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.
Good Faith vs Due Diligence: Unmasking the Innocent Purchaser Doctrine
The Supreme Court clarifies that buyers of registered land must go beyond the title when circumstances raise suspicion. Learn the limits of the innocent purchaser defense.
Breach of Trust as Just Cause for Termination: Protecting Employer Confidence
When an employee's dishonesty erodes the employer's trust, dismissal may be justified under Article 282 of the Labor Code.
Written Stipulation Is Key: Enforceability of Loan Interest Agreements in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when 12% interest applies versus 6% in construction disputes, emphasizing written stipulations.
Burden of Proof in Labor Disputes: Employers Must Substantiate Claims of Payment
Employers who claim they paid workers' wages and benefits must prove it with payroll records. Learn the rule from a 2014 Supreme Court case.
Partition Rights CO Ownership VS Prior Judgment IN Philippine Property LAW
Supreme Court clarifies that a default judgment cannot substitute for proof of co-ownership, and a tax declaration alone does not establish title.
Exclusive Ownership vs Successional Rights: Clarifying Property Claims in Inheritance Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when heirs acquire rights to property and how titles describe ownership in inheritance disputes.
When Tolerated Use Ends: Establishing Ownership Rights Over School Property
Supreme Court ruling on tolerated possession, laches, and ownership rights when government uses private land for schools.
Unbearable Conditions Defining Constructive Dismissal in the Workplace
When employer hostility becomes unbearable, an employee may be constructively dismissed. The Supreme Court explains the test and remedies.
Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: Protecting OFWs From Unlicensed Recruiters
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when unlicensed recruiters face life imprisonment and estafa penalties for defrauding overseas job seekers.
Electronic Fund Transfers and Documentary Stamp Tax: Navigating Tax Laws in the Digital Age
The Supreme Court ruled that electronic fund transfer instructions are not bills of exchange subject to documentary stamp tax under Section 181.
Circumstantial Evidence and Conviction: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for homicide, and clarifies the rules on incomplete self-defense and voluntary surrender.
Ill-Gotten Wealth, Close Association with Marcoses, and Asset Recovery: A Legal Primer
Learn how Philippine courts define "ill-gotten wealth," prove close association with the Marcoses, and recover assets under sequestration laws.
Contempt of Court: Balancing Due Process and Judicial Authority
Explore how the Supreme Court balances due process with judicial authority in contempt cases, ensuring fairness and order.
Falsifying Time Records: A Breach of Public Trust in the Philippine Judiciary
Court interpreter suspended six months for falsifying daily time records to attend law school. The Supreme Court rules on dishonesty, due process, and public accountability.
Possession Is Key: Unpaid Trust Certificates and Bank Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a bank client holding original unpaid trust certificates can enforce payment, even years after maturity.
Formal Charges and Due Process in Philippine Administrative Law: The Salva v. Valle Ruling
Philippine administrative law requires a valid formal charge before dismissal. The Salva v. Valle ruling explains why.
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 Public Funds Meet Private Entities: The Boundaries of the Anti-Graft Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when government financial assistance to private organizations may or may not violate Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Client’s Case and Defying Court Orders
A lawyer’s duty of diligence and obedience to court orders, explained through a Supreme Court ruling suspending Atty. Reni M. Dublin for six months.
Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accidents: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
A recent Supreme Court ruling clarifies negligence, vicarious liability, and insurer subrogation in Philippine vehicular accident claims.
Tenant Rights Under Scrutiny: Consent and Proof in Agricultural Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that occupation and cultivation alone do not create a tenancy relationship, requiring proof of landowner consent and harvest sharing.
Tax Exemption vs Assessment: Understanding Payment Under Protest in Real Property Tax Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that claiming tax exemption does not excuse payment under protest before appealing a real property tax assessment.
Attorney's Negligence Leads to Suspension: Upholding Diligence in Legal Representation
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for five years for gross negligence in criminal defense, reaffirming counsel's duty of diligence and fidelity to clients.
Breach of Insurance Contract: The Impact of Unapproved Property Relocation
When insured property moves without insurer consent, coverage may cease. Learn from Malayan Insurance v. PAP Co. on relocation risks.