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.
Philippine Venue Rules: Suing in the Right Court—Domicile vs. Residence
The Supreme Court clarifies venue rules for personal actions, distinguishing residence from domicile in Saludo v. American Express.
Pre-Need Memorial Plans in the Philippines: Understanding Contract Terms and Funeral Service Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on pre-need memorial plans, contract terms, and when funeral service claims fail.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: Amended POEA Contracts and Entitlements Explained
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when amended POEA disability benefit rates apply to seafarers and how Grade 1 impediments are compensated.
When Can Philippine Courts Issue Injunctions Against Government Orders? A Look at EO 420
The Supreme Court explains when courts can review executive orders, using the EO 420 unified ID system case as a guide.
Project vs Regular Employees: Security of Tenure in Philippine Construction
When do construction workers become regular employees? The Supreme Court explains the rules on project employment and security of tenure.
When Courts Deny Postponements: Due Process in Philippine Litigation
A Supreme Court ruling on when denying a motion for postponement violates due process, and what parties must show to get a resetting.
Interest on Interest in Philippine Mortgages: The Cuyco Case Explained
The Supreme Court explains when unpaid interest earns further interest in mortgage foreclosures, and when future loans need not be secured.
Possession vs. Paper Title: When Long-Term Possession Trumps a Certificate of Title
The Supreme Court explains when decades of open, exclusive possession can defeat a registered title in Philippine property disputes.
Lost Votes Lost Mandates: Why Proper Comelec Rehearing Procedures Matter in Philippine Elections
A tied Comelec vote on a mayoral proclamation was resolved by "re-consultation" instead of a rehearing. The Supreme Court explains why procedure matters.
Fatal Flaws in Philippine Wills: Why Proper Attestation and Acknowledgment Are Non-Negotiable
Learn why the Supreme Court denied probate of a notarial will with three fatal defects under the Civil Code's formal requirements for wills.
Beyond 30 Days When Preventive Suspension Becomes Constructive Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that preventive suspension beyond 30 days can constitute constructive dismissal, entitling employees to reinstatement and backwages.
Jumping Bail in the Philippines: Why Absconding Can Cost You Your Appeal — Lessons from Alva v. Court of Appea
Can fleeing while on bail kill your appeal? The Supreme Court says yes. Learn the rules from Alva v. Court of Appeals.
Lost Your Case ON A Technicality Understanding Verification AND Certification IN Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling explains why failing to verify a petition or certify against forum shopping can end a case before it begins.
Employees' Compensation Claims: When Occupational Diseases Are Compensable
GSIS v. Valenciano clarifies when hypertension, pneumonia, and tuberculosis are compensable under Philippine employees' compensation law.
Regular vs Project Employees: Understanding Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the test for regular vs project employee status, security of tenure, and the two-notice rule in illegal dismissal cases.
When a Court Employee's Misconduct Outside the Courtroom Leads to Dismissal
The Supreme Court dismissed a court cashier for tampering with official receipts and misappropriating judiciary funds, reaffirming that integrity is required of all court personnel.
Beyond the Case Title: Why Complaint Allegations Dictate Court Jurisdiction in Philippine Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that the allegations in a complaint, not its title, determine whether a case is for ejectment or collection of sum of money.
Preventing Spurious Bail Bonds: Court Employee Accountability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court holds court personnel accountable for negligence that allowed spurious bail bonds and release orders to free detained prisoners.
Upholding Integrity: Public Officials Held Accountable for Dishonesty and Misconduct
The Supreme Court reinstates the Ombudsman's ruling against a school principal for dishonesty, grave misconduct, and prohibited private practice under R.A. 6713.
Breach of Trust: Understanding Lawyer Misconduct and Disciplinary Actions in the Philippines
When do a lawyer's personal dealings become grounds for disbarment? The Supreme Court clarifies the high bar for professional misconduct cases.
Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Annulment: Why Expert Evidence Is Crucial
Philippine Supreme Court explains why expert evidence is crucial in psychological incapacity annulment cases under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Trademark Ownership in the Philippines: Why Prior Use Beats Registration Alone
The Supreme Court explains why actual use in commerce, not mere registration, determines trademark ownership under Philippine law.
Navigating Philippine Warrants of Arrest: When Can a Court Act on Your Motion
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts can act on motions to quash warrants of arrest, distinguishing custody of law from jurisdiction over the person.
Judicial Conduct and Mental Fitness: When Can a Philippine Judge Be Removed From Office
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between judicial misconduct and mental incapacity in removing a judge from office.