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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Joint Venture vs Employment: What Mendiola v. Court of Appeals Means for Philippine Workers
The Supreme Court clarifies when a profit-sharing arrangement is employment, not a partnership, and protects workers from constructive dismissal.
When a Teacher’s Grade Changes Become Illegal Dismissal: Academic Integrity vs. Discretion
A teacher who altered failing grades was dismissed, but the Supreme Court ruled the dismissal illegal—simple misconduct, not serious misconduct.
Public vs Private Land in the Philippines: Lessons from a Laguna de Bay Registration Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when land near Laguna de Bay is public domain and what applicants must prove to register title.
Work-Related Hypertension Compensability and the Teacher’s Plight Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that a public school teacher’s hypertension and stroke are compensable under PD 626, applying a liberal standard of proof.
Motion for Reconsideration Before IBP Now Allowed in Lawyer Discipline Cases
Supreme Court amends IBP rules to allow motions for reconsideration before appeal in lawyer disciplinary cases, citing Halimao v. Villanueva.
When a Missing Marriage License Doesn't Void a Marriage: Sevilla v. Cardenas
The Supreme Court explains when a missing marriage license does not automatically make a marriage void, and why proof matters.
Hospitals' Cost-Cutting Measures vs Patient Rights: The Manila Doctors Hospital Case
Supreme Court ruling on when hospitals may remove non-essential facilities from patient rooms without incurring liability for damages.
Unmarried Couples Property Rights Understanding Co-Ownership in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law treats property acquired by unmarried couples, including co-ownership rules, rights, and practical implications.
Family Home Exemption: Claiming Protection Before the Execution Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when and how judgment debtors must claim the family home exemption from execution sale.
Challenging Land Titles: Understanding Extrinsic Fraud in Property Registration
The Supreme Court clarifies when fraud can void a land title—and why ordinary disputes over ownership are not enough.
Unfair Labor Practice Dismissals: Employee Rights to Moral and Exemplary Damages
Supreme Court ruling on unfair labor practice dismissals, moral damages, and the rule against splitting causes of action in the Philippines.
When Court Orders Are Enforced: Liability of Judges and Sheriffs in Demolition Cases
Explaining when judges and sheriffs can be held administratively liable for enforcing writs of demolition, based on a 2006 Supreme Court ruling.
Good Faith Builder Rights Under Article 448: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
Understand the rights of a builder in good faith under Philippine law, including the landowner's options under Article 448 of the Civil Code.
Prescription of Offenses Under Special Laws: Absence From the Philippines Does Not Suspend the Period
The Supreme Court rules that under Act No. 3326, an accused's absence from the Philippines does not interrupt the prescriptive period for offenses under special laws.
Credit Card Liability: Gross Negligence and Moral Damages in the Philippines
When can a credit card issuer be liable for moral damages? The Supreme Court explains gross negligence in Bankard v. Feliciano.
VAT on Sale of Assets: When Is It "In the Course of Trade or Business"?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sale of company assets is subject to VAT, requiring that the sale occur in the course of trade or business.
When Can a Sale Be Annulled? Lessons from Ishida v. De Mesa-Magno
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a sale can be annulled, and why courts cannot grant reliefs not prayed for in a complaint.
Mayor's Personal Deposit of Municipal Checks: Official Misconduct and Probable Cause
Supreme Court ruling on when a mayor's deposit of municipal checks into a personal account constitutes probable cause for graft under RA 3019.
Foreshore Rights in the Philippines: When Private Land Meets Public Domain
Philippine foreshore areas are public domain, but private rights can exist. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Procedural Compliance in Philippine Litigation: The PPSTA Case on Court Rules
A Supreme Court ruling shows why procedural rules matter—and when courts may relax them for substantial justice.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Disbarment Case Dismissed for Lack of Clear Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court affirms dismissal of disbarment case against Atty. Teodorico Diesmos, emphasizing the need for clear and convincing evidence in disciplinary proceedings.
Lawyer Suspended for Dishonoring Debt and Issuing Worthless Checks
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to pay debt and issuing checks drawn against a closed account.
Documentary Stamp Tax on Foreign Exchange Sales: Who Pays
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on documentary stamp tax liability for foreign exchange sales to the Central Bank.
Preliminary Injunctions and Grave Abuse of Discretion: What Philippine Courts Require
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's error becomes grave abuse of discretion, using a preliminary investigation case as guide.