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.
SEC Suspension Order as a Valid Defense in B.P. 22 Cases: Gidwani v. People
When a lawful SEC suspension order precedes check presentment, the drawer may be excused from B.P. 22 liability.
Burden of Proof in Seafarer Injury Claims: Proving Self-Inflicted Harm
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an employer can defeat a seafarer's disability claim by proving the injury was self-inflicted.
Ownership Disputes and Wrongful Property Levy: Why Registration Prevails Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on why unregistered sales lose to registered titles and levies, and what buyers must prove to claim good faith.
Seafarer's Basketball Injury Compensable Under Bunkhouse Rule and Personal Comfort Doctrine
Supreme Court rules seafarers injured during onboard recreational activities like basketball are entitled to disability benefits under the Bunkhouse Rule.
Tenant Rights vs Land Reclassification: Agrarian Disputes Explained
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies what proves a valid tenancy in Philippine agrarian disputes, and why certifications alone are not enough.
Closure Due to Serious Losses: When Separation Pay Is Not Required
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when business closure due to serious losses exempts employers from separation pay, but still requires proper notice.
Employer Negligence and the Duty of Supervision: Retirement Benefits Case
Supreme Court ruling on when banks can deduct retirement benefits for employee negligence, and the limits of supervisory liability.
Prescription and Laches in Deed of Sale Cases: Lessons from Sanchez v. Sanchez
When can a deed of sale be challenged in court? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on prescription and laches in Sanchez v. Sanchez.
Breach of Contract vs Loan Obligations: Independent Liabilities in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a debtor's separate contract breach does not extinguish loan obligations to a creditor.
Libel and Public Interest: When Acquittal Does Not Always Mean Freedom From Civil Liability
Explore the Co v. Muñoz ruling on libel, privileged communication, and when acquittal may still leave room for civil liability claims.
Work-Related Illness Compensability of Myocardial Infarction Under Philippine Law
Philippine law on compensability of myocardial infarction as a work-related illness, explained through Supreme Court rulings and legal standards.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Written Agreements in Property Sales
Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer, unconstitutional decrees, and good faith in property possession disputes.
Employer's Duty to Recall Employees After Six-Month Suspension of Operations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a bona fide suspension of business operations beyond six months makes employee termination illegal unless workers are recalled.
Judicial Clemency in the Philippines: What Judges Must Prove to Return to the Bench
Philippine Supreme Court denies former judge's plea for judicial clemency, clarifying the strict requirements for reformation and remorse.
Burden of Proof in Loan Obligations: Notice of Loss in Chattel Mortgage Agreements
When a mortgaged vehicle is stolen, borrowers must prove they notified the bank. Learn the burden of proof rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Hearsay on Trial: Proving Misconduct in Philippine Administrative Law
A look at Far Eastern Surety v. People, on bail bond liability, forgery claims, and the proper mode of appeal under Rule 45.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Misuse of Government Resources and Retirement's Effect on Administrative Cases
Supreme Court rules retirement does not end administrative liability for dishonesty and misuse of government resources in Ombudsman v. Dechavez.
Extrinsic Fraud and Road Lots: When Final Judgments in Property Disputes Stand
The Supreme Court clarifies when extrinsic fraud justifies annulling a final judgment in property disputes, using a road lots redemption case.
Incidental Fraud Damages FOR Exclusion From Corporate Management
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Tankeh v. DBP on incidental fraud, damages, and exclusion from corporate management.
Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accidents: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
A recent Supreme Court ruling clarifies negligence, vicarious liability, and insurer subrogation in Philippine vehicular accident claims.
Judge Dismissed and Suspended From Law Practice for Gross Immorality in Extramarital Affair
Supreme Court dismisses a judge and suspends him from law practice for gross immorality arising from an extramarital affair and child born outside marriage.
Cessation of Aggression Imperative for Valid Self-Defense Claims in Parricide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that self-defense fails once unlawful aggression ceases, as in this parricide conviction.
When Performance Goals Lead to Disputes: Constructive Dismissal in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when unmet performance targets amount to constructive dismissal, explaining the employee's burden of proof.
When Self-Defense Becomes Retaliation: Lessons from a Parricide Conviction
A son killed his father after disarming him. The Supreme Court explains why self-defense failed and became retaliation.