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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Nominal Damages in Labor Disputes: When Courts Can Reduce the Award
Philippine Supreme Court explains when and how courts may reduce nominal damages awarded to employees in illegal dismissal cases.
Appeal Not Automatically Dismissed for Minor Docket Fee Shortage Upholding Substantial Justice
SC rules appeal not automatically dismissed for minor docket fee shortage; substantial justice prevails over procedural technicalities.
Certiorari Without Motion for Reconsideration: Exceptions Under Rule 65
Learn when Philippine courts allow a direct petition for certiorari without a prior motion for reconsideration, based on the PAL-PESALA case.
When Strikes Turn Illegal Understanding Return TO Work Orders IN Philippine Labor LAW
Plaintiff's Right to Dismiss a Complaint Before Answer Under the Old Rules
Learn when a plaintiff can dismiss a complaint by mere notice under Rule 17, and how the 1997 Rules changed this right.
Verbal Promises and Land Ownership: Why Word of Honor Fails in Philippine Property Disputes
A Torrens title is indefeasible. Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that verbal promises cannot defeat a registered landowner's rights in the Philippines.
Ejectment Actions and Agrarian Reform: When a Notice of Coverage Does Not Halt Eviction
A Notice of Coverage under agrarian reform does not automatically stop an ejectment case. Learn the rule from Pasco v. Pison-Arceo.
Indefeasibility of Torrens Titles in the Philippines: Fraud and the One-Year Rule Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Torrens title indefeasibility, the one-year fraud review period, and why titles from public land patents become incontrovertible.
Prejudicial Question Doctrine: How Civil Court Rulings Can Halt Graft Cases in the Philippines
Explaining the prejudicial question doctrine in Philippine law and how a civil case ruling can suspend or halt criminal graft proceedings.
Missed Deadline Understanding Counsel OF Record IN Philippine Courts AND Valid Service OF Court Decisions
When does a lawyer's receipt of a court decision bind the client? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on counsel of record and appeal deadlines.
Simulated Contracts in the Philippines: Intent, Validity, and the Valerio Case
Learn how Philippine courts decide simulated contracts by examining party intent, absolute vs. relative simulation, and the Valerio ruling.
When Duty Turns Deadly: Justifiable Force and Homicide in Philippine Law
A police officer shot a man during a routine check. The Supreme Court explains when self-defense and performance of duty fail.
When Does A Workplace Aggravate A Pre-Existing Condition Understanding Employees Compensation
The Supreme Court clarifies when workplace conditions aggravate pre-existing illnesses and how this affects employees' compensation claims in the Philippines.
Protecting Your Inheritance: Co-Ownership and Prescription in Philippine Property Law
Learn how Philippine law protects co-owners from prescription and laches, and the rules on legal redemption when a co-heir sells property.
Gocc Labor Disputes: Jurisdiction and Corporate Veil in Illegal Dismissal Cases
Learn how Philippine courts decide illegal dismissal cases involving voluntary resignation, burden of proof, and corporate liability.
Lost Land Title? Why Notifying Neighbors Is Non-Negotiable: A Philippine Case Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failing to prove notice to adjoining owners voids a judicial reconstitution of a lost land title.
Construction Defects and Warranty Periods: Know Your Rights and Liabilities After Project Completion
Learn when a contractor's liability for construction defects ends under Philippine law, and what a one-year warranty period really means.
Navigating Libel in the Philippines: Defamation, Privileged Communication, and Free Speech
Understand Philippine libel law through a landmark case—what defamation requires, when privileged communication applies, and the penalties involved.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Deadlines and Remedies in Philippine Administrative Cases
Learn the difference between certiorari and appeal in administrative cases, and why missing the 15-day appeal deadline is fatal.
Second Marriages and SSS Death Benefits: Why Court Decisions Matter
The Supreme Court rules on whether the SSS can disregard a court declaration of presumptive death when awarding death benefits.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: Key Differences and Employer Responsibilities in Philippine Labor
Learn the key differences between voluntary resignation and illegal dismissal in Philippine labor law, and what employers must do to avoid liability.
Lost in Translation: Why Accurate Publication Is Key to Philippine Naturalization
The Supreme Court denies naturalization where the notice of hearing omitted the applicant's witnesses' names—publication must be complete and accurate.
Quasi-Delict Damages and Court Jurisdiction: Filing in the Right Philippine Court
Learn how Philippine courts determine jurisdiction in quasi-delict damage claims, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Iniego v. Purganan.
Proving Work-Related Illness in the Philippines: When Is Diabetes Compensable
Diabetes is not automatically compensable under Philippine law. A Supreme Court ruling shows what proof claimants must present.