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.
Financial Crisis as Fortuitous Event: Real Estate Contract Obligations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether the 1997 Asian financial crisis excuses a developer's failure to deliver condominium units.
Amending Complaints: Balancing Procedural Rules and the Pursuit of Justice in the Philippines
Explore how Philippine courts balance strict procedural rules with substantive justice, as shown in Ogalisco v. Holy Trinity College.
Upholding Employer Authority: Willful Disobedience and Seafarer Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on willful disobedience as valid cause for seafarer dismissal, with due process indemnity explained.
Commission vs Basic Salary: Defining Retirement and 13th Month Pay in the Philippines
When do commissions count as basic salary for retirement pay and 13th month pay? The Supreme Court clarifies in Reyes v. NLRC.
Establishing Landlord-Tenant Relationship: The Core of Ejectment Suits in the Philippines
A landlord-tenant relationship is essential in ejectment cases. The Supreme Court explains who may file an unlawful detainer suit.
Absence Without Official Leave: Upholding Public Service Standards in the Philippines
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling in Palecpec v. Davis on AWOL, dropping from rolls, and public service accountability.
Prior Possession vs Ownership: Resolving Property Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between forcible entry, accion publiciana, and accion reivindicatoria in property disputes.
Waiver of Contractual Conditions in the Philippines: Lessons from Gonzales v. Lim
Learn when a party waives a contractual condition under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Gonzales v. Lim.
Reversion of Land Titles: Public Domain vs Private Claims in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling on when certificates of title over public domain land, including timberlands, are void and subject to reversion.
Usury Law in the Philippines: When Courts Cut Excessive Interest Rates
The Supreme Court struck down a 48% annual interest rate as unconscionable in Bulos v. Yasuma, showing courts can reduce excessive loan interest even without the Usury Law.
Custody of Minors and Habeas Corpus: Understanding Court Jurisdiction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that family courts and the Court of Appeals share concurrent jurisdiction over habeas corpus petitions involving custody of minors.
Sovereign Solvency: Why the Republic Is Exempt From Attachment Bond Requirements
The Supreme Court affirms that the Republic of the Philippines, as a sovereign, is exempt from posting attachment bonds in civil cases.
Possession AND Good Faith Understanding Property Rights IN THE Philippines
Perfecting Your Appeal Understanding Jurisdictional Requirements IN Philippine Courts
A look at how the Supreme Court treats compromise agreements after a petition is denied, and what this means for litigants in the Philippines.
Exclusive Franchises and Constitutional Limits: Water District Authority in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled Section 47 of PD 198 unconstitutional, striking down exclusive water district franchises as contrary to the Constitution.
Urban Land Reform and Right of First Refusal: Tenant Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when tenants can claim right of first refusal under PD 1517 and urban land reform zones.
Workplace Remarks and Dismissal: When Is It Serious Misconduct in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee remarks during union meetings constitute serious misconduct warranting dismissal.
Misconduct vs. Serious Misconduct: Grounds for Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
Explaining the difference between misconduct and serious misconduct as grounds for dismissal under Philippine labor law, using a Supreme Court ruling.
Protecting Seafarer Rights: Why Proper Documentation Is Key in Illegal Dismissal Cases in the Philippines
Learn how proper documentation protects seafarer rights in illegal dismissal cases, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
When Strikes Defy Orders: Consequences for Union Officers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal strikes, union officer liability, and penalties for defying labor secretary orders.
Probable Cause and Judicial Discretion: Examining the Dismissal of Rape Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge may dismiss a rape case for lack of probable cause, and when such dismissal constitutes grave abuse of discretion.
Rice Subsidy and Health Allowance Limits on University Fiscal Autonomy in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling on Benguet State University's rice subsidy and health allowance, clarifying limits of fiscal autonomy under RA 8292.
VAT Zero Rating on Services: Clarifying the Destination Principle in Philippine Taxation
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified the destination principle for VAT zero-rating on services in the Philippines and what it means for businesses.
When Can Foreign Corporations Sue in the Philippines? A Guide
Learn when unlicensed foreign corporations can sue in Philippine courts under the Corporation Code and Foreign Investments Act.