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.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: How Courts Value Expropriated Property
Philippine Supreme Court explains how courts determine just compensation in expropriation cases, using Republic v. Heirs of Santiago as guide.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When Payment Becomes Final Despite a Reversed Award
A Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability benefits, the 120-day rule, and when conditional payment becomes final satisfaction of judgment.
Seafarers Disability Claims Upholding Company Doctors Assessment Absent Third Opinion
Supreme Court clarifies when a company-designated physician's disability grading prevails over a seafarer's private doctor in POEA-SEC claims.
Implied Admission: The Impact of Unanswered Requests in Philippine Litigation
A party who ignores a request for admission risks implied admission of key facts, which can lead to summary judgment. This case explains why.
Timely Disability Claims: Seafarers' Rights and Employer Obligations Under POEA-SEC
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified seafarers' disability claims, the 120/240-day rule, and why timely filing matters under POEA-SEC.
Good Faith and Land Titles: The Limits of Torrens System Protection in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a buyer's failure to pay full price under a Contract to Sell prevents enforcement, and the limits of good faith claims.
Corporate Liability Accountability FOR Unremitted SSS Contributions
Supreme Court affirms conviction of corporate officer for non-remittance of SSS contributions under RA 8282.
Unlawful Detainer When Initial Objection Voids A Claim OF Tolerance
Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer, lease renewal options, and binding successors-in-interest in property law.
Torrens Title vs Prior Possession: Resolving Ejectment Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a Torrens title holder can eject occupants who claim prior possession and ownership.
Practicing Law While Suspended: No Automatic Return After Suspension Period
A lawyer suspended from practice cannot resume work until the Court formally lifts the suspension — even if the suspension period has already ended.
Implied Trusts and Co-Ownership: Hidden Property Rights in Family Lending Businesses
When a family lending business buys property under one sibling's name, an implied trust may preserve everyone's share.
Lawyer Disbarred for Faking Court Decision and Certificate of Finality
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who simulated an annulment decision and certificate of finality, ruling the acts were deceit and grave misconduct.
Franchise Tax After EPIRA: NPC's Liability and the Limits of Local Government Power
The Supreme Court clarifies when the local franchise tax applies after EPIRA, nullifying Bataan's levy on NPC properties.
Trademark Infringement and Probable Cause: When the Secretary of Justice Abuses Discretion
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may override the Secretary of Justice's dismissal of trademark infringement complaints for grave abuse of discretion.
Forced Resignation: When a "Voluntary" Resignation Is Really Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is forced and amounts to illegal dismissal, protecting employees from undue influence.
Digging for Trouble: When Unauthorized Excavation Leads to Dismissal
Supreme Court rules on grave misconduct for court employees who dug for hidden treasure inside the SC compound in Baguio.
Court Personnel Dismissed for Grave Misconduct in Fee-Fixing Scandal
Supreme Court dismisses court employee for grave misconduct—soliciting fees from litigants and unauthorized withdrawal of publication fees.
Project Employment vs Regular Employment: What Philippine Law Says
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are project employees and not regular employees, and what this means for termination rights.
Breach of Contract vs. Damages: How Philippine Courts Determine Jurisdiction
Philippine courts determine jurisdiction by the primary relief sought, not the complaint's label. Learn how the Supreme Court clarified this in a landmark ruling.
Psychological Incapacity vs Marital Discord: When Infidelity and Irresponsibility Do Not Nullify a Marriage
The Supreme Court clarifies that marital discord, infidelity, and irresponsibility do not automatically amount to psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Judicial Immunity and the Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies in Agrarian Compensation Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when landowners may directly sue for just compensation despite the exhaustion of administrative remedies doctrine.
When Can the Military Publicly Disclose Disbarment Proceedings? The Roque Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when public disclosure of disbarment proceedings violates the confidentiality rule, balancing free speech with lawyer protections.
Balancing Confidentiality and Free Expression: The Limits of Disbarment Publicity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when public statements about disbarment complaints violate the confidentiality rule and when they are protected speech.
Defamation and Free Speech: Balancing Criticism and Accountability in Libel Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when statements in legal pleadings lose privileged communication protection and become libelous.