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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Upholding Procedural Rules: Why Filing Deadlines Matter in Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling shows why missed appeal deadlines and improper certiorari petitions can lead to immediate eviction and demolition.
Interpreting Contracts When Subsequent Means After THE Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contract interpretation: "subsequent administrative orders" means orders issued after the contract's signing date.
Supreme Court Strikes Down SSS Retirement Date Restriction on Survivor's Pension
The Supreme Court declared unconstitutional the SSS rule limiting survivor's pension to beneficiaries "as of the date of retirement," ruling it violates due process and equal protection.
Bigamy and Presumptive Death: When a Second Marriage Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court explains why a judicial declaration of presumptive death is required before remarrying, and when bigamy applies.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies in DENR Land Disputes: Key Lessons from Morcal v. Laviña
Learn the doctrine of exhaustion of administrative remedies in DENR land disputes through the Supreme Court's ruling in Morcal v. Laviña.
Poor Performance vs Neglect: Defining Just Cause for Employee Termination in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when poor work performance justifies termination and when it does not, explaining the legal distinction.
Failure to Resolve Motions Promptly Is Gross Inefficiency for Judges
A judge who fails to resolve pending motions within the 90-day reglementary period commits gross inefficiency and faces administrative sanctions.
Real Estate Installment Cancellation Rules Under the Maceda Law: Key Lessons from Fabrigas v. San Francisco De
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies Maceda Law cancellation rules, novation, and ratification in installment contract disputes.
Truth and Oath in Attorney Discipline: When Perjury Allegations Against Lawyers Fail
Explaining Asturias v. Serrano, where the Supreme Court dismissed disbarment complaints for lack of clear evidence of willful falsehood.
Waiver and the Family Home Claiming Exemption From Execution in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a family home exemption from execution is lost through waiver or delay in claiming it.
Presidential Proclamations and Land Ownership: Military Reservations in the Philippines
Can a presidential proclamation override private land claims? The Supreme Court clarifies how military reservations affect ownership rights.
Land Dispute Priority Rights of Actual Occupants vs Formal Applicants
Supreme Court ruling on whether actual occupants or formal applicants have priority rights in public land disposition cases under Philippine law.
Defiance and Dismissal: Upholding Employers' Right to Terminate for Insubordination and Loss of Trust
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of sales supervisor for willful disobedience and loss of trust, clarifying employer rights under Article 282.
Annulment of Judgment: Abuse of Discretion vs. Lack of Jurisdiction in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that grave abuse of discretion is not a ground for annulment of judgment, which requires extrinsic fraud or lack of jurisdiction.
Agrarian Reform and Jurisdictional Boundaries: Clarifying DARAB's Role in CLOA Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction in CLOA disputes, distinguishing agrarian disputes from administrative implementation of agrarian reform laws.
Land Dispute Prior Rights Fraud Allegations IN Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land disputes, prior rights, and fraud allegations in property sales explained for everyday readers.
Easement Rights Prevail: Right of Way Protection Despite Title Deficiencies in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on easement of right-of-way, actual knowledge, and protection despite unregistered title annotations.
Tenancy Rights vs Land Ownership: Proving Agricultural Leasehold Agreements
When does a tiller become a tenant? The Supreme Court clarifies the requisites of agricultural leasehold and its effect on ejectment cases.
Trust Receipts vs Mortgage: Who Owns the Goods in Philippine Law?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on trust receipts versus chattel mortgages, ownership disputes, and the rights of entrustors over mortgaged goods.
POEA Contract or Labor Code: Which Governs Seafarer Rights in Domestic Waters?
Supreme Court clarifies when a POEA-approved seafarer contract ends and the Labor Code takes over for domestic voyages.
Oral Loan Agreements in the Philippines: When a Verbal Promise Is Legally Binding
Oral loan agreements can be enforceable in the Philippines. Learn the rules, evidence needed, and key Supreme Court ruling on verbal contracts.
When Judges Are Sued for Issuing TROs: The Limits of Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when judicial errors in issuing TROs are administrative offenses or mere judicial discretion.
Rape and Intimidation: How Threats Establish Guilt and Determine Penalty
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how threats of posting nude photos constitute intimidation and warrant reclusion perpetua.
Trust Receipts and Personal Guarantees: When Corporate Officers Are Personally Liable
Corporate officers who sign trust receipts may face personal liability. The Supreme Court clarifies when a signature creates a guarantee.