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.
Reservation of Rights in Quasi-Delict Cases: Protecting Your Civil Claim in the Philippines
Learn when you must reserve your right to file an independent civil action for quasi-delict under Article 2176 of the Civil Code.
Protecting Your Property Rights: Why Forged Deeds Can't Stand in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts treat forged deeds and protect property owners. A guide to reconveyance actions, prescription, and buyer's good faith.
Motion for Reconsideration in NLRC Cases: A Jurisdictional Requirement, Not a Mere Technicality
Filing a Motion for Reconsideration with the NLRC is mandatory before seeking certiorari. Missing this step can be fatal to an otherwise meritorious case.
When a Child Eyewitness Fails: The Roman Meneses Acquittal and the Law on Identification
The Supreme Court acquitted Roman Meneses due to unreliable eyewitness identification, explaining when a child's testimony and police show-ups fail the test of proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Shipping Delays: When the 1-Year COGSA Limit Does Not Apply in the Philippines
Philippine law distinguishes physical cargo damage from pure economic loss due to delay. Learn when the 10-year Civil Code prescriptive period applies instead of COGSA's 1-year rule.
Justice Delayed Rights Denied Understanding Judicial Delay AND Injunction Bonds IN Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies venue rules in labor cases, prioritizing worker convenience and substantial justice over technicalities.
Philippine Labor Law: Workplace Venue Not Always Mandatory for Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: NLRC venue rules are permissive, not mandatory. Worker convenience and substantial justice can override workplace location.
Eminent Domain in the Philippines: Balancing Public Use and Private Property Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may expropriate private land for socialized housing, and the due process limits on eminent domain.
When Can a Judge Recall a Warrant of Arrest: Understanding Abuse of Discretion
A Supreme Court ruling explains the three-day notice rule for motions and when a judge commits abuse of discretion in recalling warrants.
Clerk of Court Misconduct: When Repentance Can Mitigate Dismissal
Supreme Court explains when sincere repentance, full restitution, and reformation can spare a clerk of court from dismissal.
Prosecutorial Discretion vs Court Authority: Navigating Criminal Case Dismissals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the balance between prosecutorial discretion and judicial authority in dismissing criminal cases after information is filed.
Warrantless Arrests and Searches: When Are They Legal in the Philippines?
Learn when warrantless arrests and searches are legal in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Malacat v. Court of Appeals.
Maritime Negligence and Liability Lessons From the Don Juan Tragedy
The Don Juan tragedy teaches key Philippine maritime law lessons on carrier liability, passenger proof, and damages.
When Can an Employee Be Dismissed for Loss of Trust and Confidence: A Philippine Guide
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the high standard for dismissing employees on grounds of loss of trust and confidence.
Sheriff Misconduct Consequences of Unauthorized Actions in Foreclosure Sales
A deputy sheriff's unauthorized foreclosure sale notice led to suspension. Learn the rules on venue and sheriff accountability.
Lost Luggage Liability of Common Carriers in the Philippines: The Sarkies Tours Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies common carrier liability for lost passenger luggage, including moral and exemplary damages under the Civil Code.
Judicial Delay and Falsification Consequences for Judges in the Philippines
When a judge delays decisions and falsifies Certificates of Service, Philippine courts impose administrative penalties. Learn the rules.
Employers Bad Faith Actions Employee Rights AND Remedies IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine law protects employees and passengers from employer bad faith, with remedies and damages explained in plain language.
Presidential Power vs Legislative Authority: Proclamation Validity in the Philippines
Supreme Court nullifies Proclamation No. 164 for exceeding presidential power after Congress convened, reaffirming separation of powers.
Patent Novelty, Prior Art, and the Presumption of Validity in Philippine Patent Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on patent novelty, prior art, and the heavy burden to overcome the presumption of patent validity.
Assigning Lease Rights When IS Consent Required IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lessee can assign lease rights, including a right of first option, without the lessor's consent.
Jurisdiction Over Foreign Corporations: When Philippine Courts Can Hear Your Case
Philippine courts cannot assert jurisdiction over foreign corporations not doing business in the country, even in collection suits involving local parties.
Territorial Jurisdiction and Bouncing Checks Law: Where Can You Be Sued
The Supreme Court explains where a B.P. 22 bouncing checks case may be filed, based on territorial jurisdiction rules.
Condominium Development Approvals, Titles, and Parking Rights Under PD 957
Philippine Supreme Court explains developer duties on plan changes, title delivery, and parking under PD 957.