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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Common Carriers, Fortuitous Events, and Evidence: Lessons from Lea Mer Industries
When a barge sank with insured cargo, the Supreme Court clarified when a common carrier can invoke a fortuitous event defense.
Ombudsman's Authority Prevails: Challenging Jurisdiction After Participating in Proceedings
Supreme Court rules that participating in NLRC proceedings does not bar challenging jurisdiction when Civil Service Commission has exclusive authority over government employees.
Extraordinary Diligence of Common Carriers: Liability for Cargo Loss in Fortuitous Events
When is a common carrier liable for lost cargo during a storm? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on extraordinary diligence and fortuitous events.
How a Torrens Title Protects Your Right to Eject Unlawful Occupants in the Philippines
Learn how a Torrens title is the strongest proof of ownership in the Philippines and why it lets owners eject unlawful occupants from their property.
Quitclaims and Employee Rights: Protecting Workers' Claims Despite Waivers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on quitclaims: workers can still recover unpaid benefits even after signing releases.
Venue Disputes Distinguishing Real From Personal Actions In Contract Annulment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an action to annul a loan and mortgage contract is personal or real for venue purposes.
Double Jeopardy and Grave Abuse of Discretion: When Acquittal Can Be Challenged
Philippine Supreme Court explains when an acquittal can be challenged and the limits of double jeopardy protection.
Partition of Property and Co-Ownership Claims in Unlawful Detainer Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how ejectment cases handle co-ownership claims and Torrens title holders' right to possession.
Corporate Rehabilitation vs. HLURB Jurisdiction in Real Estate Rescission Cases
When a developer under corporate rehabilitation faces rescission claims, SEC suspension rules may prevail over HLURB jurisdiction. Learn from this case.
When Budget Cuts Threaten a Region: The Cordillera Administrative Region Case
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on the 2000 GAA provision that limited the Cordillera Administrative Region's budget to winding up operations.
Sheriffs Overreach Accepting Money FOR Bail Bonds AND THE Boundaries OF Official Conduct
Upholding Integrity Consequences FOR Mismanagement OF Court Funds IN THE Philippine Judiciary
Self Defense Claims IN Homicide Justification VS Criminal Liability IN THE Philippines
Equitable Mortgage: When a Deed of Sale Disguises a Loan Security
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a deed of absolute sale is really an equitable mortgage securing a debt.
Judicial Efficiency THE Duty OF Judges TO Promptly Resolve Cases AND THE Consequences OF Delay
Lawyers Must Acknowledge Client Payments and Act Fairly Despite Zealous Representation
A lawyer who refuses to acknowledge a client's payment and withholds registration of a deed violates ethical rules, even when acting to protect a client.
Due Process and Immigration Law: When a Judge’s Procedural Errors Become Gross Ignorance
A judge’s disregard of the three-day notice rule and immigration law results in administrative liability for gross ignorance of the law.
Navigating Fishpond Leases: The Republic's Discretion vs. Corporate Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when government land reserved for public use can be claimed by private occupants under urban land reform laws.
From Grave to Simple: When Can Misconduct Charges Be Reduced
The Supreme Court explains when grave misconduct may be reduced to simple misconduct in administrative cases, and why due process allows it.
Legal Redemption of Small Urban Lots: When Neighbors Can Buy
Explain the Supreme Court's ruling on legal redemption under Article 1622, including the four elements a neighbor must prove.
Per Diem Is the Limit: Examining Compensation for Water District Directors
The Supreme Court clarifies that water district directors may receive only per diems under PD 198, not other allowances or benefits.
Duty Free Philippines v. Mojica: Civil Service, Not Labor Courts, Governs GOCC Employees
Employees of government-owned corporations with original charters must file dismissal cases with the Civil Service Commission, not the NLRC.
Sheriffs Duty Upholding Impartiality AND DUE Process IN Execution OF Judgments
Conjugal Property Rights: Wife's Timely Action Required to Contest Husband's Sale
A wife who fails to contest her husband's unauthorized sale of conjugal property within ten years may lose her right to invalidate the transaction.