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.
Union Busting or Business Judgment? Understanding Legitimate Closures Under Philippine Labor Law
When can a company close a department without being guilty of union busting? The Supreme Court explains in this labor law case.
When Procedural Rules Trump Substance: The Cost of Incomplete Appeals in Agrarian Cases
A Supreme Court ruling shows how failure to attach essential pleadings can doom a petition, even when the merits seem compelling.
Abandonment and Res Judicata in Agrarian Disputes: Tenant Rights and Land Ownership
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies abandonment, res judicata, and procedural rules in agrarian disputes between tenants and landowners.
The Ripple Effect: How Prior Court Rulings Bind Future Cases Involving Similar Facts
A Supreme Court ruling on the Pepsi promotion. Although the petitioners were not parties to earlier lawsuits over the same contest, the Court held that their claims were barred by the doctrine of *sta
Lease Agreements Upholding Contractual Grace Periods Despite Payment Restructuring
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how payment restructuring letters affect contractual grace periods in lease agreements.
Good Faith vs Negligence: Understanding Administrative Dishonesty in Philippine Civil Service
When does using public funds become administrative dishonesty? The Supreme Court explains good faith, negligence, and accountability for court officials.
When Court Funds Are Misused: Accountability of Clerks of Court in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court who used judiciary funds for personal needs, and the consequences of delayed remittances.
Reconstitution of Title: Proving Prior Issuance and the Value of Registry Records
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reconstitution of lost titles, emphasizing proof of prior issuance and the importance of registry records under RA 26.
Workplace Stress and Heart Attacks: Protecting Employees Under Philippine Labor Law
Can a driver-messenger claim compensation for a heart attack? The Supreme Court says yes when work stress and strain contribute. Learn the rules.
Inofficious Donation and Legitime: Protecting Compulsory Heirs' Inheritance Rights in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law protects compulsory heirs from inofficious donations that impair their legitime, explained through a Supreme Court case.
Breach of Contract vs Employer-Employee Dispute: Defining Jurisdiction in Post-Employment Obligations
Supreme Court clarifies when breach of non-compete clauses falls under regular courts, not labor arbiters.
Tax Assessments and Double Jeopardy: Guarding Against Erroneous Government Actions
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of double jeopardy protection in tax assessments, ensuring fair treatment for taxpayers facing repeated government actions.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Lawyer Suspended for Misleading the Court
A lawyer's two-month suspension for misleading the Supreme Court on appeal deadlines, and lessons on candor under Canon 10.
Finality of Judgments in Disbarment Cases: Enforcement and Contempt for Non-Compliance
Supreme Court enforces disbarment ruling, cites lawyer for contempt and disobedience for defying final judgment and return order.
Why Failing to Pay Appeal Docket Fees Can Cost You Your Case
Learn why the Supreme Court strictly requires payment of appellate docket fees on time and how negligence can cost you your appeal.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Clarifying Liability for Subsidiary Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a parent corporation may be held liable for its subsidiary's obligations, and when it cannot.
Dismissal of Administrative Cases: Complainants Lack Standing to Appeal
A complainant in an administrative case is a mere witness with no right to appeal. The Supreme Court explains in this PNP case.
Buying All Shares Does Not Transfer Corporate Property Ownership: Silverio v. Filipino Business Consultants
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: acquiring controlling shares of a corporation does not give a stockholder ownership or possession of corporate assets.
Irrevocable Agency When A Treasure Hunt Creates Binding Obligations
When is an agency coupled with interest irrevocable? A treasure hunt dispute explains the rule and its practical limits.
Dismissal of Civil Cases: Understanding Failure to Prosecute in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when dismissal for failure to prosecute is proper, and when trial courts abuse their discretion.
Deposition Admissibility and Waiver of Cross-Examination in Philippine Civil Procedure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on deposition admissibility for aged witnesses and waiver of cross-examination rights in civil cases.
Electricity Meter Malfunctions: Who Bears the Cost of Unregistered Consumption
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who pays for unregistered electricity when a defective meter causes under-billing.
When Employee Participation Establishes Jurisdiction: Ponce v. NLRC
In Ponce v. NLRC, the Supreme Court ruled that employees who actively participate in an appeal cannot later question the court's jurisdiction.
Advance Payments and Government Contracts: Fiscal Responsibility in Infrastructure Projects
Supreme Court ruling on advance payments in government infrastructure contracts and the limits under PD 1594 and PD 1445.