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.
Tenancy Disputes and Jurisdiction: Courts vs. Agrarian Reform Boards
Understanding when courts or DARAB have jurisdiction over agrarian disputes, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Prescription Periods in Philippine Property Disputes Involving Constructive Trusts
When does a claim for reconveyance based on a constructive trust prescribe? The Supreme Court clarifies the 10-year rule.
Pipeline Operator as Common Carrier: Tax Exemption Under the Local Government Code
Supreme Court rules pipeline operators are common carriers exempt from local business tax under Section 133(j) of the Local Government Code.
When Surprise Turns Deadly: Understanding Treachery in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder cases through a 1998 ruling where a victim was shot while extinguishing a fire.
Pipeline Operators as Common Carriers: Tax Exemption Under the Local Government Code
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether pipeline operators qualify as common carriers exempt from local business taxes under the Local Government Code.
Ombudsman Jurisdiction and Preventive Suspension: Safeguarding Public Accountability
The Supreme Court clarifies the Ombudsman's jurisdiction over public officials and the limits of preventive suspension under R.A. 6770.
Dismissal for Willful Disobedience: When Managerial Discretion Has Limits
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a managerial employee's exercise of discretion becomes willful disobedience justifying dismissal.
Surname of Illegitimate Children: Mothers Right Prevails Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules illegitimate children must use their mother's surname, even when the father admits paternity.
Foreign Divorce and Inheritance Rights in the Philippines: Citizenship and Marital Validity
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on foreign divorce, citizenship, and inheritance rights of a surviving spouse in intestate succession.
Cashier Negligence and Liability: Safeguarding Public Funds in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on cashier negligence and accountability for lost public funds, with rules on safekeeping and COA relief.
Full Backwages for Illegal Dismissal: What R.A. 6715 Changed for Philippine Employees
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies full backwages rule under R.A. 6715—no deduction of earnings elsewhere, plus reinstatement rights explained.
The Client Is Bound by Counsel's Negligence: Vicarious Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a client is bound by counsel's actions, including negligent mistakes, and the limits of that rule.
When Personal Conduct Becomes Professional Misconduct: Upholding Integrity in Public Service
A branch clerk of court's extramarital affair and abandonment of family led to dismissal, showing how private misconduct affects public office.
Partition Without Prior Estate Settlement: Heirs' Rights Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on heirs' right to demand partition of inherited co-owned property without prior estate settlement proceedings.
When Posting Bail Means You Consent to Court Jurisdiction: Key Insights for the Accused
Posting bail can waive objections to a court's jurisdiction, even if the arrest warrant was invalid. Learn the rules from a Philippine Supreme Court case.
Enforcing Partition Decisions Ensuring Heirs Receive Their Fair Share of Inherited Property in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on execution pending appeal in partition cases, protecting heirs' shares of inherited property.
When Can You Annul a Final Court Decision in the Philippines? Know the Limits
Philippine courts rarely annul final judgments. Learn the two legal grounds—lack of jurisdiction and extrinsic fraud—from a Supreme Court ruling.
Decoding Loan Agreements: How Ambiguity Can Invalidate Penalty Clauses in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how ambiguous penalty clauses in loan agreements, especially contracts of adhesion, are construed against the drafting bank.
Regularization After Probation: Security of Tenure for Philippine Employees
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when probationary employees become regular employees entitled to security of tenure under the Labor Code.
Why Qualifying Circumstances Must Be Pleaded in Rape Cases: People v. Medina
The Supreme Court explains why qualifying circumstances like relationship must be alleged in the information, or the death penalty cannot be imposed.
Why Supervisory and Rank-and-File Employees Cannot Join the Same Union in the Philippines
Philippine law bars mixed unions of supervisors and rank-and-file workers. The Dunlop Slazenger case explains the rule and its consequences.
Due Process in Labor Disputes: What Pepsi Cola v. NLRC Teaches About Fair Hearings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that due process in labor cases means notice and opportunity to be heard, not endless chances to submit pleadings.
Employer Liability in Philippine Vehicular Accidents: Due Diligence and Negligence Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability for driver negligence in vehicular accidents, covering due diligence and contributory negligence defenses.
Credibility Counts: How Philippine Courts Decide Self-Defense Claims in Murder Cases
Philippine courts weigh credibility heavily when accused persons invoke self-defense in murder cases. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.