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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Writ of Possession: Validity of Mortgage Cannot Be Challenged in Possession Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: courts must issue writs of possession ministerially after foreclosure; mortgage validity challenges belong in separate actions.
Fair Market Value vs Arbitrary Pricing: Protecting Option to Purchase Agreements in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that "fair market value" in option to purchase agreements cannot be arbitrarily set by the grantor.
Tortious Interference Protecting Distributorship Rights in Philippine Commerce
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tortious interference with exclusive distributorship contracts and the liability of third parties who induce breach.
Conspiracy and Kidnapping for Ransom: Defining the Boundaries of Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy in kidnapping for ransom cases, explaining when co-accused share criminal liability and how courts prove agreement.
Contract to Sell: Buyer's Failure to Pay Nullifies Seller's Obligation to Convey Title
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in a contract to sell, buyer's failure to pay the full price prevents the seller's obligation to convey title from arising.
When Supervisors Lose Trust: Dismissal for Misconduct Under Article 282
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a supervisor's unauthorized disposal of company property justifies dismissal for serious misconduct and loss of trust.
Kidnapping for Ransom: Conspiracy and Defense of Duress Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy and duress defenses in kidnapping for ransom cases, affirming convictions of co-accused.
Sale of Conjugal Property Without Spousal Consent: Void Contracts and Heirs' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void sales of conjugal property without spousal consent, heirs' rights, and prescription periods explained.
Breach of Contract: The Necessity of Specificity in Contractual Violations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why a party terminating a contract must specify which provisions were violated, or face liability for breach.
Trademark Rights in the Philippines: Prior Use vs. Registration Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether trademark rights come from prior use or registration, and why distributors cannot own the marks they sell.
Agency and Authority: Why a Written Mandate Is Paramount in Real Estate Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why an agent's authority to sell land must be in writing, or the sale is void.
Probationary Employment vs Fixed-Term Contracts: What Schools Must Prove to Avoid Illegal Dismissal Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how probationary employment rules apply to teachers on fixed-term contracts, and what employers must prove.
Authority to Sue Corporations Must Prove Representation in Court
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that corporate plaintiffs must prove their representative's authority to sue, or risk dismissal of their case.
Mistaken Identity or Intent to Kill: The Boundaries of Attempted Murder and Physical Injuries
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a shooting is attempted murder versus less serious physical injuries, and how positive identification defeats alibi.
Election Integrity: The Balance Between Ballot Preservation and Voter Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on COMELEC execution pending appeal, ballot appreciation, and the delicate balance between election integrity and voter rights.
Retrenchment and Release: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Protection in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies valid retrenchment requirements, the role of quitclaims, and when nominal damages apply in labor cases.
Safeguarding Employee Rights: The Imperative of Due Process in Termination Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Genesis Transport clarifies preventive suspension limits, valid dismissal, and illegal wage deductions under the Labor Code.
Substantial Compliance in Corporate Filings: When Imperfect Paperwork Doesn't Sink the Ship
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when defective corporate verification and non-forum shopping certifications may be cured by substantial compliance.
Good Faith Prevails: Protecting Innocent Purchasers in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on innocent purchasers for value, good faith, and extinguishment of claims in property disputes.
When Election Returns Override Ballots in Philippine Election Protests
Philippine Supreme Court explains when election returns may be used instead of ballots in determining election protest winners.
Determining Agrarian Disputes Jurisdiction Between DARAB and DAR Secretary
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the DARAB, not the DAR Secretary, has jurisdiction over agrarian disputes involving OLT coverage.
Reinstatement Pending Appeal: When a Reversed Labor Arbiter Ruling Still Means No Refund
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reinstatement pending appeal, payroll reinstatement, and when reversed labor arbiter decisions require no salary refund.
Mortgage Validity and Writ of Possession: Upholding Contracts Absent Vitiated Consent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on writ of possession in foreclosure, contract validity, and consolidation of cases explained in plain language.
Collective Bargaining Agreements and Voluntary Arbitration in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on CBA disputes, grievance machinery, and voluntary arbitration jurisdiction in labor cases.