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.
Time Limits in Medical Negligence Claims: Understanding Prescription in Philippine Law
When does a medical negligence claim expire in the Philippines? The Supreme Court clarifies the four-year prescription period for tort-based actions.
Corporate Opportunity Doctrine: Directors Cannot Take Business Deals for Themselves
Supreme Court clarifies when corporate directors breach their duty of loyalty by taking business opportunities meant for the corporation.
Upholding Contractual Obligations When Government Actions Lead TO Breached Agreements
Explore how the Supreme Court protects contractual rights when government actions cause breaches, and the legal remedies available to affected parties.
When a Corporate Dispute Is Not Intra-Corporate: Tortious Interference and Court Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies when a suit for tortious interference against third parties is an ordinary civil action, not an intra-corporate dispute.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When Can an Employer Terminate a Managerial Employee in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the rules on dismissing managerial employees for loss of trust and confidence, and when belated reporting justifies termination.
Breach of Promise to Marry: Good Faith as a Prerequisite for Damages
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a party acting in bad faith cannot recover damages for breach of promise to marry.
Regulating Psychologists: When Professional Standards Meet Constitutional Rights
The Supreme Court upholds the 100-hour training requirement for psychologists seeking registration without examination under RA 10029.
Corporate Veil and Judgment Execution: Can a Successor Corporation Be Held Liable?
When a judgment debtor's assets pass to another corporation, can the winner enforce the judgment against the successor? The Supreme Court explains.
Unconscionable Interest Rates and Jurisdictional Amount in Loan Agreements
When does accrued interest count toward the jurisdictional amount? The Supreme Court clarifies in Domasian v. Demdam.
Illegal Dismissal vs. Voluntary Resignation: Proving Your Case in the Philippines
When is a resignation not voluntary? Learn how Philippine courts distinguish illegal dismissal from resignation and who bears the burden of proof.
Grave Misconduct in Government Procurement: SC Reverses Acquittal of Bataan Officials
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of Bataan officials for grave misconduct in anomalous patrol boat procurement, stressing public trust breach.
Constructive Dismissal vs. Just Cause Termination: Key Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that constructive dismissal and just cause termination are incompatible, reinforcing due process and security of tenure.
Theft vs. Estafa in the Philippines: Key Distinctions and the Horca Case
Theft and estafa differ in possession and deceit. The Horca ruling shows why the distinction matters and how acquittal can still leave civil liability.
Public Office as Public Trust: Lessons from the Deputy Ombudsman Administrative Case
The Supreme Court's ruling against a former Deputy Ombudsman clarifies the administrative offenses of neglect, misconduct, and abuse of authority.
Understanding Lease Rights and Obligations: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Case
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies the rights and obligations of lessors and lessees in lease agreements, offering practical guidance.
Res Judicata and Foreign Judgments: What Property Disputes Teach Us About Finality
Philippine courts won't take judicial notice of foreign judgments. Learn the rules on res judicata, litis pendentia, and proof of foreign pleadings.
Evident Partiality in Philippine Arbitration: When Courts Can Vacate an Award
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the "evident partiality" standard for vacating arbitration awards, distinguishing it from mere errors in weighing evidence.
Illegal Dismissal and Substantial Evidence: The Padsing v. Lepanto Case
The Supreme Court’s ruling in Padsing v. Lepanto underscores that employers must prove just cause for dismissal with substantial evidence.
Lawyer Suspended for Borrowing from Client: Anacay v. Alberto Explained
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years for borrowing money from a client without protecting the client's interests, reaffirming strict fiduciary duties.
Property Transactions and Novation: Lessons from East West Banking v. Cruz
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a bank—or any party—can sue, and why choosing the wrong appeal can end a case.
Clear Contract Terms and Enforcement in Business Agreements: IP E-Game Ventures v. Tan
The Supreme Court affirms that clear contract terms bind parties, and unsubstantiated claims of modification cannot defeat written agreements.
Understanding Estafa in Trust Receipt Transactions: Key Lessons from Barlin v. People
Learn how the Supreme Court applied estafa under Article 315(1)(b) to trust receipt violations, and what businesses should know.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The 120/240-Day Rule and the Third Doctor Requirement
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's disability becomes permanent and total, and why skipping the third-doctor referral can defeat a claim.
Understanding the Legal Battle Over Unclaimed Horse Racing Dividends in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules on who gets unclaimed horse racing dividends—the racing club or the government regulator. A clear guide.