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.
The High Cost of Negligence: Why Banks Must Exercise Due Diligence in Mortgage Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on GSIS v. Salonga clarifies that banks and lending institutions cannot claim good faith by merely relying on titles.
Court Personnel Misconduct and Judicial Abuse: Lessons from a 1998 Administrative Case
A 1998 Supreme Court ruling shows how court personnel misconduct and judicial abuse of contempt power undermine public trust in the judiciary.
When AWOL Is Not Grounds for Dismissal: Philippine Labor Law Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains when absence without leave (AWOL) is not valid grounds for dismissal, and what employers must prove.
Time Is of the Essence: Understanding the Prescription Period for Illegal Dismissal Claims in the Philippines
When does the 4-year prescriptive period for illegal dismissal start? The Supreme Court clarifies in Mendoza v. NLRC.
Estate Settlement and Guardianship: Why Venue and Proper Petition Matter in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies venue rules, proper petitions, and standing in Philippine estate settlement and guardianship proceedings.
Missed Deadline NOT Justice Denied When Excusable Negligence Saves A Labor Appeal IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when a late labor appeal may be excused due to honest mistake, and when separation pay replaces reinstatement.
Suspension of Payments in the Philippines: Who Can File and What Are the Limits
The Supreme Court clarifies that only corporations, partnerships, or associations—not individuals—may file for suspension of payments under PD 902-A.
Valid Contracts for Future Property in the Philippines: Insights from Mananzala v. Court of Appeals
Learn when a contract to sell future property is valid under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Mananzala v. Court of Appeals.
Dying Declarations and Witness Credibility: Key Elements in Philippine Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains dying declarations, witness credibility, and conspiracy in murder convictions of three brothers.
Presidential Power vs Cooperative Autonomy: When Can the President Intervene
The Supreme Court limits presidential intervention in electric cooperatives, protecting cooperative autonomy and democratic governance under Philippine law.
Eyewitness Testimony vs Forensic Evidence: When Reasonable Doubt Prevails
Philippine Supreme Court acquits murder accused where eyewitness accounts conflicted with forensic findings, explaining when reasonable doubt prevails.
Appeal Bonds in Philippine Labor Cases: Lessons from Greenhills Products v. NLRC
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified appeal bond rules and due process in illegal dismissal cases, protecting employee rights.
Rape Conviction Reversal: When Consensual Sex Becomes Forced
Supreme Court acquits pastor in rape case, explaining how a complainant's post-incident conduct can cast doubt on claims of force.
Superior Strength in Murder: How Conspiracy Establishes Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how conspiracy and superior strength qualify a killing as murder, with practical legal takeaways.
Transferee Recruitment Agency Liability: Protecting Overseas Workers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a transferee recruitment agency can be held liable for illegal dismissal of an overseas worker.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When a Public Facebook Post Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when public social media posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and how ICT use raises penalties.
Project Employee vs Regular Employee: Understanding Employment Status in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between project employees and regular employees in construction work, and when repeated contracts may indicate regular employment.
Quasi-Delict vs Criminal Negligence: Civil Liability in Philippine Accidents
The Supreme Court clarifies when a driver's negligence creates civil liability under quasi-delict, even without a criminal conviction.
Reinstatement Pending Appeal: When Employers Must Pay Back Wages
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers must pay back wages during appeal—only if the labor arbiter ordered reinstatement.
Large Scale Illegal Recruitment: When One Person Can Be Held Liable
One person can be guilty of large scale illegal recruitment if three or more victims are defrauded, explains the Supreme Court.
Resignation Cannot Shield Court Personnel From Administrative Liability
Philippine Supreme Court rules resignation does not erase administrative liability, dismissing court employee for grave misconduct, tardiness, and absenteeism.
When Is a Spouse's Debt Chargeable to the Conjugal Partnership
Supreme Court clarifies when a husband's surety agreement binds the conjugal partnership, distinguishing corporate debts from family obligations.
Defense of a Relative in the Philippines: Proving Unlawful Aggression
Philippine law allows defense of a relative, but only if unlawful aggression is clearly proven. A Supreme Court case shows why.
Admissibility of Confessions: Protecting Rights During Custodial Investigation in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when a confession obtained without counsel during custodial investigation is inadmissible in evidence.