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.
Transparency in Elections: The Right to Review Source Codes for Automated Election Systems
The Supreme Court ruled that COMELEC must make AES source codes available for independent review under R.A. 9369.
Dishonesty in Public Service: The Cost of Misrepresentation and the Limits of the Right to Counsel
A Supreme Court ruling shows how dishonesty in securing civil service eligibility leads to dismissal, and why the right to counsel does not apply in administrative probes.
Final Judgment Rule: When Court Decisions in Property Disputes Become Immutable
The final judgment rule makes court decisions in property disputes final and executory. Learn the exceptions and practical implications.
Mootness Doctrine: Why an Active Legal Dispute Matters in Presidential Eligibility Cases
The Supreme Court explains why a moot case on presidential reelection eligibility was dismissed, and what this means for election law.
Unjust Enrichment: Security Agency Must Return Illegally Garnished NFA Funds
Supreme Court rules security agency must return P8.4M garnished from NFA under a void writ of execution, citing unjust enrichment.
Cityhood Laws and the Constitutional Criteria for Creating Philippine Cities
The Supreme Court struck down 16 cityhood laws for violating the Constitution's requirement that city creation follow Local Government Code criteria.
Buyers Can Suspend Payments When Title Is Clouded: Daleon v. Tan
When a property's title is clouded by an adverse claim, buyers may stop paying installments without risking forfeiture of their downpayment.
Forfeiture of Downpayment: When a Buyer's Stop Payment Is Justified
Supreme Court ruling on when sellers cannot forfeit a buyer's downpayment due to adverse claims on property title.
Union Security Clauses and Employee Rights: Lessons from PICOP Resources
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when union security clauses justify dismissal and how employee rights to self-organization are protected.
Employer Liability in Criminal Cases: When Civil Liability Is Only Subsidiary
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers are subsidiarily liable for employee crimes, distinguishing quasi-delict from criminal civil liability.
Void Sale of City-Owned Market Stall: Refund of Price Under Article 1412
When a sale is void because the seller lacked authority to sell city property, the buyer may still recover the price paid under Article 1412.
Preventive Suspension and Due Process: When Filing a Complaint Preempts Company Investigation
A look at Artificio v. NLRC on preventive suspension, due process, and the consequences of filing a dismissal complaint before a scheduled hearing.
Demand Is Key to Rescission Rights in Philippine Contract Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that demand is essential before rescission or foreclosure rights can be exercised under contract law.
Navigating Government Procurement: The Imperative of Protest Compliance in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on LRA v. Lanting Security clarifies mandatory protest rules under R.A. 9184 before courts can act.
When Cross Collateral Clauses Clash With Verbal Agreements: Understanding Mortgage Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies that bank branch managers cannot verbally alter mortgage contracts containing cross-collateral or dragnet clauses.
Illegal Dismissal, Retrenchment, and Redundancy: Key Rules from Lambert Pawnbrokers v. Binamira
Supreme Court clarifies the rules on retrenchment, redundancy, and corporate liability in illegal dismissal cases, and when damages apply.
Maritime Claims: Strict Interpretation of COGSA Prescriptive Period
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the one-year COGSA prescriptive period for maritime cargo claims, emphasizing strict timing rules.
Upholding Government Authority When Public Interest Overrides Private Land Claims In Expropriation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on expropriation, public interest, and limits of private land claims against government authority.
Employer Liability for Employee Negligence: The Rule on Vicarious Responsibility in the Philippines
Philippine law makes employers solidarily liable for employee negligence unless they prove diligent selection and supervision. Learn the rule from a Supreme Court case.
Safeguards Against Unjustified Power Disconnection Protecting Consumer Rights
Learn how Philippine law protects consumers from unjustified power disconnection and what rights you have against utility providers.
Authority to Represent: The Limits of Legal Representation for Government-Owned Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when lawyers may appear for GOCCs, requiring OGCC and COA approval before private counsel can act.
Electricity Disconnection in the Philippines: When Can a Utility Cut Your Power?
Know your rights when a utility disconnects your electricity. Philippine law requires due process—here's what a utility must prove first.
Independent Contractor or Employee? Control in Insurance Agency Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an insurance agent becomes an employee, applying the four-fold test and control standard.
Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: When a Written Resignation Is Not Voluntary
When is a resignation letter not a true resignation? The Supreme Court explains constructive dismissal and employer liability.