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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Extrajudicial Repossession After Lease Default: What Irao v. By the Bay, Inc. Means
Supreme Court explains when a lessor's demand letter counts as notice of termination, allowing extrajudicial repossession of leased property.
Judge Fined for Decision Delay Despite Heavy Caseload: Judicial Efficiency and Justice Delayed
The Supreme Court fined a RTC judge for grave delay in deciding a rape case even with heavy caseload, stressing the duty to request extensions.
Dismissal Based on Theft: Upholding Employee Termination for Unauthorized Disposal of Company Property
Supreme Court rules on valid dismissal for theft of company property and the due process requirements in employee termination cases.
Extrajudicial Lease Termination: When a Demand Letter Suffices to End a Lease
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lessor's demand letter validly terminates a lease and allows extrajudicial repossession.
Failure to Present Logbook and Follow Due Process Makes Seafarer Dismissal Illegal
Supreme Court rules a seafarer's dismissal was illegal where the employer relied only on fax messages and failed to observe the two-notice rule.
Habitual Tardiness in Public Service: Upholding Accountability and Efficiency
The Supreme Court rules on habitual tardiness in the judiciary, clarifying that personal obligations do not excuse chronic lateness.
When Prior Rulings Bar Reopening an Employer-Employee Dispute
The Supreme Court explains how res judicata prevents relitigating the employer-employee relationship in illegal dismissal cases.
Separation Pay After Valid Dismissal: When Philippine Law Allows It
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when separation pay may be granted to a validly dismissed employee for gross neglect of duty.
Seafarer’s Illegal Dismissal: Due Process and the Ship’s Logbook in Maritime Cases
The Supreme Court ruled a seafarer’s dismissal illegal for lack of just cause and due process, highlighting the logbook’s evidentiary value.
Pactum Commissorium Protecting Debtors From Unfair Foreclosure
The Supreme Court voided a dacion en pago that let a creditor automatically take mortgaged land, reaffirming the Philippine ban on pactum commissorium.
Voluntary Appearance Cures Defective Summons: Dole Philippines v. Quilala
When does a defective summons stop mattering? The Supreme Court explains the rule on voluntary appearance in Dole Philippines v. Quilala.
Docket Fees and Jurisdiction: The Impact of Unspecified Claims in Philippine Courts
How failing to specify claim amounts in a complaint affects docket fees and court jurisdiction, explained through a 2008 Supreme Court ruling.
Breach of Contract: When Incomplete Construction Doesn't Warrant Full Payment
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when a contractor's incomplete work bars recovery of the full contract price in construction disputes.
Buy-Bust Operations and Warrantless Arrests: Safeguarding Individual Rights in Drug Cases
A look at how the Supreme Court treats buy-bust operations as valid warrantless arrests under Philippine drug law, and what this means for accused persons.
Illegal Dismissal of Security Guards: When a Verbal "Don't Report" Is Not Enough
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal of security guards, burden of proof, and the two-notice rule.
Validity of Foreclosure Sale Timing Under Act 3135 Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether an extrajudicial foreclosure auction must last the full 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. period under Act 3135.
Surety Bonds Insurers Remain Liable Despite Importers Unpaid Duties
Supreme Court rules surety bond issuers remain liable for unpaid customs duties even if goods were withdrawn without payment.
Contingent Attorneys Fees Defining Benefit IN Legal Agreements
Learn how the Supreme Court interpreted contingent attorney's fees in contracts, and what benefit means for lawyers and clients.
Habitual Tardiness and Falsification of Time Records: Ethical Standards in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court dismisses a court utility worker for habitual tardiness and falsifying time cards, underscoring strict ethical standards for judiciary employees.
Motion Denied: Strict Enforcement of Notice Requirements in Lifting Property Levies
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on quieting title, property levies, and the strict enforcement of redemption periods after execution sales.
Fraud Voids Titles Good Faith Purchaser Loses TO Torrens System Integrity
When forged court documents produce a Torrens title, even a buyer for value cannot keep the land, the Supreme Court ruled.
Equitable Mortgage Prevails Protecting Borrowers From Onerous Sale Agreements
Supreme Court rules a deed of sale with right to repurchase can be an equitable mortgage, protecting borrowers from onerous terms.
Boundary Disputes, Reconveyance Orders, and the Limits of General Prayers
A Supreme Court ruling on boundary disputes explains when courts may order reconveyance beyond specific prayers, and why final judgments must stand.
Mortgage Foreclosure: Know Your Rights as a Subdivision Buyer
Learn when declaratory relief works for subdivision buyers facing mortgage foreclosure, and when it doesn't, from a 2008 Supreme Court ruling.