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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Res Ipsa Loquitur and Proximate Cause in Philippine Electric Accident Cases
How the Supreme Court applied res ipsa loquitur and proximate cause principles to hold an electric cooperative liable for electrocution injuries.
Premature Campaigning: The Fine Line Between Aspiring and Declared Candidacy in Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court clarifies when a person becomes a candidate for election law purposes, and what this means for premature campaigning rules.
Insubordination vs Humane Consideration: Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Authority in Termination Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on St. Luke's Medical Center v. Fadrigo clarifies when insubordination and loss of confidence justify dismissal.
Electric Cooperative's Negligence in Power Line Installation: Proximate Cause Ruling
Supreme Court affirms liability of electric cooperative for electrocution injuries, applying proximate cause and foreseeability tests in negligence cases.
Upholding Contractual Obligations When Clear Terms Prevail Over External Claims
The Supreme Court affirms a rehabilitation plan over creditor objections and allows foreclosure of an accommodation mortgagor's property outside the stay order.
Negligence and Employer Liability in Vehicular Accidents: Res Ipsa Loquitur Explained
When a bus collides with a jeepney at a highway intersection, who is at fault? The Supreme Court explains res ipsa loquitur and employer liability.
Ejectment Cases: When Courts May Admit Evidence Not in the Pleadings
Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may admit evidence not raised in pleadings, and how prior titles prevail in ejectment disputes.
Just Compensation Under CARP: Applying the Correct Valuation Method
The Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation for lands acquired under RA 6657 must follow Section 17 factors and DAR AO No. 6, not PD No. 27.
Contractual Obligations: Interpreting Intent and the Parol Evidence Rule in Loan Agreements
When a loan agreement's terms are clear, courts enforce the written word—not verbal promises. The Supreme Court explains why in Norton Resources v. All Asia Bank.
Ejectment Actions Ownership Disputes DO NOT Suspend Ejectment Proceedings
Filing an ownership dispute does not suspend an ejectment case. The Supreme Court explains why in Samonte v. Century Savings Bank.
Supreme Court Clarifies Plaintiff's Duty to Set Case for Pre-Trial After Answer
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a case for failure to prosecute, clarifying that plaintiffs must promptly set cases for pre-trial after the last pleading is filed.
Eyewitness Identification Reliability and the Totality of Circumstances Test in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when out-of-court eyewitness identification is reliable under the totality of circumstances test, and how in-court identification cures defects.
LPG Refilling and Trademark Protection: Delineating Criminal Liability in Corporate Actions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers face criminal liability for trademark infringement in LPG refilling operations.
Attorney's Fees and Quantum Meruit: Fair Compensation for Legal Services in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts determine reasonable attorney's fees and quantum meruit principles, with insights from a Supreme Court ruling on contractual obligations.
Unconscionable Interest Rates: When Courts Step In to Protect Borrowers
Philippine courts can reduce excessive loan interest rates. Learn how the Supreme Court protected borrowers from unconscionable terms.
Judicial Reconstitution of Title: Proving Loss of Prior Source Documents
Supreme Court clarifies evidence needed for judicial reconstitution of lost titles under RA 26, applying Bercede guidelines.
Barangay Officials Term Limits: Clarifying the Reckoning Point for Accountable Governance
The Supreme Court clarifies when the three-term limit for barangay officials begins, affirming Congress's power over local term rules.
Mining Rights and State Control: The Limits of Exploration Permits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on exploration permits, vested rights, and state control over mineral reservations under the Mining Act.
Handwriting Analysis and Election Disputes: Protecting the Sanctity of the Ballot
The Supreme Court clarifies when handwriting analysis may invalidate ballots in election protests, stressing that no two persons write alike.
When Courts Can Stop a Foreclosure: Preliminary Injunctions in Mortgage Disputes
The Supreme Court explains when a court may issue a preliminary injunction to stop a bank's extrajudicial foreclosure pending trial.
Reinstatement vs Separation Pay: Defining Strained Relations in Illegal Dismissal Cases
When can an illegally dismissed employee be denied reinstatement due to strained relations? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule.
Illegal Dismissal, Retirement Age, and Employee Benefits: Key Lessons from Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on constructive dismissal, optional retirement, and CBA benefits for managerial employees in this Philippine labor case.
Deed of Sale Presumed Valid Absent Clear Proof of Fraud
Supreme Court clarifies that notarized deeds of sale enjoy presumption of authenticity; challengers must present clear and convincing evidence of fraud.
Compromise Agreements in Government Disputes: Upholding Contractual Obligations
The Supreme Court approves a compromise agreement between a province and an employee, affirming the validity of settling government disputes through mutual concessions.