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.
Reconveyance After Expropriation: Balancing Public Purpose and Private Rights
When government abandons an expropriated lot's public purpose, former owners may recover it—but must return just compensation.
Independent Contractor or Employee: The Four-Fold Test in Philippine Labor Law
When is an insurance agent an employee, not an independent contractor? The Supreme Court explains the four-fold test and the crucial "control test" in Tongko v. Manulife.
Honesty Matters: Dismissal for False Statements in Government Job Applications
The Supreme Court ruled that false declarations in a Personal Data Sheet constitute dishonesty and falsification, warranting dismissal from government service.
Just Compensation for Power Line Easements: Full Market Value, Not 10% Cap
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that power line easements may require full market value compensation, not the statutory 10% cap.
Lease vs Land Reform: Tenant Rights to Crops and Improvements Under CARP
When the government acquires land under CARP, who owns the standing crops and improvements—the landowner or the tenant? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Insider Trading Rules Stand Even Without Implementing Rules, High Court Rules
Supreme Court clarifies insider trading provisions are self-executing and enforceable even without implementing rules, protecting investors.
Condominium Ownership for Foreign Nationals: Property Rights Under the Condominium Act
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that foreigners may own condominium units under RA 4726, separating land ownership from unit ownership.
Breach of Contract and Tortious Interference: Proving a Valid Contractual Right
Learn when tortious interference claims fail: a valid contract must exist before third-party interference can be actionable under Philippine law.
Loan Restructuring vs Mortgage Release: When Must a Bank Return Collateral?
When a borrower restructures a loan and assigns property as partial payment, is the bank obliged to release other collateral? The Supreme Court explains.
Investment or Loan? The Estafa Trap in Misrepresented Business Ventures
When a business deal fails, is it a breach of contract or estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies when false pretenses turn a failed investment into a criminal offense.
Executive Privilege vs Senate Inquiries: The Neri Doctrine on Presidential Communications
The Supreme Court upholds presidential communications privilege in Senate inquiries, balancing executive confidentiality against legislative oversight powers.
Breach of Trust and Qualified Theft: When Employee Misconduct Justifies Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's theft against a co-worker constitutes a valid cause for termination under Philippine labor law.
Upholding Workers Rights Illegal Dismissal AND THE Limits OF Corporate Discretion IN Labor Disputes
Supreme Court affirms illegal dismissal ruling against Purefoods for union busting, clarifies corporate procedural rules in labor disputes.
Guarantor's Defense of Excussion: What the Supreme Court Requires
Explaining the benefit of excussion for guarantors under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Bitanga v. Pyramid Construction.
Upholding Corporate Stability When Courts Defer to Internal Disputes
How the Supreme Court resolved a family corporate dispute by deferring to amended pleadings, docket fee rules, and the limits of injunctions.
BP 22 Cases Not Suspended by Corporate Rehabilitation: Tiong Rosario v. Co
Corporate rehabilitation suspends claims against a company, but not criminal prosecution of officers for bouncing checks under BP 22.
Exterior vs Interior Contract Interpretation and Obligations in Philippine Law
Supreme Court rules on contract interpretation: plain meaning controls unless ambiguity exists, and obscurity cannot favor the drafting party.
Venue Rules in Personal Actions: Why the Principal Plaintiff's Residence Matters
Supreme Court clarifies venue rules for personal actions, emphasizing the principal plaintiff's residence determines proper venue, not nominal co-plaintiffs.
Subrogation Rights of Insurers: Recourse Against Negligent Carriers for Damaged Goods
When can an insurer sue a negligent carrier after paying a claim? The Supreme Court clarifies subrogation rights and carrier liability.
Compulsory Retirement at 60: When Company Policy Violates Security of Tenure
A company policy forcing retirement at 60 can be illegal dismissal. The Supreme Court explains the difference between voluntary and compulsory retirement.
When Can Power Generators Be Exempted from Power Delivery Charges
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when independent power producers may be exempt from Power Delivery Service charges for ancillary services.
Shared Maritime Tragedy Determining Liability In Collision At Sea
The MV Doña Paz and MT Vector collision case clarifies liability rules for common carriers and vessel owners in Philippine maritime law.
Finality of Judgment: When a Lawyer's Negligence Does Not Deny Due Process
A dismissed employee's late appeal fails as the Supreme Court upholds finality of judgment despite counsel's negligence.
Conditional Sale Buyers' Rights and Sellers' Obligations After Partial Payment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies buyer and seller rights in contracts to sell, including when a buyer can demand a deed of absolute sale.