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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Implied Consent and Jurisdiction: When Unpleaded Issues Become Part of a Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how unpleaded issues tried with implied consent become part of a case under Rule 10.
Acquisitive Prescription: Proving Open, Continuous Possession for Land Registration
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves open, continuous possession for land registration under the Property Registration Decree.
Sleeping on the Job: When Serious Misconduct Justifies Termination in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when sleeping during work hours constitutes serious misconduct justifying termination under the Labor Code.
Retrenchment Rules in the Philippines: When Cost-Cutting Becomes Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court explains when retrenchment is illegal: employer must prove losses, use fair criteria, and follow notice rules.
Retrenchment Must Follow Fair Criteria: Seniority Matters in Employee Layoffs
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on retrenchment: employers must prove losses and use fair criteria like seniority when selecting employees to lay off.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence for a Fair Trial
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where prosecution failed to prove unbroken chain of custody of seized shabu under RA 9165.
Abandonment vs Constructive Dismissal: Employer Duties and Employee Rights in Termination Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between abandonment and constructive dismissal, and the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases.
Equitable Reduction of Liquidated Damages in Construction Delays: Balancing Contractual Obligations and Fairne
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may reduce liquidated damages in construction delay cases, balancing contract terms with equity.
Proximate Cause Prevails: When a Plaintiff's Own Negligence Bars Recovery in Vehicle Accidents
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how a plaintiff's own negligence as proximate cause bars recovery, even with defendant's contributory negligence.
Victim Testimony in Rape Cases: Credibility and Burden of Proof
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction, victim credibility, intact hymen, and burden of proof explained.
When Is Tuberculosis a Work-Related Illness? Seafarer Disability Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when tuberculosis is work-related for seafarer disability claims, and the burden of proof on the seafarer.
Duress vs Free Will: When Fear Does Not Excuse Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court explains when uncontrollable fear excuses a crime and when it does not, in a murder case.
Wage Orders vs CBAs: When Salary Hikes Affect ECOLA Entitlement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how retroactive CBA wage increases affect ECOLA entitlement under Wage Order NCR-09 and double indemnity penalties.
Estoppel in Land Sales: Upholding Agreements Despite Lack of Written Authority
Philippine Supreme Court rules on estoppel in land sales where an agent lacked written authority, protecting buyers who relied on the seller's silence.
Interest Rate Disputes Contractual Agreements VS Legal Modifications IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court rules on contractual interest rates, legal modifications, and judicial intervention in private loan agreements.
Labor Appeals When Justice Outweighs Strict Deadlines In Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on labor appeals, strict deadlines, and when substantial justice prevails over procedural rules.
Sugar Planters' Associations Cannot Demand Arbitration Without Contract Privity
Philippine Supreme Court rules associations lack legal standing to demand arbitration unless they are parties to the milling contracts or authorized by members.
Constructive Possession When Contraband in a Shared Space Implicates Guilt
Philippine Supreme Court explains when drugs found in a shared space can still prove constructive possession and guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Heirs Obligation Estate Debt Survival Beyond Death IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that debts survive death—heirs inherit obligations but only up to the estate's value. Learn the rules.
Labia Majora and Consummated Rape: When Entry, Not Full Penetration, Establishes Carnal Knowledge
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere introduction of the penis into the labia majora consummates rape; hymenal rupture not required.
Forum Shopping One Wrongful ACT One Legal Remedy Only
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on forum shopping, one wrongful act, and the single legal remedy rule in civil procedure.
Indigency Status Corporations Cannot Claim FEE Exemption Despite Aiding THE Poor
Philippine Supreme Court rules corporations cannot claim indigent litigant fee exemptions, even when serving the poor. Learn the legal basis.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: When the Government Takes Property Without Filing a Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on just compensation, consequential damages, and attorney's fees when government takes private property without expropriation proceedings.
When Heated Words Lead to Illegal Strikes: Balancing Free Speech and Order in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on gross negligence, serious misconduct, and due process in employee dismissal cases under the Labor Code.