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.
Possession vs Ownership: Writ of Possession and Third-Party Claims in Philippine Foreclosures
A writ of possession is ministerial only against the mortgagor. Third parties with adverse claims must be heard first.
RTC Has Exclusive Jurisdiction Over Libel Cases, Even for Public Officers
The Supreme Court clarifies that Regional Trial Courts exclusively handle libel cases, regardless of whether the accused is a public officer.
Conjugal Property and Spousal Liability: Defining Benefit Under the Family Code
When can a spouse's personal debt be charged against conjugal property? The Supreme Court clarifies the Rule Under Article 122
Retirement Benefits: Employer's Duty Beyond Initial Retirement
Retired employee continues working; Supreme Court clarifies prescription, retirement pay computation, and employer obligations under Philippine law.
Judge Suspended for Gross Ignorance of Law in Misapplying Contempt Powers
A judge's misuse of contempt powers—citing a prosecutor for indirect contempt when only direct contempt applied—led to a six-month suspension.
Stay Orders in Corporate Rehabilitation: Why All Claims Against Distressed Firms Are Suspended
The Supreme Court explains why all claims against corporations under rehabilitation are suspended, regardless of when the claim arose.
Bonus Entitlement Discretion VS Contractual Right IN Employment Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when bonuses are discretionary and when they become contractual obligations of employers.
Kidnapping for Ransom with Homicide: Accountability and Admissibility of Confessions
Supreme Court affirms conviction for kidnapping for ransom with homicide, clarifying conspiracy liability and rules on extra-judicial confessions.
Limits of Mandamus Court Discretion in Criminal Case Dismissals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when mandamus can compel a judge to dismiss criminal cases, and when it cannot.
Execution Pending Appeal Barred by Unresolved Motion for Reconsideration
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a pending motion for reconsideration prevents discretionary execution of a trial court judgment.
Tax Declaration vs Title: Resolving Property Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how tax declarations, birth certificates, and deeds of sale affect property ownership disputes between heirs.
Judicial Impartiality: Why Judges Must Avoid Financial Dealings With Litigants
A judge borrowed money from a party-litigant in a pending case. The Supreme Court explains why this violates judicial conduct rules.
Property Rights in Relationships: Protecting Filipino Land Ownership From Alien Acquisition
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether an Austrian's Filipino girlfriend could keep land registered in her name despite his payment and later assignment to a Filipino buyer.
Disbarment for Misusing Blank Checks: Dishonesty and Abuse of Authority
A lawyer who filled up borrowers' blank checks and filed baseless criminal cases was disbarred for gross misconduct and dishonesty.
Reconveyance Actions and Good Faith: Clarifying Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains res judicata and good faith in reconveyance actions, protecting banks that rely on court-issued titles.
Retrenchment Balancing Employer Rights AND Employee Protection During Economic Downturns
The Supreme Court clarifies when retrenchment is valid, what criteria employers may use, and what employees can expect during economic downturns.
Probationary Employment for Teachers: Rights, Limits, and the Manalo Ruling
Learn the rules on probationary employment for private school teachers, including tenure rights, dismissal standards, and the landmark Manalo case.
The 24-Hour Rule in Cargo Claims: Carrier Liability Under Philippine Shipping Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 24-hour claim rule under the Code of Commerce for damaged cargo and its effect on carrier liability.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Balancing Notice and Opportunity to Be Heard
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the twin notice requirement in employee dismissal—opportunity to be heard, not actual hearing, is the essence of due process.
Due Process Rights of Public Officials When Administrative Charges Fail
A public official cannot be held liable for a vague charge never pleaded, nor for a document whose authenticity remains unresolved.
Breach of Preliminary Attachment: Officials Liable for Undue Injury Under RA 3019
Supreme Court rules local officials who released retention money despite a writ of preliminary attachment face criminal liability under RA 3019.
Reinstatement Pending Appeal: Employer Obligations and the Corporate Rehabilitation Exception
When can a company under rehabilitation skip payroll reinstatement? The Supreme Court explains the two-fold test for wage claims pending appeal.
Option Contracts Consideration Requirement For Enforceability In Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on option contracts, consideration, and enforceability under Civil Code. Learn key takeaways.
Voluntary Surrender of Tenancy Rights: Landicho v. Sia Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on voluntary surrender of tenancy rights, farm helper claims, and prescription in Landicho v. Sia.