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.
Substantial Completion and Contract Termination in Construction Disputes: PSHS v. Pirra Construction
When is a project substantially completed, and when can a government agency terminate a construction contract? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Premature Environmental Challenges Clarifying EIS Requirements in Public-Private Partnerships
Supreme Court clarifies when EIS and ECC duties arise in PPP projects, ruling that pre-bidding environmental challenges are premature.
Quieting of Title vs. Annulment of Title: Key Supreme Court Ruling on Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a quieting of title action is actually an annulment of title, and why the substance of a complaint matters.
Right of Way Ownership: Servient Estate and Easement Acquisition Rules
Supreme Court clarifies who owns a road right of way and how easements are acquired under Philippine law.
Supreme Court on COLA Back Pay for Water District Employees: Good Faith Excuses Refund
The Supreme Court ruled that water district employees need not refund disallowed COLA back pay, citing good faith and the integration of allowances under the Salary Standardization Law.
Over Recovery Refunds Ensuring Fair Electricity Rates FOR Consumers
Explains NEECO I v. ERC on electric cooperative over-recovery refunds, system loss caps, and consumer rate protection.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: Warrantless Arrests and Chain of Custody Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when warrantless arrests are valid and how chain of custody rules apply in drug paraphernalia cases under RA 9165.
Can a University Be Bound by Unauthorized Mortgages? Corporate Authority Explained
When can a corporation be bound by an officer's unauthorized acts? The Supreme Court explains in University of Mindanao v. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
Construction Delays: Who Bears the Cost? Lessons from BF Corp v. Werdenberg
A Supreme Court ruling on construction delays clarifies how courts apportion liability and compute liquidated damages when both parties share fault.
Simulated Contracts: When a Deed of Sale Isn't Really a Sale
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a deed of sale is absolutely simulated and void, using Tanchuling v. Cantela as a guide.
Presumption of Compensability Protecting Seafarers With Cardiovascular Disease
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarers' disability benefits for cardiovascular disease, presumption of compensability, and POEA-SEC.
Breach of Contract and the Limits of Bank Manager Authority: Apparent Authority in Real Estate Transactions
When does a bank branch manager's promise bind the bank? The Supreme Court explains apparent authority in Games and Garments Developers, Inc. v. Allied Banking Corporation.
Certiorari Not a Substitute for Appeal: Lessons from Nuque v. Aquino
The Supreme Court reiterates that certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal, and a motion for reconsideration is generally required before filing one.
Lawyer's Neglect of Appeal Brief: When Courts Dismiss Disbarment Cases
A lawyer who lets an appeal lapse violates the Code of Professional Responsibility, but death of the respondent can end the case.
Indispensable Parties in Loan Disputes: The Land Bank v. Cacayuran Rule
Why failing to implead an indispensable party voids court rulings in loan agreement disputes, explained through Land Bank v. Cacayuran.
Upholding Integrity: Attorney Liability for Notarial Register Errors in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court holds notary public liable for erroneous notarial register entries, stressing the duty to record every notarial act accurately.
Slippage in Construction Contracts: Government Immunity and Contractor Accountability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on government immunity in construction contracts and contractor liability for project delays and slippage.
Credibility of Rape Victim's Testimony Overcomes Delay and Apparent Inconsistencies
Supreme Court explains why a rape victim's delayed report and acceptance of money do not destroy her credibility.
Surety Bonds and Execution Pending Appeal: What Lawyers Should Know
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when execution pending appeal may run against a surety and how far the bond covers damages.
When a Heated Argument Is Not "Fighting": A Philippine Labor Law Lesson on Just Cause Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that "fighting" as a just cause for dismissal requires physical combat, not mere verbal altercations.
Forged Signatures and Void Sales: Protecting Conjugal Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court nullified a sale based on forged signatures, protecting conjugal property and heirs' rights under Philippine law.
Treachery Defined: The Element of Surprise in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains how sudden, unexpected attacks constitute treachery, qualifying killings as murder under Philippine law.
Falsification of Public Documents: Balancing Expert Testimony and Due Process
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how NBI expert reports and due process rights interact in falsification preliminary investigations.
Finality of Judgments: The Binding Effect of Unchallenged Court Orders
A Supreme Court ruling on how an unchallenged labor decision becomes final, binding, and bars re-litigation of the same issues.