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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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.
Navigating Subpoenas: Government Employee Obligations in Ombudsman Investigations
Government employees must comply with Ombudsman subpoenas even if a superior orders otherwise. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court ruling.
Valid Service of Summons in Philippine Civil Cases: Velayo-Fong v. Velayo
The Supreme Court in Velayo-Fong v. Velayo explains when extraterritorial service of summons applies and why a process server's return is presumed regular.
Integrity Under Scrutiny: Court Employees and the Duty to Pay Just Debts
Court employees must pay just debts—even after settlement, administrative liability may still attach. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
Substituted Service of Summons in the Philippines: Ensuring Court Jurisdiction
Explaining when Philippine courts acquire jurisdiction over non-resident defendants through personal or extraterritorial service of summons.
Defining Obscenity in Philippine Law: Liability for Immoral Publications
The Supreme Court clarifies how Philippine law defines obscenity and who may be held liable for selling or exhibiting pornographic materials.
Lost Your Labor Case Appeal? The Supreme Court on Mandatory Appeal Bonds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why employers must post an appeal bond to perfect a labor appeal, and the consequences of failing to do so.
Prior Possession and Ejectment: When Tolerance Turns Into Unlawful Detainer
Learn how prior possession, tolerance, and demand letters determine whether an ejectment case is forcible entry or unlawful detainer.
Lost Deals: Why a Vague "Yes" Isn't Enough to Seal a Property Sale in the Philippines
A buyer's "conforme" to a seller's price without agreeing on payment terms is only a counter-offer. Learn from Villanueva v. PNB.
Frivolous Lawsuits, Court Integrity, and Ethical Lawyer Conduct in the Philippines
The Supreme Court fines a lawyer for filing a frivolous administrative complaint, reaffirming ethical duties and the protection of judicial integrity.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Holding Parent Companies Liable for Labor Violations in the Philippines
When can a corporation be held liable for another entity's labor violations? The Supreme Court explains the doctrine of piercing the corporate veil.
Accountability in the Courts: Understanding Neglect of Duty and Judicial Audits in the Philippines
A 2006 Supreme Court ruling clarifies the duties of judges and clerks of court in judicial audits, and the consequences of neglect of duty.
Ejectment and Court Jurisdiction in the Philippines: Key Lessons from Dela Cruz v. Tan Te
Learn how Philippine courts determine ejectment jurisdiction and why possession by tolerance matters in unlawful detainer cases.
Treachery AND Witness Credibility KEY Elements IN Philippine Murder Convictions
Homestead Rights vs Agrarian Reform: DARAB Jurisdiction in Philippine Land Disputes
When agrarian reform lands are reclassified, DARAB loses jurisdiction. Learn the rules on transfer restrictions and res judicata.
Willful Failure to Pay Just Debts: Disciplinary Risks for Philippine Government Employees
Philippine public servants can face administrative discipline for willful failure to pay just debts, even after settlement. Learn the rules and risks.
Unprobated Wills and Ejectment: Why Probate Is Required Before Claiming Property Rights in the Philippines
An unprobated will has no legal effect in Philippine courts. Learn why probate is mandatory before asserting inheritance rights in property disputes.
Boundary Disputes in the Philippines: When Creeks Change Course, Ownership Stays Put
Philippine courts uphold original property boundaries even when creeks are diverted. Learn how Pang-oden v. Leonen protects land titles.
Proving Land Ownership in the Philippines: The June 12, 1945 Rule in Land Registration
Philippine land registration requires proof of possession since June 12, 1945. Learn the rules and the key case of Republic v. Carrasco.
Quashing an Information: Limits on Amendment and Filing New Charges in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a quashed information can be amended or refiled, explained in plain language.
Missed Your Pre-Trial? Understanding When Philippine Courts Grant a Second Chance
Philippine courts rarely grant second chances after a pre-trial is missed. Learn the rules on when motions may be reconsidered and the limits of court discretion.
Rescission Rights in Pacto de Retro Sales: When Can a Seller Reclaim Property
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seller can rescind a pacto de retro sale and reclaim property from a defaulting buyer.
Protecting Your Property: Why Notice Is Crucial in Philippine Tax Sales
Learn how the Supreme Court nullified a tax sale for lack of proper notice to the true owner, and what this means for property buyers and owners in the Philippines.
Psychological Incapacity Mere Marital Infidelity IS NOT Enough FOR Annulment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that psychological incapacity under Article 36 requires more than mere marital infidelity or irreconcilable differences.