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.
Peaceful Assembly in the Philippines: Know Your Rights and Permit Requirements After Bayan v. Ermita
The Supreme Court upheld the permit requirement for rallies but struck down the Calibrated Preemptive Response policy. Learn your rights.
Election Bans and Government Employee Reassignments: What Davalos Teaches Us
A look at how the Supreme Court treats cash advances, liquidation duties, and accountability of public officers.
Executive Privilege in the Philippines: When Can the President Withhold Information? Ermita v. Senate Explaine
The Supreme Court's ruling in Ermita v. Senate defines the limits of executive privilege and Congress's power of inquiry in the Philippines.
Regularization of Employees and Business Closure: Key Labor Law Lessons
Understand employee regularization rules, contractual obligations, and valid business closure under Philippine labor law.
Boundary-Hulog Agreements and Employer-Employee Relations: What Drivers Should Know
A boundary-hulog agreement does not automatically erase the employer-employee relationship. Control over the driver remains the key test.
Docket Fees and Court Jurisdiction: The Sun Insurance Doctrine Explained
Learn how the Sun Insurance doctrine clarifies when deficient docket fees affect court jurisdiction, and when they merely create a lien on the judgment.
Fatal Flaws in Philippine Wills: Why Proper Attestation and Acknowledgment Are Non-Negotiable
Learn why the Supreme Court denied probate of a notarial will with three fatal defects under the Civil Code's formal requirements for wills.
Beyond 30 Days When Preventive Suspension Becomes Constructive Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that preventive suspension beyond 30 days can constitute constructive dismissal, entitling employees to reinstatement and backwages.
Probationary Employees and Due Process: Lessons from Philemploy v. Rodriguez
A look at the Supreme Court ruling on probationary employment, due process, and the payment of nominal damages for defective dismissal.
Safeguarding Assets: Understanding Preliminary Attachment in Philippine Debt Recovery
Learn how Philippine courts handle writs of possession after extrajudicial foreclosure, and why procedural rules like the hierarchy of courts matter.
Writ of Possession: What Foreclosure Sale Purchasers Should Know
Understanding the writ of possession in extrajudicial foreclosure sales, and why courts issue it as a ministerial duty to the purchaser.
Judicial Admissions in Philippine Courts: How Your Statements Can Decide Your Case
Learn how judicial admissions work in Philippine courts and why your statements in pleadings can bind you and decide your case.
Due Process for Probationary Employees Navigating Termination and Notice Requirements in Philippine Labor Law
Understand the due process rights of probationary employees in the Philippines, including termination rules, notice requirements, and legal remedies.
Conflict of Interest and Private Practice: Lessons from Lim-Santiago v. Sagucio
A disbarment case clarifies when a lawyer's past ties create a conflict and why government prosecutors cannot practice privately.
Protecting Client Confidences: Attorney-Client Privilege and Conflicts of Interest in the Philippines
A lawyer cannot represent opposing parties without full disclosure and written consent. This case explains the rule and its penalties.
Mining Rights vs Property Rights: Balancing Public Benefit and Just Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the Mining Act of 1995, explaining when entry into private lands becomes compensable taking.
Simulated Contracts in the Philippines: Intent, Validity, and the Valerio Case
Learn how Philippine courts decide simulated contracts by examining party intent, absolute vs. relative simulation, and the Valerio ruling.
Protecting Your Inheritance: Co-Ownership and Prescription in Philippine Property Law
Learn how Philippine law protects co-owners from prescription and laches, and the rules on legal redemption when a co-heir sells property.
Foreclosure on Multiple Properties: Mortgage Indivisibility and Writ of Possession in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law handles foreclosure of multiple mortgaged properties in different locations and the rules on writ of possession.
Final Judgment in Philippine Courts: Why It's Nearly Impossible to Change and What It Means for You
A final and executory judgment is immutable. Learn why courts can't modify it, the narrow exceptions, and what this means for property owners.
Habeas Corpus and Mootness: When Release Ends a Petition in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a detainee's release renders a habeas corpus petition moot, with practical guidance.
Attorney Accountability Understanding Lawyer Negligence AND Upholding Client Trust IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for gross negligence, explaining counsel's duties of fidelity, diligence, and proper withdrawal under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Salary Standardization Law: When Allowance Integration Is Valid Under RA 6758
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that NPC's integration of employee welfare allowance into salaries under RA 6758 was valid, and why mandamus failed.
Lawyer's Inaction Causing Case Dismissal Is Professional Misconduct: Agustin v. Empleo
Philippine Supreme Court reprimands a lawyer for four years of inaction on a court order, resulting in case dismissal. Know the duty.