Final
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability becomes total and permanent despite a company doctor's partial disability rating.
Navigating Land Disputes: Understanding the Indefeasibility of Torrens Titles in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how the indefeasibility of Torrens titles protects mortgagees in good faith and foreclosure sale purchasers in land disputes.
Timely Intervention and Jurisdictional Limits in Philippine Estate Proceedings
Learn how the Constantino case clarifies intervention rules and probate court limits in Philippine estate proceedings.
Mortgagee in Good Faith in the Philippines: What Jimenez v. Jimenez, Jr. Means for Property Owners
Learn how the mortgagee in good faith doctrine protects lenders and foreclosure buyers in the Philippines, explained through the Jimenez case.
Reassignment Orders and Insubordination: What Public Employees Must Know
Public employees must comply with reassignment orders even while appeals are pending. The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of insubordination.
One-Year Prescription Period for Insurance Claims: The Alpha Plus Ruling
Learn how the Supreme Court's Alpha Plus ruling clarifies the one-year prescription period for insurance claims and why timing matters.
Serious Misconduct Justifies Dismissal: The Mesina Case on Workplace Discourtesy
When does talking back to a superior become serious misconduct? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on valid dismissal and 13th month pay.
Trademark Cancellation: When Registration Does Not Guarantee Ownership
The Supreme Court explains when a trademark registration can be cancelled despite the prima facie presumption of ownership it grants.
Proving Land Is Alienable and Disposable: Key to Philippine Land Registration
Learn the strict proof required to register land in the Philippines, from the Supreme Court's ruling in Republic v. PNP.
Resignation vs. Dismissal: Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Employee Rights
The Supreme Court explains when resignation bars an illegal dismissal claim and when procedural due process still matters.
When Can Police Impound Your Vehicle: Unlawful Seizure Explained
Learn when police can legally impound a vehicle in the Philippines and when seizure becomes unlawful, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Subrogation and Carrier Liability in Maritime Claims: The C.V. Gaspar Case
How the Supreme Court applied subrogation and extraordinary diligence to hold carriers liable for damaged cargo in maritime transport.
Protecting Conjugal Property from a Spouse’s Personal Debts: Cordova v. Ty Explained
Can creditors seize conjugal property for one spouse’s personal debt? The Supreme Court’s ruling in Cordova v. Ty explains the limits.
Proving Tolerance in Unlawful Detainer: A Landmark Lesson from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proving tolerance in unlawful detainer cases. Learn the key evidence rules for ejectment disputes.
Fiscal Autonomy and Performance-Based Bonuses: The PICCI Case
The Supreme Court ruled that GOCCs with fiscal autonomy, like BSP subsidiaries, are not covered by EO 80's PBB rules.
Understanding Qualified Trafficking in Persons: The Helen Lapena Case and Its Impact on Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for qualified trafficking in persons, clarifying how floor managers who maintain minors for prostitution are held liable under RA 9208.