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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Foreshore Land vs Private Property: Clarifying Ownership Rights in Coastal Areas
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on possession, prescription, and jurisdiction in disputes over untitled coastal and ancestral lands.
Possession vs Ownership: When Land Status Determines Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how land classification as public domain affects possessory rights and estoppel claims.
Surety Bonds Solidary Liability Despite Contract Rescission
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on surety bonds: rescission of the principal contract does not automatically release the surety from liability.
When a Corporate President Can Sign Verifications Without Board Authority
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate president may sign verification and non-forum shopping certifications without board authorization.
Corporate Officer vs Employee: Who Hears Illegal Dismissal Cases?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an illegal dismissal case belongs to the Labor Arbiter versus the Regional Trial Court.
Brokers Breach Unauthorized Stock Sales AND Fiduciary Duty IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies stockbroker liability for unauthorized share sales and fiduciary duties under the Civil Code.
Continuing Suretyship Scope and Enforceability in Loan Renewals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a continuing suretyship covers loan renewals and future availments under the same credit agreement.
Continuing Suretyship Scope and Enforceability in Loan Renewals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a continuing suretyship covers renewed credit facilities and subsequent loan availments.
Seafarers Must Comply With Post-Employment Medical Exams or Forfeit Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules seafarers who skip mandatory post-employment medical exams within three days forfeit disability claims, even for mental health conditions.
The Critical Omission: Why "Zero-Rated" Must Appear on VAT Invoices for Tax Credit Refund Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failing to print on its sales invoices. The CTA En Banc affirmed this denial, and J.R.A. elevated the matter to the Supreme Court.
Solidary Liability of Recruitment Agencies: Protecting Overseas Filipino Workers' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recruitment agencies' solidary liability with foreign principals for OFW claims, explained in plain language.
Tolerance Ends Unlawful Detainer Actions and Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when tolerated possession becomes unlawful detainer, and how property owners can recover possession.
Corporate Merger vs Separate Entities: Protecting Creditor Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on invalid mergers, separate corporate personalities, and creditor rights in execution sales.
Change Orders Without Written Consent: Contractual Obligations in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on change orders, written consent, and contractual obligations in construction disputes under Article 1724.
Joint and Solidary Liability of Recruitment Agencies for OFW Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recruitment agencies' joint liability with foreign principals for overseas workers' money claims.
Judicial Efficiency: The Duty of Judges to Decide Cases Promptly and the Consequences of Delay
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a judge's duty to decide cases within reglementary periods, and the administrative penalties for undue delay.
Ensuring Corporate Authority in Legal Actions: The Importance of Board Resolutions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ejectment jurisdiction, board resolutions, and why corporate authority matters in lawsuits.
Unlawful Detainer Jurisdiction: How Complaint Allegations Determine Ejectment Cases
Learn how complaint allegations, not defenses, determine jurisdiction in unlawful detainer cases, based on a 2010 Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Unraveling Real Estate Mortgages When Does A Debt Secure Future Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when real estate mortgages secure future obligations and the strict standards for preliminary mandatory injunctions.
Docket Fees Are Mandatory: GSIS Must Pay for Permissive Counterclaims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: even government agencies like GSIS must pay docket fees for permissive counterclaims or lose jurisdiction over them.
Construction Defects Contractors Liability and Owners Rights Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contractor liability for construction defects, waterproofing failures, and owner rights under construction contracts.
Illegal Strike and Backwages: What Workers Should Know Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on backwages for employees who join illegal strikes, and when separation pay may be granted instead of reinstatement.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Are Corporate Officers Personally Liable for Labor Claims?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may be held personally liable for illegal dismissal awards, requiring clear proof of bad faith.
Diminution of Benefits, Union Authority, and Validity of MOA in Financial Distress
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a Memorandum of Agreement reducing employee benefits is valid despite financial distress and union ratification issues.