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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Philippine Mining Rights: Securing Priority Through Timely Filing of Applications
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mining rights priority: timely filing of applications determines preferential rights, not later registration.
Sheriffs' Ministerial Duty: Implementing Court Orders Correctly to Avoid Misconduct Charges
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs' ministerial duty in enforcing writs and how to properly address alleged irregularities in implementation.
Good Faith and Torrens System Limits to Protection for Purchasers of Registered Land in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on emancipation patents, Torrens titles, and the limits of good faith protection for land purchasers.
Delayed Birth Registration Validity and Legal Presumptions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on delayed birth registration, legal presumptions, and evidentiary weight in civil cases.
Employer's Duty of Care: When Is a Philippine Company Liable for an Employee's Illness?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer liability for employee illness under Article 161 of the Labor Code in Ocean Builders v. Cubacub.
Seafarer Disability Claims Proving Entitlement to CBA Benefits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what seafarers must prove to claim collective bargaining agreement disability benefits over POEA contract amounts.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When Philippine Employers Can Validly Dismiss Employees
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal and who counts as managerial staff.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Possession Case
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug possession accused due to broken chain of custody, emphasizing strict compliance with RA 9165 procedures.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Gaps Lead to Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug possession defendant over broken chain of custody, explaining the strict integrity rules under RA 9165.
VAT Compliance Strict Invoicing Requirements FOR Tax Credit Claims IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict VAT invoicing requirements for zero-rated sales tax credit claims.
Irrevocable Choice: Tax Credit Carry-Over and Refund Rules in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that choosing to carry over excess tax credit bars refund claims, but the credit can be used indefinitely.
Just Compensation in Land Reform: Ensuring Fair Value for Agricultural Landowners in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation is computed for agricultural landowners under CARP, including DAR formula rules and compensable areas.
Construction Arbitration in the Philippines: Why CIAC Jurisdiction Is Broad and Binding
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies CIAC's broad jurisdiction over construction disputes, explaining why arbitration clauses vest exclusive authority regardless of contract restrictions.
Implied Trust in Mortgage Contracts: When the Named Mortgagee Is Not the Real Lender
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a mortgage contract's named mortgagee may be held as a mere trustee for the true lender under an implied trust.
Loan Interest Rate Adjustments Understanding Banks Rights AND Borrowers Obligations IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on implied trusts in mortgage contracts, parol evidence, and borrower protections.
Quo Warranto and Reinstatement Rights After Ombudsman Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on quo warranto, reinstatement rights, and the immediate executory nature of Ombudsman dismissal orders.
Surety Agreements in the Philippines: Understanding Liability Limits and Payment Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies surety liability caps, payment evidence, and when obligations are extinguished under Article 2054.
Can a Bank Foreclose the Entire Loan on a Partial Mortgage? Philippine Supreme Court Rules
Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether a bank may foreclose a real estate mortgage for the full loan amount when only part of it was secured by the property.
Robbery With Homicide and Conspiracy: Philippine Law Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies liability for robbery with homicide, conspiracy, and penalties under Article 294 of the Revised Penal Code.
Where Can a Mortgage Be Foreclosed in the Philippines? Venue Rules Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies venue and scope of extrajudicial foreclosure, including what happens when a mortgage covers only part of a loan.
When Can a Bank's Foreclosure Sale Be Nullified? Philippine Rules Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a bank's foreclosure sale is valid or void, and what happens when a bank collects beyond what the mortgage covers.
Loss of Trust Without Proof: Navigating Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that loss of trust and confidence requires clear evidence, not mere suspicion, to justify employee dismissal.
Good Faith No Defense for Sheriff Who Collected Execution Fees Without Court Approval
Philippine Supreme Court holds sheriff liable for grave misconduct, dishonesty, and neglect of duty for collecting execution expenses without prior court approval.
Employer Liability for Employee Negligence: Proving Due Diligence in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability for employee negligence and the burden of proving due diligence in labor cases.