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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Labor-Only Contracting: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations in the Philippines
Philippine Airlines v. Ligan explains labor-only contracting rules, when workers become regular employees, and employer liability under Philippine law.
Agrarian Reform vs Local Reclassification: Protecting Tenants Rights in the Philippines
When can a local ordinance reclassify farmland and remove tenant protections? The Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction.
Forum Non Conveniens in the Philippines: When Courts Keep Jurisdiction Despite Foreign Elements
Philippine courts can hear cases with foreign elements; a choice-of-law clause does not automatically strip them of jurisdiction.
Oral Sales and Unlawful Detainer: Resolving Property Disputes in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when an oral sale of real property defeats an unlawful detainer suit, and when it does not.
Reconstitution of Title: Strict Proof Required for Lost or Destroyed Land Titles in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict requirements for reconstitution of lost or destroyed land titles under RA 26, emphasizing proof of original title issuance.
Theft vs. Estafa: When Misusing Entrusted Funds Becomes Theft in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when misappropriating funds received for a specific purpose constitutes theft rather than estafa.
Co-Ownership Consent and the Limits of Property Rights in the Philippines
One co-owner's consent cannot authorize construction on common property. The Supreme Court explains forcible entry rules in co-ownership disputes.
Navigating the Court Hierarchy When Directly Appealing to the Supreme Court in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when direct petitions for certiorari are allowed, emphasizing the doctrine of hierarchy of courts.
Misconduct and Retirement Benefits: Grounds for Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
Court clerk’s gross misconduct leads to forfeited retirement benefits, explaining dismissal grounds and why resignation doesn't erase liability.
Abandonment vs Constructive Dismissal: Protecting Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the fine line between abandonment and constructive dismissal, and what employers must prove to justify termination.
Verbal Leases and Ejectment: When Can a Tenant Be Evicted in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains how a verbal month-to-month lease can be terminated, and why ejectment courts may rule on lease and ownership issues.
Gross Receipts vs. Gross Revenue: The Tax Base for Contractors in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that local business tax on contractors is based on gross receipts, not gross revenue.
Strikes and Employee Rights: Understanding the Limits of Union Activities in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, union busting, corporate veil piercing, and quitclaims in labor disputes.
THE Threshold OF Psychological Incapacity Navigating Marital Nullity IN THE Philippines
Proving Land Claims in the Philippines: What a Foreclosure Redemption Case Teaches
A Supreme Court ruling on foreclosure redemption clarifies how blanket mortgage clauses affect land claims and property disputes in the Philippines.
Good Faith Exception Absolving Public Officials From Misconduct Charges IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how good faith absolves public officials from administrative misconduct charges, explained in plain language.
Well-Known Foreign Trademarks Protected in the Philippines Even Without Local Registration
Philippine Supreme Court affirms protection for well-known foreign trademarks like IN-N-OUT Burger, even without local registration or local business presence.
When Landlocked Property Demands Passage: Establishing a Legal Right of Way in the Philippines
Philippine law allows landlocked owners to demand a right of way, but only after meeting four strict requirements. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Philippine Government Employees and the Right to Protest: Understanding the Limits of Mass Actions
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of civil servants' right to protest and the legal boundaries of mass actions in the Philippines.
Partitioning Property Understanding Co-Ownership and Heirs' Rights in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law resolves double sales of inherited property, the role of registration, and heirs' rights in co-ownership disputes.
Behest Loans and Prescription: Timelines for Prosecuting Corrupt Practices in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when prescription begins for behest loan cases under RA 3019, and when courts defer to the Ombudsman's findings.
Possession vs Ownership: Resolving Land Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land disputes, possession, accretion, and Torrens title conclusiveness explained in plain language.
Executive Power vs Legislative Authority: Reorganizing Government Agencies in the Philippines
The Supreme Court upholds the President's power to reorganize executive agencies, clarifying the limits of executive authority under the Constitution.
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: How Ownership Transfers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains the key difference between a contract to sell and a contract of sale, and when property ownership actually transfers.