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.
Proving Loss of Trust and Confidence in Illegal Dismissal Cases in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when loss of trust and confidence justifies employee dismissal, and what employers must prove.
Foreclosure Sales and Labor Claims: When Buyers Are Not Liable for a Mortgagor's Debts
The Supreme Court clarifies that a mortgagee-creditor who buys foreclosed assets does not automatically assume the mortgagor's labor liabilities.
Corporate Residence and Venue: Where a Corporation Must Sue
The Supreme Court clarifies that a corporation's residence for venue purposes is its principal office stated in its Articles of Incorporation.
When Good Faith Fails: Financing Firm's Foreclosure Voided for Ignoring Occupants' Rights
A financing firm's foreclosure was voided for bad faith because it ignored occupants' notice of a prior unregistered sale. Learn the due diligence rule.
Retrenchment Rules in the Philippines: Proving Losses and Fair Selection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on retrenchment: what employers must prove to validly dismiss employees due to business losses.
Mutual Life Insurance Companies Tax Exemption as Cooperatives Explained
Supreme Court ruling on Sun Life clarifies tax exemption for mutual life insurance companies as cooperatives under Philippine tax law.
Breach of Construction Contract: Liability for Additional Works Beyond Original Scope
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contractor liability for additional works ordered beyond original construction contract scope.
Parol Evidence Rule Bars Verbal Conditions on Written Contracts: Allied Banking v. Cheng Yong
Supreme Court clarifies that clear written contracts cannot be varied by verbal stipulations, applying the parol evidence rule to loan and mortgage agreements.
Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Authority in Philippine Termination Procedures
The Supreme Court clarifies the two-notice rule in employee dismissal, balancing employer authority with due process rights.
Corporate Rehabilitation vs. HLURB Jurisdiction in Real Estate Rescission Cases
When a developer under corporate rehabilitation faces rescission claims, SEC suspension rules may prevail over HLURB jurisdiction. Learn from this case.
Ombudsman's Authority Prevails: Challenging Jurisdiction After Participating in Proceedings
Supreme Court rules that participating in NLRC proceedings does not bar challenging jurisdiction when Civil Service Commission has exclusive authority over government employees.
Tourism Zones and Agrarian Reform: When Land Use Classifications Collide
The Supreme Court clarifies how tourist zone declarations affect agrarian reform coverage and the limits of appeal in DARAB cases.
Estoppel and Foreign Corporations: Can a Philippine Company Deny a Foreign Firm's Right to Sue?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a local company is estopped from questioning a foreign corporation's capacity to sue after contracting with it.
When Courts Must Relax Procedural Rules: The MRT Tax Case and the Right to Present Evidence
The Supreme Court ruled that courts must liberally apply procedural rules to give litigants every opportunity to present their case on the merits.
When Debts Collide: Understanding Legal Compensation in Philippine Contract Law
Learn how Philippine courts apply legal compensation in contract disputes, using the Mavest v. Sampaguita case as a guide.
Equitable Reduction of Penalties When Courts Can Adjust Contractual Damages in the Philippines
Philippine courts can reduce contractual penalties and liquidated damages when they are unconscionable or when the obligation was partly performed.
Can Court Employees Be Disciplined for Private Debts? The Quedancor Case
The Supreme Court ruled that court personnel may be reprimanded for willful failure to pay just debts, even if the debt is purely private and incurred before entering the Judiciary.
The Perils of Selling Land You Don't Own: Resolving Property Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on adverse claims, constructive notice, and what happens when someone sells or leases property they no longer own.
Losing a Land Title: Why Possession at Application Time Matters in Property Registration
Learn why the Supreme Court denied a land registration application because the applicant no longer possessed the property at the time of filing.
Surety Bonds Enforcing Liability Despite Procedural Technicalities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may suspend civil cases for prejudicial questions, and how surety obligations remain enforceable.
VAT Refund Claims: Proving Input Tax Payments With Proper Documentation
Tax refund claims fail without proper evidence. Learn the documentation rules from a Supreme Court case on input VAT refunds.
Establishing Ownership: The Decisive Role of Documentary Evidence Over Testimonial Claims in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why documentary evidence outweighs testimonial claims in land registration cases.
Financial Leasing Agreements Are Valid Contracts Despite Lessee Default
Supreme Court affirms that financial leasing agreements are genuine contracts; defaulting lessees remain bound by their terms and obligations.
Union Busting or Business Judgment? Understanding Legitimate Closures Under Philippine Labor Law
When can a company close a department without being guilty of union busting? The Supreme Court explains in this labor law case.