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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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.
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Supreme Court rules surety bond issuers remain liable for unpaid customs duties even if goods were withdrawn without payment.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.
Vehicle Registration VS Lease Agreements WHO Pays FOR Negligence
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.
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.
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.
Large Scale Illegal Recruitment: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Learn how Philippine courts convict illegal recruiters in large scale, the elements of the crime, and the penalties under the Labor Code.
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.
Demand to Vacate in Unlawful Detainer: Strict Compliance and Jurisdictional Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the demand-to-vacate rule in unlawful detainer cases, its jurisdictional nature, and amendment of complaints.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Exact Date Not Essential in Proving Sexual Assault
Philippine Supreme Court rules the precise date of rape is not an essential element; conviction stands on proof of penetration and intimidation.
Crediting Government Service for Retirement: Defining the Scope of the Civil Service and Compensation
The Supreme Court clarifies which government services count for retirement benefits, distinguishing full-time civil service from part-time and non-chartered positions.
When a Surety Bond Cannot Be Cancelled: AFP General Insurance v. Molina on Garnishment and Labor Awards
The Supreme Court ruled that a supersedeas bond posted to perfect an employer's appeal stays valid and enforceable until the case is finally disposed of, even if premiums go unpaid.
Sheriffs Must Exercise Diligence in Executing Court Orders — What This Means
A sheriff's duty to execute a writ is ministerial, but due diligence is required. The Supreme Court explains in this administrative case.
Psychological Incapacity: Defining the Limits of Annulment Under the Family Code
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that psychological incapacity under Article 36 requires grave, incurable, and antecedent illness—not mere refusal or personality quirks.
Perfecting Contracts: Why Consent Is Essential in Real Estate Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a real estate sale needs the buyer's consent to be binding—lessons from Looc Bay Timber v. Montecalvo.
Limits of Self-Defense When Force Used Exceeds the Threat
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when self-defense fails because the force used exceeds the threat, with practical legal takeaways.
TAX Assessment Validity Strict Compliance AND Waiver Requirements
Anonymous Complaints in Disciplinary Cases: Due Process and Ethical Conduct
The Supreme Court dismisses an anonymous complaint against Solicitor General Devanadera, balancing due process rights with ethical oversight of lawyers.
When Can a Third Party Be Sued for Another's Contract Breach? Martelino v. NHMFC
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when buyers can sue lenders for a developer's breach, and the limits of declaratory relief.
Failure of Election and COMELEC's Power: Protecting the Voter's Franchise
The Supreme Court clarifies the limited grounds for declaring a failure of election under the Omnibus Election Code.
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.
Surety Bond Enforceability: Non-Payment of Premiums Does Not Nullify Obligations to Labor Claimants
Supreme Court rules surety bonds in labor appeals remain valid despite unpaid premiums, protecting workers' monetary awards.