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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Finality of Supreme Court Decisions: Understanding Res Judicata in Philippine Labor Disputes
Learn how the doctrine of res judicata bars relitigation of final labor rulings, with practical guidance for employers and employees.
Perfecting a Contract to Sell: Why Payment Terms Matter in Philippine Real Estate Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why agreeing on price alone does not perfect a contract to sell real property—payment terms are essential.
Homicide or Reckless Imprudence: Intent Matters in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court explains when a fatal act is homicide versus reckless imprudence, focusing on criminal intent.
Delay in Resolving Motions: Judicial Efficiency and Due Process in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court holds judges accountable for undue delay in resolving motions, balancing judicial efficiency with due process.
Reinstatement Isn't Just an Order: Supreme Court Clarifies Employers' Backwage Obligations in Illegal Dismissa
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that an order to reinstate an illegally dismissed employee does not stop backwages from accruing until actual reinstatement or separation pay.
Declare or Beware: Understanding Smuggling Under Philippine Customs Law
A flight attendant concealed 20.1 kg of gold jewelry and failed to declare it. The Supreme Court explains when non-declaration becomes smuggling.
Implied Tenancy in Philippine Agrarian Law: Security of Tenure Beyond Written Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on implied tenancy, forged contracts, and security of tenure for agricultural tenants under RA 1199.
Power Rates and Public Notice: Why Transparency Matters in Philippine Electricity Regulations
A Supreme Court ruling on Meralco's generation charge increase clarifies when public notice and publication are required for rate adjustments under EPIRA.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Prior Payment and Lienholders' Rights Under RA 8974
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on prior payment of just compensation in expropriation and the rights of lienholders like contractors and suppliers.
When Can Someone Not a Party to a Contract Sue? The Real Party in Interest Rule
Philippine Supreme Court explains the real party in interest rule and when a non-party to a contract can sue for rescission.
Automatic Review of Death Penalty Cases Cannot Be Waived by Appeal Abandonment
The Supreme Court rules the Court of Appeals erred in dismissing an automatic death penalty review due to the accused's failure to file a brief.
Sheriff Duties in Executing Writs: Notice to Vacate and Money Judgment Enforcement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriff duties on notice to vacate and enforcing money judgments in executions, citing Rule 39.
Fiscal Autonomy of the Judiciary: Limits on DBM Control Over Court Positions
The Supreme Court affirms its fiscal autonomy and administrative supervision over court personnel, limiting DBM's power to alter judicial positions.
Supreme Court Dismisses Sheriff for Dishonesty and Grave Misconduct
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld a sheriff's dismissal for dishonesty, extortion, and neglect—and what this means for court personnel integrity.
Automatic Review of Death Penalty Cases Cannot Be Waived: People v. Flores
The Supreme Court rules that appellate courts cannot dismiss death penalty appeals for failure to file briefs, as review is mandatory.
Seafarer Death Benefits: Proving Work-Related Causation in Philippine Law
When can a seafarer's family claim death benefits? The Supreme Court explains the evidence needed to prove work-related causation.
Supreme Court: No Waiver of Automatic Review in Death Penalty Cases
The High Court clarifies that death penalty cases undergo mandatory review, and the Court of Appeals cannot dismiss appeals for failure to file briefs.
Independent Contractor OR Employee Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Control Test IN Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the control test distinguishing independent contractors from employees in labor disputes, protecting worker rights.
Probable Cause and Warrants of Arrest: Safeguarding Your Rights in the Philippines
Understand probable cause and warrant issuance in Philippine criminal procedure, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in De Joya v. Marquez.
Breach of Public Trust: Court Employees Held Accountable for Mismanagement of Judiciary Funds
The Supreme Court dismisses two MTC employees for grave misconduct and dishonesty over misappropriated judiciary funds, reaffirming that public office is a public trust.
How Minority Affects Criminal Liability: The Larrañaga Case on Privileged Mitigating Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains how the privileged mitigating circumstance of minority lowers penalties under the Revised Penal Code.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Philippine Supreme Court Case Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, loss of trust and confidence, and the employer's burden of proof in termination cases.
Rescission of Real Estate Sales: Understanding Breach of Contract and Third Party Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who may sue for rescission of real estate contracts, real party in interest rule, and implied trusts under Article 1448.
SSS Death Benefits for Legal Spouses: Separation Agreements and Beneficiary Rights
A look at how Philippine law treats legal spouses as SSS primary beneficiaries despite separation agreements, and the procedural lessons from a 2006 Supreme Court ruling.