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.
Cutting Utility Lines Without a Permit: Unjust Vexation Under Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in Ong Chiu Kwan v. Court of Appeals treats unauthorized cutting of utility lines as unjust vexation.
Deadlines Matter: Understanding the 30-Day Rule for Court Decisions in Philippine Summary Procedure
A judge's 30-day deadline under the Revised Rules on Summary Procedure is mandatory—delays draw fines, as this administrative case shows.
Justice Delayed IS Justice DenIED: Judicial Delay and Your Rights in the Philippines
When judges fail to decide cases on time, the public suffers. Learn the rules on judicial delay and your remedies.
Bouncing Checks: Understanding Liability and Penalties Under Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court interprets BP 22 bouncing checks law, including liability, penalties, and defenses in the Philippines.
Earnest Money Isn't a Done Deal: Why Payment Terms Perfect a Contract of Sale in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that earnest money alone doesn't perfect a sale when payment terms remain unsettled. Learn the rules.
Amended Complaints and Officer Liability in Corporate Disputes
When can a plaintiff amend a complaint to seek new relief? When are corporate officers personally liable? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Contractor's Tax Assessments: Prescription Periods and Gross Receipts Rules
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax assessment prescription periods, contractor's tax on security agency gross receipts, and protest deadlines under the NIRC.
Security Guard's Dismissal Ruled Illegal: Probationary Status and Sister Companies Explained
A security guard absorbed by a sister company becomes a regular employee; first-offense infractions cannot justify dismissal.
Who Pays for an Illegal Strike? National Union Liability Under Philippine Law
When a local union stages an illegal strike, can the national union be held liable for damages? The Supreme Court clarifies agency and responsibility.
Cashier Negligence and Liability: Safeguarding Public Funds in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on cashier negligence and accountability for lost public funds, with rules on safekeeping and COA relief.
Right of Repurchase in Philippine Real Estate: Pacto de Retro Rules Explained
Learn the rules on pacto de retro sales and the right of repurchase in Philippine real estate, including annotation duties and judicial requirements.
Estate Tax Collection: BIR Authority vs. Probate Court Jurisdiction
Supreme Court ruling on whether the BIR can levy estate properties without probate court approval, and the finality of tax assessments.
Corporate Identity Crisis CAN A Company Sue Under AN Unregistered Name
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a company can sue under an unregistered corporate name, explained in plain language.
Contract Validity and Enforceability: Lessons from Roblett v. Court of Appeals
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling on contract validity, authority to sign, and estoppel in Philippine obligations law.
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.
Dereliction of Duty in Philippine Courts: The Responsibilities of Court Stenographers
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the duties of court stenographers and the consequences of failing to transcribe and transmit notes on time.