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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When Contractual Disputes Must Go to Arbitration and Courts, Not the HLURB
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when condominium disputes belong to arbitration or courts, not the HLURB, in Frabelle Fishing Corp. ruling.
Misrepresentation and Due Process in Seafarer Medical Claims: De Jesus v. POMI
The Supreme Court ruled that a seafarer's concealment of a prior ulcer did not bar medical claims, and that dismissal requires the contract's disciplinary procedure.
Breach of Trust vs Security of Tenure: When Is Dismissal Too Harsh?
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why loss of trust and confidence does not give employers unlimited power to dismiss, even managerial employees.
Financial Crisis as Fortuitous Event: Real Estate Contract Obligations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether the 1997 Asian financial crisis excuses a developer's failure to deliver condominium units.
Retraction vs Initial Statements: Weighing Evidence in Illegal Dismissal Cases
When an employee is dismissed for serious misconduct, how should courts weigh a witness's retraction against initial statements? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Unlawful Detainer: Proving Possession and Ownership Claims in Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer cases, possession vs. ownership claims, and evidence rules in ejectment proceedings.
Judicial Ethics Upholding Decorum in Legal Pleadings and the Limits of Administrative Liability
Court clarifies when a judge's intemperate language in pleadings warrants administrative sanction, and when charges lack substantial evidence.
Navigating Traffic: MMDA Authority and the Limits of Executive Action on Metro Manila Bus Terminals
The Supreme Court ruled on the limits of MMDA authority and executive power in ordering the closure of provincial bus terminals along EDSA.
Bail Without Court Order: When a Clerk of Court May Refuse Cash Bond
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a clerk of court may refuse a cash bond and the consequences for lawyers who file baseless administrative complaints.
Bouncing Checks and Hearsay: BP 22 Conviction Upheld Despite Evidentiary Challenges
The Supreme Court explains when hearsay testimony may be admitted in a Bouncing Checks case, and why a BP 22 conviction can stand.
PCGG v. Sandiganbayan: When Delay and Inaction Create a Cause of Action
A look at the Supreme Court ruling that government inaction on requests can itself create a cause of action, and when foreign court rulings do not bar local suits.
DARAB Jurisdiction Over Emancipation Patent Cancellation Cases Explained
When can DARAB cancel an emancipation patent? The Supreme Court clarifies DARAB's exclusive jurisdiction over agrarian reform land disputes.
Upholding Employers' Rights: Just Cause and Due Process in Employee Dismissal
Supreme Court clarifies the twin requirements of just cause and due process in terminating employees, affirming dismissals for misconduct and insubordination.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Parent Companies Can Be Held Liable for Franchise Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may disregard corporate fiction and hold companies liable for obligations of related entities.
Unfreezing Marcos-Era Assets: When Philippine Courts Can Act on Foreign Freeze Orders
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that allows Philippine courts to hear cases involving foreign freeze orders on Marcos-era assets.
Acting Appointments vs Security of Tenure: Clarifying Employment Rights in Philippine Schools
Understand the Supreme Court ruling on acting appointments in schools—when temporary positions do not ripen into permanent tenure.
Reconstitution of Lost Land Titles: Supreme Court Clarifies Evidence Rules in Faustino Co Shu Kiam v. Republic
Supreme Court clarifies evidence requirements for reconstituting lost land titles under Republic Act No. 26, reversing the Court of Appeals.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: Ethical Standards in the Judiciary
Supreme Court dismisses a judge for an extramarital affair and suspends him from law practice, reaffirming strict ethical standards for the judiciary.
Rape and Intimidation: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Stepdaughter Abuse Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a stepfather's rape conviction, explaining how intimidation and threats can establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: What the Supreme Court Said
When is a resignation voluntary and not forced? The Supreme Court explains the difference in Globe Telecom v. Crisologo.
Ombudsman's Supervisory Power Over Special Prosecutor in Graft Cases
Supreme Court clarifies Ombudsman's authority to reverse Special Prosecutor's dismissal recommendation in public official graft cases.
Navigating Corporate Disputes: The Boundaries of Forum Shopping and Litis Pendentia in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when two corporate cases are not forum shopping or litis pendentia, using the Taningco dispute as a guide.
Dismissal for Failure to File Pre-Trial Brief: The Mandatory Nature of Procedural Rules in Civil Cases
Failure to file a pre-trial brief is a ground for dismissal with prejudice, as the Supreme Court reaffirmed in Vera v. Rigor.
Flood Damage Liability: Who Pays When Nature and Development Collide
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on developer liability for flood damage when surrounding developments and government inaction cause the flooding.