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.
Mining Rights vs Land Ownership: What the Supreme Court Decided
A 1996 Supreme Court ruling clarifies that mining claims under the Philippine Bill of 1902 grant possessory rights, not absolute ownership over land.
Retrenchment in the Philippines: Navigating Layoffs Legally
Understand the legal requirements for valid retrenchment in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Guerrero v. NLRC.
Understanding the Limits of General Powers of Attorney in Real Estate Sales
Learn how Philippine courts treat general powers of attorney in real estate transactions and why specificity matters.
Appeal Bonds in Philippine Labor Cases: When Can They Be Reduced
Learn when Philippine courts may reduce appeal bonds in labor cases, the rules on perfecting appeals, and practical tips for compliance.
Police Power vs Individual Rights: Regulating OFW Deployment
The Supreme Court upholds the Artist Record Book requirement for performing artists bound abroad as a valid exercise of police power.
When Circumstantial Evidence Suffices: Rape with Homicide and the Limits of Alibi
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence can convict, why alibi rarely works, and the difference between reclusion perpetua and life imprisonment.
When Can a Bank Seize Funds? Understanding Set-Off Rights in the Philippines
Learn when Philippine banks can legally seize deposits through set-off, and the limits on this right under Philippine law.
Judge's Authority in Marriage Solemnization: Jurisdiction and Validity Rules
Learn the jurisdictional limits of judges solemnizing marriages in the Philippines and the mandatory presumptive death proceeding under the Family Code.
PCGG Sequestration Orders: Due Process and Valid Authority Requirements
The Supreme Court rules that PCGG sequestration orders require at least two Commissioners and a prima facie showing, protecting due process rights.
Illegal Dismissal: When Can an Employer Terminate an Employee in the Philippines
Philippine law requires just cause and due process for valid termination. This case explains serious misconduct and loss of confidence rules.
Union Disaffiliation in the Philippines: Know Your Rights Under the CBA Freedom Period
Understand when a local union can validly disaffiliate from its mother federation under Philippine labor law, based on the ANGLO vs. SAMANA BAY ruling.
Replevin Actions and Chattel Mortgagees: When the Mortgagor Must Be Impleaded
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a chattel mortgagee must implead the mortgagor in a replevin action to foreclose on a vehicle.
Perfecting an Appeal: Understanding the Importance of Procedural Compliance in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict procedural compliance in appeals and the limits of administrative interpretation of law.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: Unlawful Aggression and the Cabiles Case
Philippine self-defense law requires unlawful aggression, reasonable force, and no provocation. The Cabiles case shows how courts test these elements.
Establishing Employer-Employee Relationship Is Key to Illegal Dismissal Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why proving employer-employee relationship is essential before an illegal dismissal case can prosper.
When Is a Shipping Company Responsible for Cargo Damage? Key Lessons from Philippine Home Assurance v. Eastern
A ship fire, salvage charges, and extra freight—who pays? The Supreme Court clarifies carrier liability and negligence in cargo shipping.
Alibi Defense in Philippine Criminal Law: Requirements and Limitations
Understand when alibi works as a defense in Philippine criminal cases, its legal requirements, and why courts view it with suspicion.
Deducting Bad Debts in the Philippines: Proving Worthlessness for Tax Purposes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements for deducting bad debts for tax purposes, emphasizing documentary proof of worthlessness.
Just Cause Termination for Workplace Fighting: The Royo Case and Due Process in the Philippines
When can an employer fire an employee for fighting? The Royo case clarifies serious misconduct as just cause and the due process required.
Understanding Legal Redemption: Protecting Co-Owners' Rights in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies co-owners' legal redemption rights, written notice requirements, and timely exercise under Civil Code Articles 1619-1623.
Habitual Absences vs Security of Tenure: Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Prerogatives in Dismissal Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when habitual absences justify dismissal, balancing employee security of tenure against employer prerogatives in shipping.
Protecting the Accused: The Importance of Valid Arraignment in Philippine Criminal Law
A Supreme Court ruling on invalid arraignment underscores why a guilty plea must be free and informed, especially in capital cases.
Filling Vacancies in Local Government: A Guide to Appointments in the Philippines
Who appoints replacements for vacant local council seats? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules under the Local Government Code.
Res Judicata in Land Registration: Ramirez v. Court of Appeals Explained
When does a final denial of a land registration application bar a later one? The Supreme Court clarifies res judicata in Ramirez v. Court of Appeals.