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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Overcoming Technicalities: How Election Errors Can Be Corrected Beyond Deadlines to Uphold the People's Will
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's power to correct election errors even after deadlines, ensuring the true will of the electorate prevails over technicalities.
Bank Liability for Encashing Irregular Checks: The Philippine Racing Club Case
When must a bank verify checks before encashing them? The Supreme Court clarifies banks' duty of extraordinary diligence and the last clear chance doctrine.
Breach of Contract and Damages: Airline's Duty to Honor Ticket Terms
The Supreme Court held an airline liable for breach of contract and damages after it refused to honor the rebooking terms printed on a passenger's ticket.
Solidary vs Joint Obligations: When Liability Is Not Presumed in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that solidary obligations are not presumed; joint debtors are liable only for their proportionate shares.
Citizenship Threshold Ensuring Elected Officials Meet Constitutional Requirements
The Supreme Court clarifies that citizenship is a continuing qualification for House members, and only the HRET may judge such contests after proclamation.
Real Party in Interest Rule: Standing in Land Dispute Resolutions
The Supreme Court clarifies that an administrative agency that resolves a land dispute lacks standing to appeal, as it is not a real party in interest.
Probate Jurisdiction Absence OF Estate Value Dooms Will Allowance
The Supreme Court nullified a will allowance because the petition failed to allege the estate's gross value, stripping the trial court of jurisdiction.
Illegal Dismissal vs AWOL: When a Security Guard's Absence Is Not Abandonment
Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a worker's absence is illegal dismissal, not AWOL or abandonment, and the rules on off-detail status.
Death and Legal Representation: How Estate Claims Proceed in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estate claims, probate jurisdiction, and why the value of the decedent's estate determines which court hears the case.
Bank Liability for Encashing Irregular Checks: The Philippine Racing Club Case
When a bank encashes checks with obvious irregularities, it may bear liability. The Supreme Court explains the duty of care.
Voluntary Appearance and Motion to Dismiss: When Filing Confers Jurisdiction in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when filing a motion to dismiss without raising lack of jurisdiction constitutes voluntary appearance.
Voluntary Appearance and Summons: Protecting Property Rights in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a defendant's court filings waive defective summons, protecting property rights in quieting title cases.
Judicial Restraint Limits on Contempt Power and Due Process Rights
The Supreme Court fines a judge P40,000 for citing a driver in contempt over a parking space, stressing restraint and due process in contempt cases.
Abandonment of Work and Due Process: When Dismissal Is Valid but Still Costs the Employer
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that abandoning work is a just cause for dismissal, but employers who skip the two-notice rule still pay nominal damages.
Mining Rights and Corporate Authorization: The Crucial Role of Proper Board Authority in Legal Actions
A Supreme Court ruling on why corporations must secure proper board authorization for legal certifications, and the strict rules on mining disputes.
Due Process vs Abandonment: Balancing Employee Rights in Termination Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that valid dismissal for abandonment still requires due process; employers must pay nominal damages for notice violations.
When Does a Retirement Moot an Appointment Disapproval? A CSC Case Study
Explore Civil Service Commission v. Tahanlangit, where the Supreme Court ruled on when retirement renders an appointment disapproval moot.
Prescription and Land Ownership: Protecting the Rights of Long-Term Land Possessors
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how the right to repurchase land works, when acceptance of a contract benefit is valid, and why builders on their own land need no protection.
Upholding Judicial Efficiency: Disciplinary Actions for Delayed Case Resolution in the Philippine Judiciary
The Supreme Court holds judges and clerks of court accountable for delayed case resolution, reinforcing the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Election Appeal Fees and Estoppel: Divinagracia v. Comelec Explained
The Supreme Court rules that belatedly questioning unpaid election appeal fees may be barred by estoppel by laches. Learn the rules.
When Retirement Moots a Disapproved Appointment: CSC vs. Tahanlangit
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that optional retirement during the appeal period renders a CSC appointment disapproval moot.
Stipulation Pour Autrui: The Beneficiary's Right and Timely Acceptance
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies stipulation pour autrui requisites, acceptance timing, and repurchase rights under Article 1606 in Narvaez v. Alciso.
Retirement Rights Prevail Resolving Appointment Disputes IN Philippine Civil Service
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how retirement moots appointment disputes in civil service reorganization cases.
No More Extensions for Certiorari Petitions: The Strict 60-Day Rule Under A.M. No. 07-7-12-SC
The Supreme Court clarifies that courts can no longer grant extensions for Rule 65 certiorari petitions after A.M. No. 07-7-12-SC deleted the allowance.