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.
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Retirement Benefits CBA vs Labor Code: Pilot Entitlements Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when CBA retirement benefits prevail over Labor Code Article 287, using a PAL pilot's case as guide.
Private vs Common Carrier: Who Bears Cargo Loss Under Insurance Policies
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a carrier is private or common, and how "other insurance" clauses affect liability for lost cargo.
Eminent Domain vs Easement: Just Compensation for Transmission Lines in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when transmission line projects require full just compensation rather than mere easement fees.
Res Judicata and Land Disputes: When a Final Decision Bars a Quiet Title Action
A final Bureau of Lands decision bars a quiet title action under res judicata. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Forfeiture of Net Profits in Legal Separation: Protecting Children's Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies forfeiture of guilty spouse's net profits in legal separation, protecting children's inheritance rights.
Seafarer's Basketball Injury Compensable Under Bunkhouse Rule
Philippine Supreme Court rules seafarer's basketball injury on board vessel is work-related and compensable under the Bunkhouse Rule.
When Can a Clerk of Court Refuse a Pleading? Ministerial Duty vs. Discretion
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that clerks of court have a ministerial duty to receive pleadings; only judges may judge their sufficiency.
Binding Counsel When Attorney Negligence Impacts A Clients Appeal IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a client is bound by counsel's negligence in failing to file an appeal brief, and limits of certiorari.
Tenant Estoppel and Tacita Reconduccion in Unlawful Detainer: Samelo v. Manotok Services
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tenant estoppel, implied lease renewal, and interest in unlawful detainer cases.
Novation Nullified: Why Payment Agreements Don't Automatically Erase Original Loan Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a new payment agreement novates an old loan—and when it doesn't, in Heirs of Franco v. Gonzales.
Failure to Account for Trust Property as Evidence of Estafa
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how failure to return property held in trust can prove estafa under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code.
Expropriation for Socialized Housing: Balancing Public Need and Private Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on City of Manila's failed expropriation for socialized housing, highlighting strict rules on eminent domain.
Determining the Reckoning Point for Unlawful Detainer Actions: The Significance of the Final Demand to Vacate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that the one-year period for unlawful detainer is counted from the last demand to vacate, not lease expiration.
Age Matters: Distinguishing Sexual Abuse from Rape Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sexual act against a minor is sexual abuse under RA 7610 versus statutory rape under the Revised Penal Code.
Age Discrepancies in Statutory Rape: Reassessing Penalties Under Special Laws and the Revised Penal Code
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a child victim's age determines whether an offender is charged with statutory rape or sexual abuse under RA 7610.
Litis Pendentia vs. Separate Causes of Action: A Philippine Civil Law Primer
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when two suits involve the same cause of action, distinguishing litis pendentia from separate proceedings.
Breach of Trust and Confidence as Just Cause for Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when an employer may validly dismiss an employee for loss of trust and confidence, citing Villanueva v. NLRC.
Trust Receipts vs Loans: Distinguishing Obligations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between trust receipts and loan obligations, and the legal consequences for banks and borrowers.
Escheat Proceedings: Banks Must Notify Depositors Before Dormant Funds Are Transferred to the State
Philippine Supreme Court rules on banks' duty to notify depositors before dormant funds are escheated to the state, protecting depositor rights.
Breach of Trust: Employer May Dismiss for Misconduct Despite Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an employee's acquittal in a criminal case does not bar dismissal for loss of trust and confidence.
Sheriffs Duty Balancing Execution Of Writs With Due Diligence And Impartiality
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judges' duty to decide cases within 90 days, and the consequences of delay.
Treasury Bill Trading Roles: When a "Conduit" Is Really a Principal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a treasury bill trader acts as principal, not conduit, and when set-off applies.
Guardianship and Competency: Defining the Boundaries of Legal Protection
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a person is legally This requires proof of actual incapacity, not mere difficulty or poor judgment.
Probationary Employment: Employers Must Inform Employees of Regularization Standards
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on probationary employment: employers must inform employees of regularization standards at the time of engagement.