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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Insubordination and Due Process: Understanding Employee Rights in Disciplinary Actions
The Supreme Court clarifies when a suspension order is valid, what due process requires, and when defiance justifies dismissal under Philippine law.
Docket Fees and Estoppel in Lease Termination: Metrobank v. Perez
Supreme Court clarifies when late payment of docket fees is allowed and when a party is barred from raising jurisdiction.
Piercing the Form: How Allegations Determine Parties in HLURB Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that allegations in a complaint, not its title, determine who are parties to an HLURB case.
Deceptive Recruitment Estafa Conviction Affirmed for False Promise of Overseas Employment
Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction of an unlicensed recruiter who falsely promised overseas employment and collected fees from victims.
Estafa and the Essence of Deceit: Delgado v. People Explained
The Supreme Court affirms that false pretenses, not ownership of funds, define estafa under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code.
Custody Agreements Contrary to Child's Best Interests Are Void
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on joint custody agreements for children under seven and the best interests standard.
Adverse Claim vs Execution Sale: Protecting Prior Registered Rights Over Land
The Supreme Court ruled that a levy on execution is subordinate to valid encumbrances already annotated on the title, and that an adverse claim gives constructive notice to all.
Prior Physical Possession Prevails: Understanding Forcible Entry in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies forcible entry rules: prior physical possession, not ownership, determines who stays on the property until lawful ejectment.
When Lawyers' Lives Lack Integrity: Disbarment for Gross Immorality and Multiple Marriages
The Supreme Court disbarred two lawyers for gross immorality involving bigamous marriages and illicit affairs, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for lawyers.
Kidnapping With Rape: Consent, Sweetheart Theory, and the Madsali Case
The Madsali case clarifies when a against her will—language sufficient to charge kidnapping. Since AAA was a minor, was detained for more than three days, and was raped during the detention, all eleme
Adverse Claims and Execution Liens: Priority Rules in Philippine Property Law
When an adverse claim is annotated on a title before a levy on execution, the earlier claim prevails. This case explains the priority rule.
Psychological Incapacity: When Personality Disorders Do Not Nullify a Marriage
The Supreme Court clarifies that a diagnosis of personality disorders alone does not prove psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Board Resolution Not Always Required for Corporate Verification in Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may sign verification and certification against forum shopping without a board resolution.
Franchise TAX Exemptions Actual Payment NOT Required FOR Availment
The Limits of Self-Defense: Establishing Unlawful Aggression in Homicide Cases
Explore how Philippine courts require clear proof of unlawful aggression for self-defense claims, using a 2010 murder case as guide.
Arrastre Operator's Duty of Care: Liability for Lost Cargo After Delivery
When is an arrastre operator liable for lost cargo? The Supreme Court clarifies the duty of care and limits of liability in Asian Terminals v. Daehan.
Challenging Election Results: Strict Rules for Pre-Proclamation Controversies in the Philippines
Learn the strict rules for pre-proclamation controversies in Philippine election law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Saño v. COMELEC.
Priority of Land Titles: Tracing Back to Original Certificates of Title
When two Torrens titles cover the same land, the earlier one prevails. Tracing back to original certificates of title is key.
Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: Distinguishing Roles and Defining Accountability
When do employees of an illegal recruiter face criminal liability? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on conspiracy, syndicate, and penalties.
Upholding Public Land Rights Denying Land Registration Within Military Reservations
Supreme Court affirms that lands inside military reservations and forest lands are inalienable public domain, not registrable.
Perfected Sales vs Contracts to Sell: Ownership Transfer and Good Faith in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a contract of sale and a contract to sell, and how good faith determines ownership in double sales.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as Valid Cause for Dismissal: Bibiana Farms v. Lado
Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal and what procedural due process requires in employee termination.
Customs Bonds: Contractual Obligations vs Tax Collection Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that suits on customs bonds are contractual, not tax collection cases, so appeals go to the Court of Appeals.
Due Process in Termination: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Protection in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that dismissal for just cause still requires procedural due process, with nominal damages for violations.