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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Seafarer Disability Claims: When a Company Doctor's Assessment Is Not Enough
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer may claim total permanent disability benefits despite a company doctor's fit-to-work certification.
Security Guard Negligence and Damnum Absque Injuria: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling on security agency liability, negligence, and the principle of damnum absque injuria, explained for property owners and agencies.
Treachery vs. Abuse of Superior Strength: Key Ruling in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how treachery absorbs abuse of superior strength in murder cases, and why self-defense claims fail against positive identification.
Employer Liability for Unremitted SSS Contributions: Key Lessons from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies employer liability for unremitted SSS contributions, damages, and penalties under the Social Security Act.
What Happens to an Administrative Case When the Respondent Dies? (Philippines)
Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether death of a respondent ends a pending administrative case, citing due process and heirs' protection.
HLURB Decisions in Homeowners’ Association Disputes: Appeal to the CA, Not the OP
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that HLURB decisions on intra-association disputes must be appealed directly to the Court of Appeals, not the Office of the President.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: The 120/240-Day Rule and Timely Medical Assessments
A seafarer's disability claim hinges on timely, definitive medical assessments. The Supreme Court clarifies the 120/240-day rule.
Proper Party in Reversion Cases: AFAB v. F.F. Cruz and State Ownership of Public Lands
When can a government agency sue to cancel titles over public lands? The Supreme Court clarifies reversion actions and real party in interest rules.
Navigating Land Reversion: Who Can Legally Challenge Property Titles in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who may file reversion cases to cancel titles over public lands, and why government agencies cannot act alone.
Understanding Qualified Statutory Rape When Mental Age Determines the Crime
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that sexual intercourse with a mental retardate whose mental age is below 12 constitutes qualified statutory rape.
Understanding the Limits of Injunctive Relief in Bank Liquidation: A Philippine Perspective
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may—and may not—issue injunctions against the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas during bank liquidation proceedings.
Navigating Writs of Possession and Procedural Pitfalls: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling underscores the strict procedural rules in writ of possession cases, from filing briefs to the immutability of judgments.
Navigating Disability Claims: Why Comprehensive Medical Assessments Matter for Seafarers
A Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability benefits highlights why complete, final medical assessments are crucial in maritime compensation claims.
Understanding Gross Negligence and Due Process in Employee Termination: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Ca
The Supreme Court clarifies probationary employment standards, performance appraisal, and due process in termination cases under Philippine labor law.
Procedural Missteps in Philippine Civil Litigation: Lessons from Liao Senho v. Philippine Savings Bank
A Supreme Court ruling shows how missing deadlines and filing the wrong pleadings can cost a litigant the case entirely.
Loan Agreements and Interest Rates: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when banks may impose penalty charges and compound interest under loan restructuring agreements.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations in Public Officials' Financial Disclosure Violations
The Supreme Court clarifies when prescription runs for SALN violations under RA 6713 and RA 3019, and what constitutes concealment.
Understanding Hold Departure Orders and the Right to Travel in Philippine Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court explains when courts may issue hold departure orders and how bail affects an accused person's right to travel.
Hold Departure Orders and the Right to Travel: What Philippine Courts Can Do
When can Philippine courts issue hold departure orders? The Supreme Court explains the limits on the right to travel.
Blanket Mortgage Clauses: When Courts Protect Borrowers in Philippine Real Estate
A Supreme Court ruling shows when blanket mortgage clauses fail to cover new loans and why courts protect borrowers.
Property Rights vs. Military Reservations: The Balmaceda Case on Void Titles
A landmark Supreme Court ruling on why titles tracing back to cancelled certificates cannot defeat the government's claim over military reservations.
Environmental Compliance and Impact Assessments in Reclamation Projects: The Villar v. Alltech Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when an Environmental Performance Report and Management Plan suffices for reclamation projects and the limits of the writ of kalikasan.
Probable Cause and Specificity: When a Materials Engineer Cannot Be Indicted for Graft
The Supreme Court clarifies that probable cause for graft requires specific facts showing a public officer's bad faith, not mere involvement in a project.
Election Protest Costs: The Supreme Court Ruling on Retention Fees for Election Equipment
The Supreme Court explains why the Senate Electoral Tribunal cannot rule on contract validity in election protest cost disputes.