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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Construction Contract Disputes: Interpreting Amendments and Deduction Clauses in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a contractor can deduct accommodation costs from a subcontractor's billings after a final contract amendment.
Unendorsed Checks and Bank Liability: Depositor Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unendorsed checks, bank set-off rights, and depositor protection in banking disputes.
When Farm Closures Trigger Separation Pay: Elcee Farms v. NLRC
The Supreme Court clarifies when a farm closure or lease triggers separation pay and when corporate officers can be held personally liable.
Truth AND Timeliness IN Justice Why Accurate Court Reporting Matters
The Supreme Court rules on abandonment of employment and why factual accuracy in court records is vital to justice.
Incestuous Rape in the Philippines: Protecting Children and Upholding Justice
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a father for four counts of incestuous rape, imposing reclusion perpetua without parole under RA 9346.
Carrier Liability in Voyage Charters: Who Is Responsible When the Ship Isn't Yours
A common carrier cannot escape liability for lost cargo by claiming it did not own the vessel used. Philippine Supreme Court ruling explained.
Forcible Entry Claims in Philippine Real Estate: Why Prior Physical Possession Matters
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies forcible entry rules: prior physical possession, not paper rights, determines who can sue for ejectment.
Execution Pending Appeal in Philippine Election Cases: Upholding the Electorate's Will
When can a winning candidate take office while an election protest is on appeal? The Supreme Court explains the rules on execution pending appeal.
Land Reclassification vs Agrarian Reform: When Local Plans Meet National Mandates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on forcible entry clarifies possession, ownership, and the limits of local land reclassification powers.
Illegal Dismissal: Employer's Burden of Proof and the Defense of Abandonment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers bear the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases, and abandonment cannot be presumed from mere absence.
Filing Supplemental Complaints in Philippine Courts: Timelines and Proper Procedure
Learn the rules on supplemental complaints in Philippine courts—timelines, procedure, and key principles from recent jurisprudence.
Navigating the Fine Line Between Legal Picketing and Illegal Strikes in the Philippines
When does a peaceful protest become an illegal strike? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction and the consequences for union officers.
Substantial Evidence Needed for Loss of Trust and Confidence Dismissals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that loss of trust and confidence requires substantial evidence, not mere suspicion, to justify employee dismissal.
Does Filing a Case Stop the Clock? Prescription in Philippine Land Registration Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that prescription and laches do not bar enforcement of final judgments in land registration cases, explaining why.
Beyond the Title: Why Philippine Banks Must Investigate Loan Collateral Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Omengan v. PNB clarifies banks' duty to investigate collateral ownership beyond the certificate of title.
Navigating Conflicting Land Titles in the Philippines: Due Diligence and the Doctrine of Indefeasibility
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land title disputes, due diligence, and why factual findings bind appellate review.
Voluntary Retirement vs Illegal Dismissal: When a Resignation Is Truly Voluntary
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a voluntary retirement is valid and not illegal dismissal, using Amkor Technology v. Juangco.
Prescription and Laches in Land Registration Cases: The Sta. Ana Doctrine Affirmed
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that prescription and laches do not bar enforcement of final land registration judgments, protecting property owners' rights.
Protecting Your Property Investments: Understanding Buyer in Good Faith in Philippine Real Estate Law
Learn how Philippine courts treat "buyer in good faith" and banks' duty of diligence in real estate transactions, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies in Philippine Forestry Land Disputes
A 2007 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when courts may intervene in forestry land disputes and why administrative remedies must first be exhausted.
Land Disputes in the Philippines: Why Clear Property Boundaries Are Crucial
A Supreme Court ruling on a Cabuyao land dispute shows why verifying property boundaries and prior titles is essential before buying land in the Philippines.
Land Title Forever: Why Court Decisions in Land Registration Cases Don't Expire in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling confirms that prescription and laches do not bar enforcement of final land registration judgments, protecting property rights indefinitely.
Strict Deadlines Matter Navigating SEC Appeals AND Corporate Liability FOR Unlicensed Brokers IN THE Philippin
When is a bank liable for breach of contract in a credit line dispute? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on conditional loan approvals and the duty of banks to exercise prudence in dealing with re
Philippine LAW Owner Liability FOR Contractor Debts Understanding Article 1729
When can a building owner be held liable for a contractor's unpaid debts? The Supreme Court explains Article 1729 of the Civil Code.