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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Loan vs Donation: Proving Intent in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when payments for another's property are loans, not donations, and the formal requirements for valid donations.
The Two-Dismissal Rule and Forum Shopping: Key Lessons from Ching v. Cheng
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the two-dismissal rule under Rule 17 and warns against forum shopping when refiling dismissed cases.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Why the Company Doctor's Assessment Prevails Under POEA-SEC
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the mandatory third-doctor referral rule in seafarer disability claims and why the company-designated physician's assessment prevails.
Habeas Data and Facebook Privacy: When Photos Posted Online Lose Legal Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when Facebook photos lose privacy protection and how the writ of habeas data applies to social media posts.
Good Faith vs Actual Knowledge: Resolving Land Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgments, petitions for relief, and banks' duty of diligence in land mortgage disputes.
Mortgage Disputes, Good Faith, and Final Judgments in Philippine Foreclosure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mortgage foreclosure, good faith of banks, and the finality of judgments in property disputes.
Rehabilitation Proceedings: Balancing Creditor Rights and Corporate Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies creditor participation rights in corporate rehabilitation appeals, balancing recovery goals with due process.
Duplicate Originals as Evidence: When Photocopies Are Admissible in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when duplicate originals are admissible evidence, reversing the Court of Appeals' exclusion of invoices in a collection case.
Regular Employment Defined: Security of Tenure and Length of Service in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies regular employment, security of tenure, and length of service in illegal dismissal cases.
Fraudulent Land Titles: Possession Trumps Indefeasibility Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules that Torrens title indefeasibility cannot shield fraud when rightful owners remain in possession of the property.
When a Heated Argument Is Not "Fighting": A Philippine Labor Law Lesson on Just Cause Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that "fighting" as a just cause for dismissal requires physical combat, not mere verbal altercations.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Employer Duties in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor is legitimate, not labor-only, and who bears employer responsibilities in illegal dismissal cases.
Written Stipulation Is Key: Enforceability of Loan Interest Agreements in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when 12% interest applies versus 6% in construction disputes, emphasizing written stipulations.
Attorneys Fees and Ethical Boundaries: When Interest Stipulations Fail in Philippine Loan Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on written interest stipulations, unconscionable rates, and borrower protections under Civil Code Article 1956.
Good Faith and Land Titles: When Forged Deeds Void Property Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on forged deeds, good faith buyers, and why Torrens titles from fraudulent sales can be cancelled.
Rape and Consent: How the Sweetheart Defense Fails Against Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court explains why the sweetheart defense cannot defeat a rape conviction when the victim's testimony proves force and intimidation.
Strict Rule 42 Compliance Required: The Magsino Case on Petition for Review Dismissals
Philippine Supreme Court affirms dismissal of petition for review for failure to attach required pleadings under Rule 42, clarifying rules on appeal.
Forged Signatures and Good Faith in Philippine Land Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on forged deeds, buyer good faith, and protecting land ownership rights.
Consignation Without Tender of Payment: A Cautionary Tale on Judicial Deposits
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judicial deposit requires prior tender of payment unless exceptions apply, in Del Carmen v. Sabordo.
Negligence in Keeping Records Leads to Dismissal: Colegio de Sta. Rosa-Makati Case Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court affirms dismissal of school physician for gross negligence in keeping student medical records. Learn the legal standards.
Tenant Estoppel: Why a Lessee Cannot Deny the Landlord’s Title in Lease Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court explains tenant estoppel rule under Rule 131, Section 2(b), and why lessees cannot deny their landlord's title.
Reinstatement Rights: Full Backwages Until Actual Reinstatement for Illegally Dismissed Employees
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that illegally dismissed employees are entitled to full backwages until actual reinstatement, not just until judgment promulgation.
Correcting Errors in Arbitration Awards: The Finality Principle in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when errors in arbitration awards can be corrected without violating the finality principle.
Service Charges and CBA Terms: When Negotiated Contracts Are Exempt in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when service charges are due under a CBA, and how negotiated contracts and special rates are exempt.