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.
Protecting Homebuyers: PD 957 Prevails Over Bank Mortgages in Subdivision Sales
Supreme Court rules banks must honor PD 957 protections for subdivision buyers, even when properties are mortgaged to secure developer loans.
Psoriasis Seafarers and the Burden of Proof in Work-Related Illness Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on proving work-related illness for disability benefits, with lessons for seafarers.
Balancing Freedom of Speech and the Sub Judice Rule: Protecting Fair Trial Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when public comments on pending cases violate the sub judice rule and constitute contempt.
Court Personnel and the Limits of Leniency: When Dishonesty Warrants Suspension, Not Dismissal
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when court employees who misappropriate private money face suspension instead of dismissal, balancing accountability with compassion.
Illegal Dismissal: Security of Tenure vs. Employer Prerogative in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on fixed-term contracts, security of tenure, and the limits of employer prerogative in termination cases.
Duty to Disclose Accrued Interest in SALNs and the Limits of Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that public officials must declare accrued interest on time deposits in their SALNs, but penalties consider good faith.
Fixed-Term Employment vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure and Illegal Dismissal
When a fixed-term contract expires but the employee keeps working, regular employment and security of tenure may arise. Illegal dismissal rules apply.
Certiorari Deadlines: No Extensions Without Compelling Reasons in the Philippines
Learn the strict rule on certiorari deadlines under Rule 45, including when extensions may be granted and the limits of court discretion.
When Church Approval Is Key: Validity of Property Sales by Religious Corporations
Supreme Court rules on when a religious corporation's property sale is unenforceable without required church approvals, citing the Corporation Code.
Misconduct and Separation Pay: When Is an Employee Entitled to Separation Pay
The Supreme Court clarifies when a dismissed employee may still receive separation pay, and why theft bars such an award.
Counsel Substitution and Appeal Perfection: Procedural Pitfalls in Labor Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling on how improper counsel substitution and missing non-forum shopping certifications can doom labor appeals.
Presumption of Marriage Overcomes Lost Records in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how lost marriage records affect proof of marriage, presumption of marriage, and bigamy claims.
When Remand Limits Amendments: Damages in Expropriation Cases
Supreme Court rules on when courts may allow amended complaints after remand in eminent domain cases, protecting property owners' rights.
Civil Liability Despite Acquittal When Medical Negligence Results in Damages
Acquittal in a criminal case does not erase civil liability. Learn how Philippine courts award damages based on preponderance of evidence.
Regular Seasonal Employment in the Sugar Industry: What Workers Should Know
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between regular seasonal employees and regular permanent workers in the sugar milling industry.
SEC Suspension Order as Defense in B.P. 22 Cases: Gidwani v. People
Supreme Court rules SEC suspension of payments order excuses check dishonor under B.P. 22, reversing conviction of corporate officer.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Courts Must Follow the DAR Formula
The Supreme Court clarifies that agrarian courts must apply Section 17 of RA 6657 and DAR AO 5-98 when fixing just compensation for expropriated land.
SEC Suspension Order as a Valid Defense in B.P. 22 Cases: Gidwani v. People
When a lawful SEC suspension order precedes check presentment, the drawer may be excused from B.P. 22 liability.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty Banks Must Uphold Transparency in Trust Accounts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Land Bank v. Oñate clarifies banks' fiduciary duties, transparency obligations, and liability for undocumented trust account withdrawals.
Breach of Contract and Banks' Liability: Understanding Hold Out Clauses in Deposit Agreements
When can a bank freeze a depositor's account? The Supreme Court explains the limits of "hold out" clauses in deposit agreements.
Constructive Dismissal Demotion and Unfulfilled Reinstatement Undermine Labor Rights
SC rules on constructive dismissal via demotion, reinstatement impossibility, and early retirement requiring explicit employee consent.
Protecting Local Autonomy Upholding Environmental Stewardship Over Business Interests
The Supreme Court dismissed a disbarment case against local officials, affirming their power to enforce environmental laws over business interests.
Tenant Rights vs Land Ownership: Establishing a Valid Tenancy in Agrarian Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies what proves a valid tenancy relationship in agrarian disputes, and why a tenant's claim failed.
Attorney Sanctioned for Baseless Complaint Against Justice: Lessons on Judicial Ethics
The Supreme Court held a lawyer in indirect contempt for filing a baseless administrative complaint against a Court of Appeals justice, reaffirming that such complaints cannot substitute for judicial