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.
Reconstitution of Land Titles: Why Jurisdictional Compliance Matters
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Republic v. Estrada explains why strict compliance with RA 26 publication and notice requirements is mandatory in land title reconstitution cases.
Regular vs Project Employee in the Philippines: Security of Tenure and Employer Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between regular and project employees, and the employer's burden to prove project employment status.
Lawyer Reprimanded for Losing Client Trust: Fidelity Lessons from Curimatmat v. Gojar
A lawyer's duty of fidelity means keeping clients informed and appealing on time. The Supreme Court's reprimand in Curimatmat v. Gojar explains why.
Invalid Search Warrants in the Philippines: Protecting Your Rights Against Unreasonable Searches
Learn how the Supreme Court protects Filipinos from unreasonable searches through the strict requirements for valid search warrants.
Reasonable Attorneys Fees in the Philippines: Understanding Quantum Meruit
Learn how Philippine courts determine reasonable attorney's fees under quantum meruit, with key rules from Pimentel v. Court of Appeals.
Grave Slander in the Philippines: Lessons from Artajos v. Court of Appeals
Learn how Philippine law punishes grave slander, the elements prosecutors must prove, and key lessons from the Supreme Court's Artajos ruling.
Safeguarding Suffrage When CAN Philippine Elections GO Manual
When can Philippine elections shift from automated to manual counting? The Supreme Court explains in Loong v. COMELEC.
Due Process in Agrarian Reform: The Supreme Court on CLOA Issuance and Rightful Beneficiaries
The Supreme Court affirms that due process is indispensable in CLOA issuance, and explains when exhausting administrative remedies is not required.
Lost Your Appeal Understanding Certiorari AND Final Judgments IN Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts treat petitions for review on certiorari, final judgments, and due process in administrative proceedings.
Upholding Integrity in Public Service: Consequences of Neglect of Duty in the Philippines
A court stenographer's gross neglect of duty leads to forfeiture of benefits and a lifetime ban from government service.
Lost Your Election Protest? Understanding Pre-Proclamation Controversies in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when election protests must be filed, and why pre-proclamation cases end after proclamation.
Limits of Judicial Power: When Courts Cannot Enjoin the Comelec
Philippine jurisprudence explains why lower courts cannot issue injunctions against the COMELEC, and the limits of judicial power over election matters.
Strictly Observe Deadlines: Why Missing Appeal Periods Can Cost You Your Case in the Philippines
Learn how missing appeal deadlines or filing late comments can affect your case, and why courts may relax procedural rules only in exceptional circumstances.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Understanding Illegal Termination Under Philippine Labor Law
Learn the two-notice rule and just causes for valid dismissal in the Philippines from the Gothong Lines case on illegal termination.
Dismissal of Court Cases for Lack of Prosecution: When Is It Justified in the Philippines
Philippine courts may dismiss cases for lack of prosecution, but only for valid reasons. Learn the rules and limits from a Supreme Court ruling.
When Managerial Discretion Becomes Defiance: Willful Disobedience in Philippine Labor Law
Explore when a manager's independent judgment crosses the line into willful disobedience, a valid ground for dismissal under Philippine labor law.
Foreign Divorce and Inheritance Rights in the Philippines: Citizenship and Marital Validity
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on foreign divorce, citizenship, and inheritance rights of a surviving spouse in intestate succession.
Due Process in Labor Disputes: What Pepsi Cola v. NLRC Teaches About Fair Hearings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that due process in labor cases means notice and opportunity to be heard, not endless chances to submit pleadings.
Bail Denied When Evidence of Guilt Is Strong in Philippine Capital Offenses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when bail must be denied in capital offenses and why trial judges must summarize prosecution evidence.
Payroll Evidence in Philippine Labor Disputes: Ensuring Fair Hearings for Employers
A Supreme Court ruling on payroll evidence in labor disputes, protecting employers' right to present original documents for fair hearings.
Court Discretion and Deadlines: Why Philippine Courts Can Deny Postponements and Cost You Your Case
Learn from the Pepsi Number Fever case why Philippine courts can deny postponements and declare waiver of evidence rights.
Employee Transfers Constructive Dismissal Navigating Company Prerogatives IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts balance company prerogatives against employee rights in transfer and dismissal cases, with key rules explained.
Decoding Stray Votes: How Philippine Courts Uphold Voter Intent in Elections
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on stray votes, nuisance candidates, and the primacy of voter intent in election canvassing.
Judicial Impartiality When Prior Involvement In A Case Disqualifies A Judge
A judge who previously served as prosecutor must inhibit from the case. Rule 137, Section 1 explained.