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.
Charged With A Major Crime Philippine Law on Lesser Offenses Explained
Learn how Philippine courts treat charges for election offenses, the importance of the information's factual recital, and the rules on appeals.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Why Timing Matters in Philippine Property Expropriation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation in expropriation is valued at the time of filing or taking, whichever comes first.
Proving Employee Abandonment: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what employers must prove to establish employee abandonment—and why mere absence is not enough.
Protecting Your Property Investments Understanding Grace Periods AND Cancellation IN Philippine Real Estate Co
Learn how Philippine law protects real estate buyers on installment, including grace periods, cancellation rules, and cash surrender value rights under RA 6552.
Nemo Dat Quod Non Habet: Why Title Verification Matters in Philippine Property Deals
Philippine law bars transferring property you don't own. Learn the nemo dat rule from Hermosilla v. Remoquillo and how to protect your purchase.
SEC Suspension Orders and Labor Disputes: What the Rubberworld Case Means
The Supreme Court clarifies that SEC suspension orders in rehabilitation cases automatically stay labor claims, making any labor ruling void.
Missed Deadlines Dismissed Appeals Understanding Timely Docket Fee Payment in Philippine Courts
Learn how the Supreme Court treats late docket fee payments in appeals and when liberal application of procedural rules may save a case.
Unmasking Land Title Fraud Evidence and Due Diligence in Philippine Property Disputes
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on proving forged deeds, church death certificates as evidence, and due diligence in property disputes.
Binding Compromises: Why a Portion of Fort Bonifacio Meant All in Philippine Property Disputes
The Supreme Court ruled that BCDA validly owns Fort Bonifacio, allowing eviction of illegal occupants. A case on property rights and the Lina Law.
Construction Contract Disputes: Interpreting Amendments and Deduction Clauses in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a contractor can deduct accommodation costs from a subcontractor's billings after a final contract amendment.
Unendorsed Checks and Bank Liability: Depositor Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unendorsed checks, bank set-off rights, and depositor protection in banking disputes.
Substantial Evidence Needed for Loss of Trust and Confidence Dismissals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that loss of trust and confidence requires substantial evidence, not mere suspicion, to justify employee dismissal.
Enforcing Arbitration: Why Contract Validity Doesn't Always Matter in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains the separability doctrine: an arbitration clause survives even if the main contract is challenged.
Philippine VAT Zero-Rating for Services: The "Doing Business Outside the Philippines" Requirement
Supreme Court clarifies VAT zero-rating for services requires the recipient to be doing business outside the Philippines, not just payment in foreign currency.
Habeas Corpus as a Remedy for Excessive Penalties: Understanding Sentence Reclassification in the Philippines
When can habeas corpus challenge an excessive penalty? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of sentence reclassification under R.A. 8353.
Breach of Trust: When Can a Manager Be Dismissed in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when employers may validly dismiss managerial employees for loss of trust and confidence.
When Courts Can Compel Disclosure of Foreign Currency Deposits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may compel banks to disclose foreign currency deposits despite the secrecy rule under RA 6426.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Salazar v. Philippine Duplicators Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies procedural due process in Salazar v. Philippine Duplicators, Inc., a landmark case on employee termination in the Philippines.
Substituted Service of Summons in the Philippines: Ensuring Court Jurisdiction
Explaining when Philippine courts acquire jurisdiction over non-resident defendants through personal or extraterritorial service of summons.
Regular Employment Status and Labor-Only Contracting: The San Miguel Corporation Case
Learn how the Supreme Court protected a worker's regular employment status against labor-only contracting schemes in San Miguel Corporation v. NLRC.
Lost Deals: Why a Vague "Yes" Isn't Enough to Seal a Property Sale in the Philippines
A buyer's "conforme" to a seller's price without agreeing on payment terms is only a counter-offer. Learn from Villanueva v. PNB.
Willful Failure to Pay Just Debts: Disciplinary Risks for Philippine Government Employees
Philippine public servants can face administrative discipline for willful failure to pay just debts, even after settlement. Learn the rules and risks.
Judge Fined P21,000 for Gross Ignorance in Issuing Injunction Without Hearing
Supreme Court fines judge P21,000 for granting TRO extension and preliminary injunction without the mandatory summary hearing under Rule 58.
Government Incentives When Must Employees Repay Disallowed Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when government employees must refund disallowed incentive benefits, distinguishing good faith recipients from approving officers.