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.
Finality of Settlement Agreements Barring Future Claims Despite Quasi-Delict Allegations in Seafarer Death Cas
SC rules valid settlement agreements bar seafarers' heirs from filing quasi-delict claims after accepting death benefits.
When Judges Interfere with Writs of Execution: A Lesson in Judicial Conduct
A judge who stopped a sheriff from implementing a writ of execution was fined for conduct unbecoming a judicial officer.
Lump Sum Sales Boundaries Prevail Over Area In Real Estate Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in lump sum real estate sales, boundaries control over stated area under Article 1542.
Territorial Boundaries vs. Resource Sharing: Defining LGUs' Share of National Wealth
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may claim a share of national wealth, using the Palawan-Camago-Malampaya dispute as the benchmark case.
Willful Disobedience as Just Cause for Termination: Mamaril v. The Red System Company
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's repeated violation of safety rules justifies dismissal for willful disobedience under the Labor Code.
Self-Defense vs. Treachery: The Boundaries of Justifiable Homicide in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies a killing as murder under Philippine law.
Reasonable Doubt in Drug Cases: The Three-Witness Rule and Chain of Custody
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody and missing witnesses—explaining Section 21, RA 9165 requirements.
The Five-Year Rule on Execution of Judgments: Villareal v. MWSS Explained
Winning a case is only half the battle. Learn the five-year rule on executing judgments and why delay can void a writ.
Judicial Misconduct When Ex Parte Orders Exceed Legal Boundaries
The Supreme Court held a judge liable for gross ignorance of the law for issuing an ex parte TPO that improperly awarded child custody.
Chain of Custody Breaches Lead to Acquittal in Drug Cases: People v. Lim Ching
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after police breached chain of custody rules under Section 21, RA 9165, safeguarding the accused's right to proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police breached chain of custody rules under RA 9165, stressing evidence integrity.
Upholding Workers Rights Wage Increases AND Unfair Labor Practices IN Collective Bargaining
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a wage increase outside a CBA is demandable, and how employers' waiver schemes constitute unfair labor practice.
When Business Closure Is Valid: Employer Prerogative vs. Employee Security
The Supreme Court explains when a company may validly close operations and terminate employees, and how workers can challenge the closure.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Forfeiture of Benefits for Neglect and Misconduct
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on CESB vs. CSC regarding PAO positions, third-level eligibility, and jurisdictional boundaries in civil service.
Corporate Representation: The Necessity of Board Resolutions in Legal Actions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers need board resolutions to file or defend legal actions, and the limits of derivative suits.
Unconscionable Interest: The Limits of Contractual Freedom in Philippine Loans
Philippine courts can strike down unconscionable interest rates in loan agreements. Learn the rules on excessive interest and how borrowers are protected.
Accretion vs. Reclamation: Philippine Supreme Court Rules on Artificial Land Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that artificially filled land is not accretion under Article 457, settling ownership disputes over man-made extensions.
Judicial Accountability: Defining the Boundaries of Gross Ignorance of the Law
When does a judge's legal error become gross ignorance of the law? The Supreme Court clarifies the standard in Ortega v. Judge Dacara.
Surety’s Liability: The Extent and Limits Under Philippine Law
Understand the scope of a surety’s obligations in the Philippines, including liability limits, defenses, and key legal principles.
Insubordination in the Workplace: Defining the Scope of Employee Duties and Employer Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's refusal to follow orders is insubordination and when it is a justified defense against dismissal.
Search Warrant Validity: MTC Authority and Jurisdictional Boundaries
Supreme Court clarifies that a Municipal Trial Court may issue a search warrant even for offenses outside its trial jurisdiction, within the same judicial region.
Illegal Slowdowns and Union Officer Dismissal: The Polyson Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a work slowdown becomes an illegal strike and justifies dismissal of union officers under Philippine labor law.
Upholding Candor and Fairness: Attorney Suspended for Unconscionable Fees and Deceitful Conduct
A lawyer who deceived elderly clients into signing an unfair fee agreement was suspended for five years. Learn the ethical rules on attorney's fees.
ERC v. Meralco: Only the Supreme Court Can Enjoin EPIRA Implementation
The Supreme Court rules that only it can enjoin EPIRA implementation, clarifying limits on RTC injunctive power over energy regulations.