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.
When Are Clients Bound by Their Lawyer’s Actions? Philippine Supreme Court Explains
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a client is bound by a lawyer's negligence or refusal to receive court notices.
Indefeasibility of Title: Prior Registration Prevails in Land Ownership Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that prior registration and indefeasibility of title prevail over claims of ownership based on unregistered possession.
Gross Ignorance of the Law: When Can a Judge Be Held Liable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when judges face administrative liability for judicial errors, gross ignorance, and misconduct.
When Tenancy Claims Don't Oust MTC Jurisdiction Over Unlawful Detainer
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that raising tenancy as a defense doesn't automatically strip MTC jurisdiction over unlawful detainer cases involving structures.
Barangay Conciliation: Why a Settlement Agreement Cannot Replace the Lupon Requirement
Learn from Berba v. Pablo why a barangay settlement with one party does not excuse mandatory conciliation before filing an ejectment suit.
Torrens Title vs Adverse Possession: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies how registered land under the Torrens system is protected against adverse possession claims.
Territorial Jurisdiction in Estafa Cases: Where the Crime Must Be Proven
In estafa cases, venue is jurisdictional. The Supreme Court explains why the prosecution must prove where the fraud occurred.
When Can a Subordinate's Actions Be Excused? Lessons from Challenge Socks v. Buguat
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when habitual neglect justifies dismissal and why procedural due process still matters in employee termination.
Habitual Absenteeism and Neglect of Duty: When Is Termination Justified in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when habitual absenteeism and neglect of duty justify dismissal, and the price employers pay for skipping due process.
Illegal Dismissal and Optional Retirement: The Ondevilla Ruling on Employee Rights
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on constructive dismissal, optional retirement age, and separation pay in Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Res Ipsa Loquitur in Property Damage: Employer Liability for Employee Negligence
When a car fire destroys property, res ipsa loquitur may shift the burden to defendants. Learn the rule from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Land Retention Rights Under Agrarian Reform A Landowners Guide
The Supreme Court explains the five-hectare retention limit under RA 6657 and when a landowner's property may be exempt from CARP coverage.
Grave Abuse of Discretion in Demurrer to Evidence: When Can an Interlocutory Order Be Challenged
A Supreme Court ruling on when judges commit grave abuse of discretion in granting demurrers to evidence and how interlocutory orders may be challenged.
Proving Loss of Trust and Confidence in Illegal Dismissal Cases in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when loss of trust and confidence justifies employee dismissal, and what employers must prove.
Tax Credit Claims: Time Limits and Exceptions for Advance Payments
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax credit claims for advance income tax payments, and when the two-year prescriptive period may not apply.
Injunction Against Government Interference: Protecting Contractual Advertising Rights
Supreme Court ruling on when courts may issue preliminary injunctions to protect contractual rights from government interference in advertising agreements.
When Can Unpaid Wages Be Offset Against Company Property? The Nadela Case
Philippine Supreme Court explains when legal compensation applies to offset unpaid wages against company property in employee's custody.
Preliminary Injunction Against MMDA Billboards: Protecting Contractual Rights Pending Trial
Supreme Court affirms preliminary injunction stopping MMDA from dismantling MRT 3 billboards, protecting Trackworks' contractual advertising rights pending trial.
Judicial Accountability: When a Judge's Leniency Becomes Misconduct
Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's liberal grant of postponements and procedural lapses constitute administrative liability, not gross ignorance of law.
Third-Party Claims in Attachment: Following Rule 57’s Prescribed Remedies
A third-party claimant cannot shortcut attachment rules. The Supreme Court in Florido v. Shemberg clarifies the proper remedy under Rule 57.
Breach of Trust in Banking: Upholding Employee Dismissal for Fraudulent Acts
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of bank employees for fraud, ruling that bank laxity does not excuse employee misconduct and breach of trust.
Dismissal Due to Illness: Employers Must Secure Medical Certification
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Manly Express v. Payong clarifies employer obligations when terminating employees due to disease or illness.
Moral Damages Count in Determining Court Jurisdiction in Quasi-Delict Cases
The Supreme Court rules that moral damages claims are part of the jurisdictional amount in quasi-delict cases for physical injuries.
Foreclosure Sales and Labor Claims: When Buyers Are Not Liable for a Mortgagor's Debts
The Supreme Court clarifies that a mortgagee-creditor who buys foreclosed assets does not automatically assume the mortgagor's labor liabilities.