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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OFW Illegal Dismissal Claims and Forged Documents: Key Lessons from G & M Philippines v. Cuambot
The Supreme Court explains how forged payslips and resignation letters affect OFW illegal dismissal claims, and why doubts are resolved in favor of labor.
Who's the Boss? Determining Employer Liability in Labor-Only Contracting
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a principal employer becomes solidarily liable with a labor-only contractor for workers' claims.
Protecting the People's Vote: Timeliness of Election Protests and Failure of Election Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the 30-day period for election appeals, failure of election grounds, and the importance of raising issues promptly.
Spanish Titles vs Torrens System: What Landowners Must Know After SBMA Ruling
A 2006 Supreme Court ruling confirms Spanish-era titles are no longer valid proof of land ownership in the Philippines. Here's what it means for property claims.
Piercing the Corporate Veil in Fraudulent Asset Transfers: Labor Claims in the Philippines
When can labor arbiters pierce the corporate veil to enforce judgments? Learn from the Supreme Court's ruling in Jang Lim v. CA.
When a Waiver Revives Rights: Property Disputes and Quitclaims in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a default order in land registration cases does not bar the government from appealing, and explains the limits of waiver in property disputes.
Lost Titles AND Stale Claims Understanding Laches IN Land Disputes
A 45-year delay to contest a land title bars the claim under laches, even if the original title may have been irregularly cancelled.
Security Deposits of Insurance Firms Shielded From Individual Claims Preserving Solvency FOR ALL Policyholders
Supreme Court rules insurance security deposits cannot be garnished by single claimants, protecting all policyholders' interests.
Breaking Down Land Ownership Disputes When Hearsay Clouds Real Estate Claims
A Supreme Court ruling explains why hearsay evidence fails in property disputes, and how Torrens titles protect registered owners.
CARP Coverage and Tenancy: Resolving Land Disputes Amidst Conflicting Claims and Vested Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how pending DARAB tenancy cases affect forcible entry jurisdiction and CARP coverage.
Upholding Land Titles When Government Reversion Claims Fail
When can the government cancel a free patent and revert land to the public domain? The Supreme Court explains the limits of reversion actions.
Tenancy Claims and Forcible Entry: How Philippine Courts Resolve Jurisdictional Conflicts in Agrarian Disputes
When a tenant is sued for forcible entry, which tribunal has jurisdiction? The Supreme Court clarifies the interplay between agrarian and civil courts.
Reversion Suits: When the State Must Prove Forest Land Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies the State's burden in reversion cases, protecting vested rights over land titles issued before forest classification.
Defective Land Title Overcoming Fraud IN Property Ownership Claims
Finality Prevails: Why Attempts to Reopen a Settled Bouncing Checks Case Fail
The Supreme Court explains why final judgments cannot be reopened through belated claims of newly discovered evidence in a B.P. 22 case.
Illegal Dismissal Claims: When Early Retirement and Unapproved Leave Bar Recovery
A professor's claim of illegal dismissal fails after voluntary early retirement and unapproved leave. Learn the legal rules.
Missed Deadlines Lost Refunds: The Importance of Timely Filing in Tax Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling underscores that missed deadlines and counsel's negligence can bar tax refund claims, emphasizing the finality of judgments.
Real Property Tax Refund: Illegality of Assessment and the Proper Claim Procedure
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that an invalid real property tax ordinance entitles taxpayers to refunds, but claims must follow the Local Government Code's procedure.
Double Sale Doctrine Prior Rights and the Impact of Contractual Breach
Explaining the double sale doctrine under Philippine law, prior registration rights, and how contractual breaches affect ownership claims.
Challenging Illegal Searches and Evidence Admissibility in Philippine Drug Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court handles illegal search claims and evidence admissibility in drug possession cases under Philippine law.
Cashier's Checks and Bank Insolvency: When a Holder's Claim Is Not a Preference
A depositor's unpaid cashier's checks from a failed bank are disputed claims in liquidation, not automatic preferences. The Supreme Court explains why.
Res Judicata Bars Re-Litigating Security of Tenure in Agrarian Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how final judgments bar re-litigation of security of tenure claims in agrarian disputes.
Tolerance Ends Unlawful Detainer AND Property Rights IN THE Philippines
When does tolerated possession become unlawful detainer? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on jurisdiction, demand, and ownership claims.
Compromise Agreements and Employee Rights: When Settlements Don't Erase Prior Illegal Dismissals
A compromise agreement settles monetary claims but doesn't erase a prior ruling of illegal dismissal, especially for non-signatories.