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.
Final Decisions Stand: The Immutability of NLRC Rulings in Illegal Dismissal Cases
A final and executory NLRC decision cannot be modified. Learn what this means for illegal dismissal claims and back wages.
Authorized Driver Clause and Police Blotters in Insurance Claims
When can an insurer deny a claim based on the authorized driver clause? The Supreme Court explains the evidentiary weight of police blotters.
Patent Infringement and the Doctrine of Equivalents: Beyond Literal Claim Language
Philippine Supreme Court explains when the doctrine of equivalents applies in patent infringement cases, using Smith Kline Beckman v. Tryco Pharma as guide.
Upholding Impartiality: The Supreme Court on Fair Case Raffling and Judicial Integrity
The Supreme Court affirms COA's ban on auditors receiving local government allowances, preserving audit independence and integrity under RA 6758.
Judicial Discretion vs Delay: Balancing Justice and Efficiency in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when court delays warrant administrative liability, distinguishing error from bad faith in judicial discretion.
Court of Appeals Erred in Dismissing Appeal Over Photocopied Annexes
Supreme Court rules photocopied annexes in Rule 43 appeals need not be certified true copies, only the assailed decision itself.
The Boundaries of Self Defense When Force Becomes Unlawful Aggression in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense is valid and when force becomes unlawful aggression in criminal cases.
Sovereign Immunity Contracts With Foreign States AND Waiver OF Immunity
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Republic of Indonesia v. Vinzon on foreign sovereign immunity, waiver clauses, and embassy maintenance contracts.
Landlord Rights Prevail Recovering Possession Despite Ownership Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when tenants cannot appeal denial of new trial and how counsel's errors bind clients.
When Can a Corporate President Bind the Corporation? Lessons from Inter-Asia v. Asia Industries
A corporate president can bind the corporation even without board authority under apparent authority. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court case.
Trust Receipts Law Liability: When Agents Face Estafa Charges
Learn when corporate agents can face criminal liability for estafa under the Trust Receipts Law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Ong v. Court of Appeals.
The Weight of Fear: Evaluating Delay in Rape Cases Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape convictions, victim credibility, and why delay in reporting does not weaken a case.
Rape and Consent: Understanding Force and Intimidation in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how force and intimidation prove rape without consent, and when minority aggravates the crime.
Judicial Accountability and the Good Faith Defense Against Unjust Judgment Charges
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judges cannot be held administratively liable for erroneous rulings made in good faith, absent malice or bad faith.
Breach of Contract: When a Separate Land Title Is a Condition Precedent to Payment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when failure to deliver a separate land title justifies a buyer's refusal to pay the balance under a contract of sale.
Foreclosure Sales: Strict Compliance With Publication Requirements
When a postponed foreclosure sale proceeds without republication of notice, the sale is void. Learn the rules from Ouano v. Court of Appeals.
When Killing a Child Is Treachery: The Ostia Murder Case
Explaining why killing a four-year-old is treachery, and why the Court still reduced the penalty to reclusion perpetua.
Optional Retirement Rights and Labor Tribunals' Limits in Illegal Dismissal Cases
Supreme Court clarifies optional retirement requires explicit employee consent, and labor tribunals lack jurisdiction over tax refund claims.
Contractual Obligations Prevail: Bank's Right to Offset Debts Despite Trustee-Beneficiary Claims
Supreme Court ruling on when a bank may validly apply a borrower's funds to settle debts, even amid trustee-beneficiary claims.
Attorney Misappropriation of Client Funds: Fiduciary Duty and Ethical Obligations of Lawyers
When a lawyer mishandles client money, the Supreme Court does not take it lightly. Learn the ethical rules and consequences.
Breach of Contract in Property Sales: Rights, Interest, and Damages Under Philippine Law
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unpaid property sale balances clarifies when nominal damages, attorney's fees, and 12% interest apply.
Free Meals or More Than Free Meals? Interpreting Collective Bargaining Agreements
When a CBA says "after three hours," does it mean exactly three or more than three? The Supreme Court settles the rule on plain meaning.
Prescription of Penalties: Evasion of Sentence Requires Prior Imprisonment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: prescription of penalty starts only when a convicted person escapes from actual imprisonment, not from hiding.
Self-Defense and Treachery: Understanding Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies a killing as murder under Philippine law.