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.
Breach of Warranty: Proving Hidden Defects in Animal Feed Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on what buyers must prove to claim breach of warranty for hidden defects in animal feed.
Estoppel in Questioning Jurisdiction: Participating in Trial Bars Later Challenges
The Supreme Court rules that a party who actively participates in trial and seeks affirmative relief is estopped from questioning the court's jurisdiction on appeal.
Certification Against Forum Shopping: Who Must Sign and Why It Matters
Learn who must sign the certification against forum shopping in Philippine cases, and why a defective signature can get a case dismissed.
Forum Shopping and Appeal Jurisdiction: Traverse Development Corp. v. DBP
When a dismissal order raises only legal questions, appeal lies with the Supreme Court, not the Court of Appeals.
Piercing the Corporate Veil When Tax Avoidance Becomes Evasion
The Supreme Court explains when tax planning crosses the line into tax evasion, and when a stockholder's estate can be held liable for corporate tax deficiencies.
Tax Exemptions for Export Zones: Balancing Investment Incentives and Revenue Collection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax exemptions for export zone enterprises under PD 66, clarifying refund rights for customs duties on supplies.
Hazard Pay Eligibility: Defining Public Health Workers Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court clarifies who qualifies as public health workers for hazard pay under RA 7305, using the GSIS case as example.
Procedural Deadlines Matter: Why Second Extension Motions Can Sink Your Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why a second motion for extension to file an appeal can be fatal, and what litigants must know about Rule 42 deadlines.
Power Lines and Property Rights: Determining Just Compensation for Easements
When power lines cross private land, is the owner owed an easement fee or full property value? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Enforcing Time Limits: Carrier Liability Hinges on Timely Notice of Cargo Damage
Timely written notice of cargo damage is a condition precedent to suing a carrier. The Supreme Court explains why in Federal Express v. American Home Assurance.
Estafa vs. Breach of Contract: When a Failed Deal Is Not a Crime
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when failure to deliver goods after advance payment is civil breach, not criminal estafa.
When Eminent Domain Leads to Total Loss: Just Compensation for Uninhabitable Property
When government projects render private property uninhabitable, the taking is deemed complete and full just compensation is due.
Challenging Anti-Graft Law: Balancing Due Process and Public Accountability
The Supreme Court upholds Section 5 of RA 3019 against vagueness challenges, clarifying rules on repetitive motions, prescription, and immunity.
Proof of Payment: Why Vouchers Aren't Receipts Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies why disbursement vouchers are not receipts and what actually proves payment in civil cases.
Second Chances Denied: The High Cost of Procedural Missteps in Philippine Litigation
A Supreme Court ruling shows why "honest mistake" rarely justifies a new trial—and why procedural deadlines and rules are strictly enforced.
Transfer of Employees Is a Valid Managerial Prerogative Unless Done in Bad Faith
The Supreme Court explains when an employee transfer amounts to constructive dismissal and when it is a valid exercise of management prerogative.
Breach of Contract and Preliminary Attachment: D.M. Wenceslao v. Readycon
Supreme Court clarifies when a wrongful attachment claim succeeds and when a contract balance becomes due, in a construction supply dispute.
Constructive Dismissal When Job Changes Lead to Illegal Termination
Learn how a demotion in rank and pay cut can amount to constructive dismissal, even when an employer claims abandonment.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Defining the Lines in Media Talent Engagements
The Supreme Court clarifies when a TV or radio host is an independent contractor, not an employee, using the control test.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Clear Terms In Waiver Agreements
The Supreme Court enforces the plain terms of a waiver agreement, ruling that clear contractual stipulations prevail over claims of unexpressed intent.
Bank Liability for Forged Checks: Protecting Depositor Rights Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for forged checks, depositor rights, and negligence in the banking relationship.
PAGCOR Franchise Limits, Delegation, and Mootness in Constitutional Challenges
The Supreme Court clarifies PAGCOR cannot delegate its franchise, and explains when constitutional challenges become moot.
Possession After Foreclosure: Why the Buyer Wins the Writ of Possession
Buyers in extrajudicial foreclosure sales are entitled to possession of the property. The Supreme Court explains why in Samson v. Rivera.
Retroactivity of Procedural Rules When Amended Laws Affect Pending Cases
When procedural rules change mid-case, retroactivity applies. Learn how the Supreme Court resolved this in Siena Realty.