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.
Breach of Trust Establishing Estafa in Financial Misappropriation Cases
Explore when breach of trust constitutes estafa under Philippine law, and why agricultural leasehold tenants cannot be prosecuted for it.
Extrajudicial Termination Clauses in Lease Agreements: What the Supreme Court Says
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lessor may validly terminate a lease and repossess property without court action under Philippine law.
Failure to Present Logbook and Follow Due Process Makes Seafarer Dismissal Illegal
Supreme Court rules a seafarer's dismissal was illegal where the employer relied only on fax messages and failed to observe the two-notice rule.
Breach of Contract: When Incomplete Construction Doesn't Warrant Full Payment
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when a contractor's incomplete work bars recovery of the full contract price in construction disputes.
Bouncing Checks and Iniquitous Interest: When a Civil Case Cannot Stop a Criminal Prosecution
Learn when a dispute over unconscionable interest rates can—and cannot—suspend criminal prosecutions for bouncing checks under BP 22.
Crediting Government Service for Retirement: Defining the Scope of the Civil Service and Compensation
The Supreme Court clarifies which government services count for retirement benefits, distinguishing full-time civil service from part-time and non-chartered positions.
Moral Turpitude and Attorney Discipline: Upholding Ethical Standards in Personal Conduct
A lawyer's illicit affair and failure to support his child led to a six-month suspension, reaffirming that personal morality matters in the legal profession.
When a Financing Company Is Not a Mortgagee in Good Faith: Lloyd's Enterprises v. Dolleton
A financing firm that failed to inspect a mortgaged property cannot claim good faith. Learn the due diligence rule from this 2008 case.
Valid Substituted Service and Child Support Rights in Philippine Family Law
Supreme Court ruling on valid substituted service of summons for OFW parents and the right of illegitimate children to support.
Gross Negligence and Project Employment: Protecting Employee Rights Against Unjust Dismissal
Learn how the Supreme Court defined gross negligence and project employment in Belle Corporation v. Macasusi, protecting employees from unjust dismissal.
Self-Defense and Parricide: Proving Justification in Spousal Homicide
When a husband kills his wife, self-defense is hard to prove. This case explains the legal requirements and penalties.
Illegal Dismissal of OFW: When Tardiness Is Not a Valid Ground for Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a single act of tardiness cannot justify dismissing an overseas Filipino worker, and how illegal dismissal damages are computed.
Just Cause Without Due Process: When Dismissal Stands But Damages Follow
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a valid cause for dismissal does not excuse an employer from the two-notice rule, imposing nominal damages.
Breach of Trust in Employment: When a Demand Letter Leads to Dismissal
A managerial employee's demand letter against her employer can justify dismissal for breach of trust under Philippine labor law.
Administrative Absolution Does NOT BAR Criminal Prosecution Ensuring Accountability IN Public Office
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: dismissal of an administrative case does not bar criminal prosecution for the same acts against public officials.
Indirect Contempt and Forum Shopping: Safeguarding Judicial Processes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that dismissal of an administrative case does not bar criminal prosecution for the same acts, and warns against forum shopping and delaying tactics.
Pre-Proclamation Controversies in Senatorial Races: Pimentel v. COMELEC Explained
The Supreme Court in Pimentel v. COMELEC limits pre-proclamation challenges in senatorial races, directing disputes to election protests instead.
Official Duty vs. Discourtesy: When Public Officials Cross the Line
The Supreme Court clarifies that public officials cannot hide behind official duty to justify discourtesy, reaffirming public office as a public trust.
Determining Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Balancing Legal Factors and Fair Valuation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts should determine just compensation for agrarian reform lands under R.A. 6657 and DAR formula.
Prior Physical Possession Is Key in Forcible Entry Cases: Gonzaga v. Agan
Philippine Supreme Court explains why ownership alone is not enough to win a forcible entry case—prior physical possession is required.
Forum Non Conveniens in the Philippines: When Courts Keep Jurisdiction Despite Foreign Elements
Philippine courts can hear cases with foreign elements; a choice-of-law clause does not automatically strip them of jurisdiction.
Jurisdiction Over Labor Disputes: The Decisive Moment of Filing Claims
A Supreme Court ruling on why filing the wrong remedy — or the right one too late — can end a labor case before the merits are ever reached.
Corporate Rehabilitation, Foreclosure, and Judicial Independence: Key Lessons from Rombe Eximtrade
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when courts may issue injunctions against foreclosure after a rehabilitation case is dismissed.
When Courts Won't Second-Guess the Ombudsman's Dismissal of Graft Complaints
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's wide discretion in dismissing graft complaints, limiting judicial review to grave abuse of discretion.