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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When Prior Rulings Bar Reopening an Employer-Employee Dispute
The Supreme Court explains how res judicata prevents relitigating the employer-employee relationship in illegal dismissal cases.
When Lawyers Cross the Line: Deceit, Dishonesty, and the Price of Professional Misconduct
A lawyer's suspension for deceit and issuing a worthless check underscores the high ethical standards required of the legal profession in the Philippines.
Reciprocity in Medical Practice: Balancing National Laws and Professional Licensing
The Supreme Court clarifies the reciprocity requirement for foreign doctors in the Philippines, ruling on what evidence suffices under the Medical Act.
When Mootness Ends a Case: The ZTE-NBN Project Dispute Before the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court dismissed the consolidated petitions against the ZTE-NBN project as moot after the government abandoned the deal, explaining key limits on judicial power.
Extrajudicial Termination Clauses in Lease Agreements: What the Supreme Court Says
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lessor may validly terminate a lease and repossess property without court action under Philippine law.
Perfecting Appeals: Strict Observance of Timelines in Labor Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court enforces strict appeal deadlines in labor cases and why missing them is fatal to a party's cause.
Project Employees' Rights: Illegal Dismissal and Monetary Claims in the Philippines
Project employees enjoy security of tenure too. Employers must prove valid dismissal and payment of wages, 13th month pay, and leave benefits.
Extrajudicial Lease Termination: When a Demand Letter Suffices to End a Lease
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lessor's demand letter validly terminates a lease and allows extrajudicial repossession.
Challenging Jurisdiction: Understanding Estoppel by Laches in Philippine Courts
When can a litigant be barred by laches from questioning a court's lack of jurisdiction? The Supreme Court clarifies in Figueroa v. People.
Separation Pay After Valid Dismissal: When Philippine Law Allows It
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when separation pay may be granted to a validly dismissed employee for gross neglect of duty.
Failure to Present Logbook and Follow Due Process Makes Seafarer Dismissal Illegal
Supreme Court rules a seafarer's dismissal was illegal where the employer relied only on fax messages and failed to observe the two-notice rule.
Dismissal Based on Theft: Upholding Employee Termination for Unauthorized Disposal of Company Property
Supreme Court rules on valid dismissal for theft of company property and the due process requirements in employee termination cases.
Extrajudicial Repossession After Lease Default: What Irao v. By the Bay, Inc. Means
Supreme Court explains when a lessor's demand letter counts as notice of termination, allowing extrajudicial repossession of leased property.
Seafarer’s Illegal Dismissal: Due Process and the Ship’s Logbook in Maritime Cases
The Supreme Court ruled a seafarer’s dismissal illegal for lack of just cause and due process, highlighting the logbook’s evidentiary value.
Docket Fees and Jurisdiction: The Impact of Unspecified Claims in Philippine Courts
How failing to specify claim amounts in a complaint affects docket fees and court jurisdiction, explained through a 2008 Supreme Court ruling.
Challenging Forgery Claims: Upholding the Authenticity of Notarized Documents in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts treat forgery claims against notarized documents and why clear, convincing evidence is required to overcome their presumption of regularity.
Validity of Foreclosure Sale Timing Under Act 3135 Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether an extrajudicial foreclosure auction must last the full 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. period under Act 3135.
Breach of Contract: When Incomplete Construction Doesn't Warrant Full Payment
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when a contractor's incomplete work bars recovery of the full contract price in construction disputes.
Voluntary Appearance Cures Defective Summons: Dole Philippines v. Quilala
When does a defective summons stop mattering? The Supreme Court explains the rule on voluntary appearance in Dole Philippines v. Quilala.
Quieting Title Undocumented Promises VS Registered Titles IN Land Disputes
Seafarers Disability Incorrectly Filed Appeal Doesnt Forfeit Benefits DUE TO Illness Contracted During Employment
Surety Bonds Insurers Remain Liable Despite Importers Unpaid Duties
Supreme Court rules surety bond issuers remain liable for unpaid customs duties even if goods were withdrawn without payment.
Lost Titles and Land Rights: Reissuing Owner's Duplicate Certificates for Agrarian Reform Compensation
Learn when courts can order reissuance of lost owner's duplicate titles under P.D. 1529, and how this affects agrarian reform compensation claims.
Pactum Commissorium Protecting Debtors From Unfair Foreclosure
The Supreme Court voided a dacion en pago that let a creditor automatically take mortgaged land, reaffirming the Philippine ban on pactum commissorium.