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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Navigating the Fine Line Between Legal Picketing and Illegal Strikes in the Philippines
When does a peaceful protest become an illegal strike? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction and the consequences for union officers.
Land Title Forever: Why Court Decisions in Land Registration Cases Don't Expire in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling confirms that prescription and laches do not bar enforcement of final land registration judgments, protecting property rights indefinitely.
Protecting Judicial Integrity: Dismissal of Frivolous Disbarment Suits in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle frivolous disbarment suits and protect judicial integrity through procedural rules and ethical standards.
Land Disputes in the Philippines: Why Clear Property Boundaries Are Crucial
A Supreme Court ruling on a Cabuyao land dispute shows why verifying property boundaries and prior titles is essential before buying land in the Philippines.
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.
Navigating Conflicting Land Titles in the Philippines: Due Diligence and the Doctrine of Indefeasibility
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land title disputes, due diligence, and why factual findings bind appellate review.
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.
Navigating Sequestration: Why Court Approval Is Mandatory for Disposing of Assets in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why sequestered assets, including dividends, cannot be sold without Sandiganbayan approval.
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.
Dishonesty in Public Office: Understanding Administrative Liability in the Philippines
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Apolinario v. Flores on administrative liability for dishonesty, double jeopardy, and substantial evidence.
Trademark Territoriality and Bad Faith Registration in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies territoriality principle and bad faith in trademark registration under R.A. 166 in Shangri-La case.
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.
Bouncing Checks and Unconscionable Interest: BP 22 Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when unconscionable loan interest affects criminal liability for bouncing checks under BP 22.
Upholding Timely Justice: The Consequences of Neglect for Court Stenographers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court holds court stenographers accountable for delayed transcripts, reinforcing the duty to ensure speedy justice for all.
Exclusivity Clauses in Philippine Contracts: When Are They Valid?
Exclusivity clauses are not automatically invalid restraints of trade in the Philippines. They are enforceable when reasonable and tied to legitimate business interests.
Breach of Trust: A Lawyer's Duty to Client Property in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyers who took a client's car as payment, explaining the fiduciary duty over client property.
Court Fund Accountability: Clerk of Court Liabilities in the Philippines
Financial audit case clarifies the accountability of clerks of court and cash clerks for shortages, delayed deposits, and misuse of court funds.
Tax Clearance Not Required for BSP-Ordered Bank Liquidation in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling: banks closed by the BSP and liquidated by PDIC need not secure a BIR tax clearance before asset distribution.
Double Jeopardy in Labor Disputes: Res Judicata and Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
Learn how res judicata bars relitigation of illegal dismissal claims, using the Supreme Court's ruling in Williams v. Days Hotel.
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.
Unintentional Admission: How Words Can Win or Lose Your Ejectment Case in the Philippines
Learn how a party's own admission in pleadings can decide an ejectment case, and why every word in court filings matters.
Illegal Demolition as Grave Coercion: Property Rights and Due Process in the Philippines
When does demolition become a crime? The Sy case shows how unlawful property destruction can constitute grave coercion under Philippine law.
Employer Liability for Security Guard Actions: Philippine Law Explained
When can a client be liable for a security guard's wrongful acts? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on employer liability in the Philippines.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Understanding Neglect of Duty for Court Personnel in the Philippines
A look at how the Supreme Court defines and penalizes simple neglect of duty by court personnel, using a 2006 case as an example.