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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Forum Shopping in International Arbitration: Lessons from Transfield v. Luzon Hydro
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when parallel court actions and arbitration proceedings constitute forum shopping, and when they do not.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: Extramarital Affair and Child Bar Judicial Office
Supreme Court dismisses a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and child, and suspends him from law practice for three years.
Administrative Offenses Do Not Prescribe: The Standard of Proof in Title Reconstitution
A 2026 Supreme Court ruling clarifies how lost land titles may be reconstituted when registry records are destroyed, and what evidence courts must require.
Regular Employment Status: When a Probationary Employee Becomes Regular
Understand when a probationary employee becomes regular under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Dusit Hotel Nikko v. Gatbonton.
Protecting Landowner Rights Due Process and Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform
Learn how the Supreme Court balanced landowner due process rights with farmer-beneficiary qualifications in agrarian reform cases under RA 6657.
When Can CLOAs Be Canceled? Landowner Rights Under CARP Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when CLOAs may be canceled, who may question farmer-beneficiary qualifications, and landowner rights under CARP.
Exhausting Administrative Remedies with the COA: A Prerequisite for Money Claims Against Government Agencies
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that money claims against government agencies must first be filed with the COA before going to court.
Regular Employment by Operation of Law: The PLDT v. Arceo Case
When does a casual employee become regular? The Supreme Court explains the rules on regular employment under Article 280 of the Labor Code.
Constructive Dismissal and OFWs: What the Supreme Court Says About Quitting
The Supreme Court explains when an OFW's resignation is constructive dismissal and how quitclaims affect claims for unpaid wages.
Execution Pending Appeal in the Philippines: When Can a Judgment Be Enforced Immediately
Philippine Supreme Court explains when execution pending appeal is allowed and why "good reasons" must be compelling, not merely convenient.
When Can a Lawyer Be Disciplined? No Prescription for Attorney Misconduct
The Supreme Court strikes down the IBP's two-year prescription rule, affirming that lawyer misconduct can be disciplined anytime.
Writ of Prohibition in Philippine Courts: Protecting Rights From Court Overreach
Learn how the Supreme Court defines the proper use of prohibition writs and protects non-parties from court orders exceeding jurisdiction.
The High Cost of Dishonesty: Falsifying Credentials in Philippine Government Service
Learn how the Supreme Court penalizes falsified credentials in government service, and what this means for public officials and employees.
Void Contracts and Ejectment: Property Rights in the Philippines
When a contract is void from the start, it cannot support an ejectment suit. Learn the legal rules from a Philippine Supreme Court case.
Navigating Philippine Courts: Forum Shopping and the Writ of Prohibition
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on forum shopping, the writ of prohibition, and judicial hierarchy in Montes v. Court of Appeals.
Attorney Negligence: Failing to File a Pre-Trial Brief in the Philippines
When a lawyer's failure to file a pre-trial brief leads to case dismissal, the Supreme Court may impose disciplinary sanctions. Learn the rules.
Upholding Due Process in Search Warrants: The Kho v. Lanzanas Standard
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies probable cause standards for search warrants and due process in intellectual property cases.
When Void Contracts Cannot Support Ejectment: Republic v. La'o
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void contracts under RA 3019 and their effect on ejectment cases and property rights.
Missed Deadlines, Lost Liberty: When Lawyer Negligence Costs Clients Their Freedom
A lawyer's missed 15-day deadline cost clients their liberty. The Supreme Court suspends Atty. Akut for six months for negligence.
David v. Arroyo: The Supreme Court on Presidential Powers and Civil Liberties
A landmark ruling on how the President's emergency powers under the Constitution must yield to fundamental civil liberties.
Managerial Staff vs Regular Employees: Overtime Pay and Labor Standards in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains why managerial staff, like regular employees, are exempt from overtime pay and other labor standard benefits.
Documentary Stamp Tax on Pawnshop Pledges: A Clear Guide
The Supreme Court confirms pawnshop pledges are subject to documentary stamp tax under the National Internal Revenue Code. Learn the rules.
DARAB Jurisdiction Covers Agrarian Disputes Beyond Landlord-Tenant Relationships
Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction extends to all agrarian disputes, including joint production agreements under CARP, not just traditional landlord-tenant cases.
Valid Service of Summons on Corporations: Lessons from Aboitiz International Forwarders
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when service of summons on a corporate employee is valid and binds the corporation.