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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Disbarment for Infidelity: Moral Standards in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for marital infidelity, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for all members of the bar.
Taxpayers Beware: Exhaust Administrative Remedies Before Appealing Property Tax Disputes to Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that property tax disputes must first go through administrative remedies before courts can intervene.
Default Judgments and Due Process: Ensuring Fair Notice in Legal Proceedings
Learn how the Supreme Court protects due process in default judgments, emphasizing fair notice and the proper remedy for appealing decisions.
Dismissal of Managerial Employee for Loss of Trust and Confidence: PLDT v. Tolentino
When can a company validly dismiss a managerial employee for loss of trust and confidence? The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Perfected Sale vs Mortgage: When a Seller's Breach Doesn't Void a Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a seller's breach doesn't void a perfected sale, distinguishing sale from mortgage.
Carrier's Improper Stowage Overrides Fortuitous Event Defense in Cargo Loss Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on carrier liability when improper stowage, not weather, causes cargo loss at sea.
Unilateral Contract Termination: When GSIS Can Rescind Agreements
When can a party unilaterally terminate a contract? The Supreme Court explains valid cause and contractual rights in Astroland v. GSIS.
Upholding Judicial Authority: The Consequences of Unauthorized Court Transfers
A judge and court staff were disciplined for moving a court's station without prior Supreme Court approval. Learn the rules and risks.
When Retired Judges Decide Cases: Why Those Rulings Are Void
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that decisions rendered or promulgated after a judge's retirement are null and void, with administrative liability.
Contract Termination in Construction: When Express Terms and Damages Control
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling upholds a contractor's right to terminate a sub-contract for delay and poor workmanship, and explains when damages may be awarded.
Bouncing Checks and Subsidiary Imprisonment: What BP 22 Violators Face
Can a BP 22 violator be jailed for failing to pay fines? The Supreme Court explains subsidiary imprisonment rules.
Can Employers Restrict Employee Marriages to Competitors? The Glaxo Case
The Supreme Court upholds a drug company's policy against employees marrying competitor employees, citing management prerogative and conflict-of-interest prevention.
COMELEC's Duty to Hold Special Barangay Elections After a Failed Poll: The Sambarani Doctrine
The Supreme Court ruled that COMELEC cannot refuse to hold special barangay elections after a failure of election, and that incumbent officials hold over until successors are elected.
Piercing the Corporate Veil When Tax Avoidance Becomes Evasion
The Supreme Court explains when tax planning crosses the line into tax evasion, and when a stockholder's estate can be held liable for corporate tax deficiencies.
Copyright Search Warrants: Balancing IP Rights and Constitutional Safeguards
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on probable cause and specificity in copyright infringement search warrants against software piracy.
Upholding Employee Rights When Supervisor Instructions Shield Against Dismissal for Disobedience
Philippine Supreme Court rules an employee following supervisor orders in good faith cannot be dismissed for willful disobedience.
Illegal Recruitment Testimonial Evidence Trumps Lack OF Receipts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal recruitment cases where testimonial evidence outweighs the absence of receipts or documentary proof.
When Language Barriers Invalidate Estate Settlement Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling on when signing an English document without understanding it can void an estate settlement under Article 1332.
Habeas Corpus and the Family Code: When Child Custody Battles Meet Technical Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus petitions for child custody must comply with Article 151 compromise requirements and barangay conciliation rules.
Sheriffs Overreach Defining THE Limits OF Property Levy IN Philippine LAW
When can a sheriff's levy on execution be considered excessive? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of property levy in Philippine law.
Judicial Accountability Fines and Warnings for Neglect of Duty and Delays in Case Resolution
The Supreme Court fined a judge P40,000 for gross inefficiency and misconduct over delayed case rulings and defiance of court orders.
Judicial Accountability: The Duty to Decide Cases on Time and the Cost of Delay
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judges' duty to decide cases within 90 days, and the administrative penalty for unjustified delay.
Disputes in Land Ownership: The Indispensable Parties in Property Cases
Learn when co-owners and the State must be impleaded in property disputes, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Ex Officio Representatives Cannot Receive Honoraria: National Amnesty Commission v. COA
The Supreme Court ruled that representatives of ex officio members cannot receive honoraria or per diems, as they merely act by designation and not by appointment.