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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Prescription and Laches Bar Heirs' Claim to Land Despite Prior Possession
Supreme Court rules that a Torrens title issued in 1932 cannot be attacked decades later, even by claimants alleging prior possession.
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.
Prescription Prevails Upholding Land Title Integrity Against Delayed Claims
Supreme Court rules on property relations, donations between spouses, and heirs' rights in partition of land acquired during marriage.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: When Lack of Medical Assessment Means Permanent Disability
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a company-designated physician's failure to issue a definite medical assessment within 120 days can entitle a seafarer to permanent disability benefits.
What Happens to an Administrative Case When the Respondent Dies? (Philippines)
Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether death of a respondent ends a pending administrative case, citing due process and heirs' protection.
COMELEC Cannot Disqualify Candidates for Election Offenses: Erice v. COMELEC
The Supreme Court rules COMELEC exceeded its jurisdiction in disqualifying a candidate for an election offense not listed under Section 68 of the Omnibus Election Code.
LIVE'S vs LEVI'S: Supreme Court Rules on Trademark Confusion and Cancellation
The Supreme Court cancelled the LIVE'S trademark registration, ruling it confusingly similar to LEVI'S under the Dominancy Test.
Child Abuse Under Philippine Law: Masturbation in a Minor's Presence
The Supreme Court rules that masturbating in front of a minor is child abuse under R.A. 7610, not just unjust vexation.
Masturbation in a Child's Presence Is Child Abuse Under RA 7610: De Vera v. People
The Supreme Court rules that masturbating in front of a minor is psychological abuse under Section 10(a) of RA 7610, not mere unjust vexation.
Navigating Liability in Government Housing Loan Disbursements: Insights from a Landmark COA Ruling
Learn how the Supreme Court rules on COA disallowances, good faith defenses, and liability for government employees who received disallowed benefits.
Protecting Seafarers: Employer's Duty to Provide Medical Attention Despite Technicalities
Supreme Court rules employers cannot deny seafarer disability claims by citing missed 3-day medical reporting when they refused to provide medical referral.
When a Bank Fails: Jurisdiction Over Claims Against Banks Under Liquidation
Philippine Supreme Court rules on which court hears claims against a bank placed under PDIC liquidation, voiding orders from a court without jurisdiction.
Just Compensation Interest Rates and Payment Delays in Agrarian Reform
Learn how the Supreme Court rules on interest for delayed agrarian reform compensation, including the reckoning date and applicable rates.
Understanding Illegal Dismissal When Production Quotas Cross the Line
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when imposing production quotas becomes illegal dismissal, citing bad faith and unattainable targets.
Investment vs. Loan: Supreme Court Rules on Return of Capital in Lending Business
When is an investment really a loan? The Supreme Court clarifies when investors can demand return of principal.
Real Estate Broker's Commission: Procuring Cause Prevails Even After Authority Expires
Philippine Supreme Court rules brokers earn commission as procuring cause even if authority expired before deal closed. Learn the rule.
Unlocking the Right to Minimum Salary Upon Regularization: A Landmark Decision for Philippine Workers
The Supreme Court rules that company policies on minimum salary rates become binding once an employee is regularized, protecting workers from underpayment.
When Quitclaims Don't Count: Protecting OFWs From Forced Resignations
Supreme Court rules quitclaims signed under duress don't bar OFW claims, affirming constructive dismissal in Al-Masiya case.
Holder in Due Course Rights Prevail Over Stop Payment Orders
Philippine Supreme Court rules a holder in due course can enforce bank drafts despite stop payment orders, explaining drawer liability under the Negotiable Instruments Law.
Estoppel by Silence: When a Surety Cannot Question a Bail Bond's Validity
The Supreme Court rules a surety is estopped from questioning a bail bond's validity after remaining silent despite repeated notices.
Broken Chains: Strict Evidence Rules and Estoppel in Drug Case Bail Forfeitures
The Supreme Court rules that a surety's silence on an agent's unauthorized bail bond can bar claims of invalidity through estoppel.
Least Cost Electricity Supreme Court Mandates Fair Valuation Of Utility Assets
Supreme Court rules ERC must ensure least cost electricity and fair valuation of utility assets in rate-setting cases.
Involuntary Loss of Office Interrupts Term Limit: Tallado v. COMELEC
The Supreme Court rules that executing an Ombudsman dismissal order interrupts an official's term, even if appealed, preventing the three-term limit from applying.
PhilHealth Personnel Are Public Health Workers: Longevity Pay Case
Supreme Court rules PhilHealth personnel are public health workers under the Universal Health Care Act, entitling them to longevity pay.