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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Federation Employee Eligibility Navigating Union Governance AND Election Rules
Supreme Court ruling on federation employees running for union office, election jurisdiction, and the binding force of constitutions.
Citizenship Rights Protecting Filipino Identity Despite Procedural Lapses
A Supreme Court ruling on how procedural lapses in electing Philippine citizenship should not erase a person's Filipino identity and rights.
Freight Forwarder Liability and the $500 Package Limitation Rule in Shipping Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a freight forwarder becomes a common carrier and the COGSA package limitation rule.
Finality of Dismissal: Understanding Res Judicata in Employment Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a dismissal becomes final and how res judicata bars relitigation of settled employment disputes.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Integrity of Evidence Is Key
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why the chain of custody of seized drugs matters and when minor lapses will not acquit an accused.
Unfulfilled Promises Foreclosure Rights AND THE Persistence of Original Obligations IN Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a new promise to pay does not extinguish an original loan and mortgage obligation.
Navigating Government Procurement: The Imperative of Protest Compliance in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on LRA v. Lanting Security clarifies mandatory protest rules under R.A. 9184 before courts can act.
Contract of Legal Services: When a Mayor's Authority Binds a Municipality
Supreme Court ruling on when a municipal mayor's contract binds the LGU, limits of Sangguniang Bayan authorization, and judgment on the pleadings.
Possession Isn't Always Guilt: Theft and the Limits of Presumption in Lozano v. People
A Supreme Court ruling shows why finding stolen goods in someone's hands does not automatically prove theft of everything else reported missing.
Upholding Government Authority When Public Interest Overrides Private Land Claims In Expropriation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on expropriation, public interest, and limits of private land claims against government authority.
Self-Defense vs Conspiracy: Criminal Liability in Group Violence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense is available in group violence and how conspiracy affects criminal liability.
Reorganizing Religious Entities: Converting a Corporation Sole into a Corporation Aggregate
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on converting a corporation sole to a corporation aggregate via amended articles, not dissolution.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Mental Retardation and the Assessment of Force and Consent
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a rape charge built on force and intimidation does not require the victim's mental retardation to be alleged in the information.
Authority to Represent: The Limits of Legal Representation for Government-Owned Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when lawyers may appear for GOCCs, requiring OGCC and COA approval before private counsel can act.
Laches and Land Ownership: Protecting Established Rights Against Delayed Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on accion publiciana, Torrens titles, and laches in land ownership disputes.
Torrens Title vs Unregistered Sale: Who Has Better Right to Possess Land in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a Torrens title prevails over an unregistered deed of sale in disputes over land possession.
Mortgage Validity, Good Faith, and Due Diligence in Property Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mortgage validity, good faith, and the due diligence required of banks before accepting property as collateral.
Lis Pendens Cancellation: Which Court Has Jurisdiction Over Property Disputes
Learn which court can cancel a notice of lis pendens in Philippine property disputes, based on a 2010 Supreme Court ruling.
Seafarers' Rights: Employer Liability for Illness Manifesting During Employment Despite Post-Contract Death
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer death benefits when illness manifests during employment but death occurs after contract term.
Common Carrier Defined: Resort Ferry Service Under Passenger Safety Rules
Supreme Court ruling that resort ferry services are common carriers, bound by extraordinary diligence for passenger safety.
School Negligence: Defining the Scope of Responsibility for Student Safety in Science Experiments
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that schools and teachers owe students a high degree of care during dangerous activities like science experiments.
Dying Declarations and Witness Credibility Determining Guilt in Murder Cases
Supreme Court ruling on witness credibility, alibi, conspiracy, and treachery in multiple murder convictions.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Timely Medical Assessment and Permanent Disability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability claims, the role of company-designated physicians, and the importance of timely medical assessment.
Local Tax Injunctions: Balancing Government Revenue and Taxpayer Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may enjoin local tax collection, balancing government revenue needs with taxpayer rights.