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.
Perfecting Labor Appeals: The Jurisdictional Requirement of Appeal Bonds in the Philippines
Learn the mandatory appeal bond requirement in Philippine labor cases and why failure to perfect an appeal on time is fatal.
Parental Authority and Child Abuse: Defining the Limits of Incestuous Rape
In incestuous rape cases, the victim's minority and relationship to the offender must be proven beyond reasonable doubt for the death penalty to apply.
Balancing Technical Rules and Substantial Justice in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on liberal construction of verification and non-forum shopping rules in labor cases.
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: Understanding Conditions and Obligations
Learn the key differences between a contract to sell and a contract of sale under Philippine law, including when ownership transfers and what obligations arise.
Written Agreements Prevail: Recovery of Additional Construction Costs Requires Prior Authorization
Contractors cannot recover extra construction costs without written authorization and agreed pricing under Article 1724 of the Civil Code.
Upholding Partition Agreements: Notarized Deeds as Valid Public Documents in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on notarized deeds of partition as public documents, their presumption of regularity, and evidentiary weight in property disputes.
Upholding Duty Accountability for Court Personnel in Handling Evidence
Supreme Court rules on clerk of court's liability for delayed deposit of cash bond, affirming accountability standards for court personnel.
Government Procurement Quality Standards Prevail Over Expediency in Public Spending
Supreme Court affirms COA disallowance of GSIS payment for non-conforming generator, upholding strict procurement standards over expediency.
Tax Delinquency and Public Auction: When a Tax Sale of Land Is Invalid
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a tax delinquency auction sale of real property is invalid and what documents prove a valid tax sale.
Foreclosure Sales: Strict Compliance With Publication Requirements
When a postponed foreclosure sale proceeds without republication of notice, the sale is void. Learn the rules from Ouano v. Court of Appeals.
Just Cause vs Due Process in Employee Dismissal: The Rosario Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a valid dismissal cause without procedural due process makes termination ineffectual, not illegal, and orders backwages.
When Counsel Dies: Attorney-Client Obligations and Appellate Deadlines in Amatorio v. People
The death of counsel does not excuse missed appellate deadlines. Amatorio v. People clarifies the binding effect of notices sent to law firms.
Due Process and Timeliness: Strict Enforcement of Motion Hearing Rules in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts strictly enforce Rule 15, Section 5 on motion hearing dates. Learn how a pro forma motion can waive due process rights.
Judicial Authority and Limits: A Judge's Jurisdiction After Temporary Reassignment
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on a judge's notarial powers, the limits of judicial authority, and the importance of following SC Circular No. 1-90.
Dismissal of Appeal for Failure to File Memorandum: A Costly Omission
Why failing to file an appellant's memorandum under Rule 40, Section 7 can cost you your appeal—and your case.
Negligence in Notarization: Consequences for Failure to Comply With Notarial Duties
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplines lawyers who neglect notarial duties and mishandle client funds, with practical compliance tips.
Free Meals or More Than Free Meals? Interpreting Collective Bargaining Agreements
When a CBA says "after three hours," does it mean exactly three or more than three? The Supreme Court settles the rule on plain meaning.
Substantial Compliance Prevails When Procedural Rules Meet Substantive Justice
Supreme Court ruling on substantial compliance with non-forum shopping certification requirements in corporate cases.
Judicial Delay When Inaction Becomes Injustice: A Philippine Case Study
When judges delay decisions, justice suffers. This case shows how inaction becomes an administrative offense under Philippine law.
How Barangay Conciliation Affects Prescription Periods in Philippine Criminal Cases
Learn how filing a complaint with the barangay interrupts prescription periods for criminal offenses, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Protecting Seafarers: Illegal Dismissal and Due Process Rights in Maritime Employment
When can a shipowner dismiss a Filipino seafarer? The Supreme Court clarifies just cause and due process rules for maritime employment.
HLURB Jurisdiction vs Unlawful Detainer: Defining the Boundaries in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when the HLURB has jurisdiction over subdivision lot disputes and when ejectment cases belong in regular courts.
Condonation of Procedural Lapses When Substantial Justice Outweighs Strict Rules
Philippine Supreme Court explains when late payment of appeal docket fees may be excused to serve substantial justice.
Dereliction of Duty and Dismissal: Upholding Integrity in Public Service
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of court utility worker for habitual absenteeism, insubordination, and conduct grossly prejudicial to the service.