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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Presidential Power vs Constitutional Limits: The Illegality of Declaring a State of Rebellion
The Supreme Court ruled that declaring a "state of rebellion" is a superfluity with no legal effect, clarifying the limits of presidential power under the Constitution.
Debt Recovery Without Specific Claim: Equity and Unjust Enrichment in Arroyo v. Taduran
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recovering debt even without a specific prayer in the complaint, citing equity and unjust enrichment principles.
Torrens Title vs Unregistered Deeds: Resolving Land Possession Disputes
In Co v. Militar, the Supreme Court ruled that a Torrens title prevails over unregistered deeds of sale in an ejectment case, and that title can only be cancelled directly.
Co-Ownership and Good Faith: Property Rights Lessons from Tala Realty vs. Banco Filipino
A Supreme Court ruling on lease contracts, good faith, and the limits of property rights under Philippine law.
IN Pari Delicto NO Relief FOR Parties IN Illegal Banking Schemes
Forcible Entry Survey Requirements in Summary Procedure Cases: What the Supreme Court Says
Learn how Philippine courts resolve unlawful detainer cases, why Torrens titles prevail, and what summary procedure means for possession disputes.
Illegal Dismissal: Employer's Burden of Proof and Due Process in Termination Cases
Learn the Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, the employer's burden of proof, and due process requirements in employee termination cases.
Illegal Dismissal: Employers Must Prove Just Cause AND Due Process Before Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that employers must prove both just cause and procedural due process to avoid liability for illegal dismissal.
Court Can Grant Unprayed Relief When Facts Warrant It: Arroyo v. Taduran
Supreme Court affirms P500,000 award despite no prayer for indemnity, citing judicial admissions and the rule on relief based on factual allegations.
Surety's Liability for Interest Beyond Bond Limit on Delayed Payment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a surety can be held liable for interest exceeding the bond's face value when payment is delayed.
When Courts Can Grant Unprayed Relief: The Taduran Case on Judicial Admissions
Explaining when Philippine courts may grant relief not explicitly prayed for, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Arroyo v. Taduran.
Surety Bonds and Legal Interest: When Default Makes a Surety Pay More Than the Bond
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a defaulting surety must pay 12% legal interest on top of the bond amount.
Rescission Rights: When a Buyer's Failure to Pay Lets the Seller Cancel
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a seller may rescind a contract to sell, how installment payments are applied, and why a memorandum is not required for due process.
Mining Rights vs National Patrimony: The La Bugal Case on Foreign Control of Philippine Resources
Explaining the Supreme Court's La Bugal ruling on the Philippine Mining Act and foreign ownership limits over the country's mineral resources.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Misconduct and Accountability in the Philippine Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling on judge and clerk misconduct underscores the strict standards of propriety required of all court personnel.
Unconscionable Interest Rates When Loan Agreements Become Exploitative
When do monthly interest rates become illegal? The Supreme Court explains the limits of lender freedom in Cuaton v. Salud.
Business Closure and Employee Rights: Employer Obligations in Termination
Understand employer obligations when closing a business in the Philippines, including notice requirements, separation pay, and when dismissal is valid.
Upholding Legal Ethics: Attorneys Accountability for Misappropriating Client Funds
A look at Mercedes Nava v. Atty. Sorongon, where the Supreme Court addressed conflict of interest and the mandatory requirement of formal investigation in disbarment cases.
Who Decides Plebiscite Disputes? COMELEC's Power to Annul Results
The Supreme Court rules that COMELEC has jurisdiction over plebiscite result disputes, not the RTC, in Buac v. COMELEC.
COMELEC Jurisdiction Over Plebiscite Disputes: The Buac v. COMELEC Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that the COMELEC has jurisdiction to resolve disputes over plebiscite results, including petitions to annul or recount ballots.
Cracking Down on Illegal Recruitment: The State's Power to Protect Workers
The Supreme Court affirms that illegal recruitment in large scale is a crime against the state, explaining its elements and penalties.
Double Jeopardy and Forum Shopping: When Filing Redundant Claims Backfires
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing multiple suits for the same cause of action constitutes forum shopping and why dismissal is proper.
In Pari Delicto: When Both Parties Are at Fault, Neither Can Sue in Construction Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on in pari delicto in construction contracts where both parties knowingly violated the law, barring recovery.
Treachery Must Be Proven Clearly to Elevate Homicide to Murder in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that treachery must be proven as clearly as the killing itself; otherwise, the crime is homicide, not murder.