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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Price Escalation Clauses in Government Contracts: When Renegotiation Timing Matters
Supreme Court ruling on Creser Precision Systems clarifies how often price escalation can take effect under Philippine government contracts.
Acts of Lasciviousness Preliminary Investigation Sufficiency and Due Process Rights
Supreme Court clarifies when a preliminary investigation for one offense can support a different charge, and what due process requires.
Agricultural Leasehold Tenants Rights vs Landowners Share Under Agrarian Reform
Supreme Court ruling on lawful lease rentals, tenant security of tenure, and limits on landowner shares under RA 3844 and RA 6657.
When the Prosecutor Files a Different Offense Than the Police: What the Supreme Court Says
The Supreme Court explains why a prosecutor may charge a different offense than what police initially identified—and why no second preliminary investigation is needed.
Barangay Jurisdiction in Property Disputes: Residency of the Real Party in Interest Controls
The Supreme Court clarifies that the real party in interest's residency, not the attorney-in-fact's, determines barangay lupon jurisdiction over disputes.
When Separate Lawsuits Are Not Forum Shopping: The Rule on Splitting a Cause of Action
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when filing separate cases for different properties is not forum shopping or splitting a cause of action.
Libel Jurisdiction: Where Does a Case Belong?
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on libel jurisdiction, venue rules under the Revised Penal Code, and when amendments to informations are allowed.
Forcible Entry: Possession by Tolerance vs. Undue Deprivation Through Force
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that owners cannot use force to evict occupants, even if possession is by tolerance, without filing the proper ejectment case.
Security of Tenure vs. Loss of Trust: Defining Confidential Employees at PAGCOR
Supreme Court ruling on PAGCOR employees' security of tenure, confidential positions, and loss of trust and confidence as grounds for dismissal.
Family Feuds and Final Judgments: When Revival Actions Trump Res Judicata
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when res judicata bars revival of judgments and how family settlement rules apply.
Tolerance Ends Unlawful Detainer: Landowner Rights in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that courts may provisionally pass on a plaintiff's death in ejectment cases, and tolerated possession ends upon demand to vacate.
Chattel Mortgage vs Installment Sales: Creditor Remedies in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a creditor may collect the unpaid balance after repossessing a vehicle under a chattel mortgage.
When Tenancy Claims Don't Oust MTC Jurisdiction Over Unlawful Detainer
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that raising tenancy as a defense doesn't automatically strip MTC jurisdiction over unlawful detainer cases involving structures.
Bank Negligence and Dishonored Checks: When Is a Bank Liable?
A bank’s failure to credit a deposit can make it liable for damages when checks are dishonored. Lessons from Prudential Bank v. Lim.
Gross Ignorance of the Law: When Can a Judge Be Held Liable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when judges face administrative liability for judicial errors, gross ignorance, and misconduct.
Territorial Jurisdiction in Estafa Cases: Where the Crime Must Be Proven
In estafa cases, venue is jurisdictional. The Supreme Court explains why the prosecution must prove where the fraud occurred.
When Are Clients Bound by Their Lawyer’s Actions? Philippine Supreme Court Explains
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a client is bound by a lawyer's negligence or refusal to receive court notices.
Why Delayed and Irregular Decisions Cost This Government Lawyer His License
A DARAB adjudicator was suspended for six months for rendering an irregular decision without notice and hearing, violating due process and the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Estate Administration Discretion IN Appointing A Special Administrator VS Heir Preference
Barangay Conciliation: Why a Settlement Agreement Cannot Replace the Lupon Requirement
Learn from Berba v. Pablo why a barangay settlement with one party does not excuse mandatory conciliation before filing an ejectment suit.
Maritime Liens and Foreign Suppliers: Jurisdiction in Vessel Supply Disputes
Philippine courts explain when foreign suppliers can enforce maritime liens on vessels — and why jurisdiction depends on more than location.
Tenancy Rights vs Overseer Status: What Philippine Agrarian Law Requires
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the six requisites of agricultural tenancy and why being an overseer or paid farmhand does not make one a tenant.
Indefeasibility of Title: Prior Registration Prevails in Land Ownership Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that prior registration and indefeasibility of title prevail over claims of ownership based on unregistered possession.
Employer Liability for Illegal Recruitment Despite Agency Licensing
Philippine Supreme Court rules licensed agency's crewing manager can be liable for large scale illegal recruitment.