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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Condominium Rights: Exclusive Use vs Unrestricted Construction on Common Areas
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that exclusive use of a condominium limited common area does not permit unrestricted construction or leasing to third persons.
Loss of Confidence in Philippine Labor Law: When Employers Must Prove Just Cause
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers may dismiss for loss of confidence and what due process requires in termination cases.
Upholding Ethical Conduct When Court Employees Lie, Cheat, or Defraud
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on dismissing employees for dishonesty and loss of trust, and what it means for due process in termination cases.
Co-Ownership and Property Recovery: When Must All Owners Join a Lawsuit
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when co-owners must be impleaded in property recovery suits under Article 487 of the Civil Code.
Conflicting Land Titles: Why Prior Titles Prevail in Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conflicting land titles, explaining why earlier certificates of title prevail over later ones in property disputes.
Custody Battles: When Judicial Discretion Meets Legal Mandates in Child Protection Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a judge's discretion in child custody disputes under RA 9262, balancing legal mandates with the child's best interest.
Bonus Entitlement Discretion VS Contractual Right IN Employment Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when bonuses are discretionary and when they become contractual obligations of employers.
Execution Pending Appeal: Weighing Discretion and Protecting Creditors' Rights in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on final judgments, execution, and the limits of challenging a labor arbiter's writ of execution.
Foreclosure Rights: DBP Can Foreclose Despite Prior Dismissal of Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a bank's withdrawal of a foreclosure case bars it from foreclosing again later. Learn the rules.
Litis Pendentia and Consolidation: Preventing Redundant Lawsuits in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court explains when two cases involve litis pendentia and when consolidation, not dismissal, is the proper remedy.
Missed Your Appeal Understanding Finality of Judgments and Procedural Deadlines in Philippine Courts
Learn how missing appeal deadlines makes judgments final and binding, using a Philippine Supreme Court case on union elections as guide.
Graft and Corruption: Ensuring Public Officials Uphold Integrity in Infrastructure Projects
Philippine Supreme Court affirms graft convictions of city and barangay officials for defective infrastructure projects under R.A. 3019.
Limits of Mandamus Court Discretion in Criminal Case Dismissals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when mandamus can compel a judge to dismiss criminal cases, and when it cannot.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Parent Companies Are Not Liable for Subsidiary Debts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may pierce the corporate veil to hold parent companies liable for subsidiary obligations.
When Late Appeal Briefs Are Allowed: Substantial Justice Over Technical Rules
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when late filing of an appellant's brief may be excused in the interest of substantial justice.
Execution Pending Appeal and the Motion for Reconsideration Rule
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when discretionary execution may issue and why a pending motion for reconsideration bars it.
Execution Pending Appeal Barred by Unresolved Motion for Reconsideration
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a pending motion for reconsideration prevents discretionary execution of a trial court judgment.
Ejectment and Intervention: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ejectment cases, intervention timing, and the rights of non-parties bound by judgments.
Revival of Judgment Safeguarding Property Rights After Forcible Entry
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on co-owner recovery actions, tenant protections under P.D. 1517, and property rights enforcement.
Eyewitness Testimony and Alibi in Murder Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when eyewitness testimony outweighs alibi and what evidence proves carnal knowledge in rape cases.
Tax Declaration vs Title: Resolving Property Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how tax declarations, birth certificates, and deeds of sale affect property ownership disputes between heirs.
Lease vs. Sale: When a Property Owner Can Sell Leased Land in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lease rights, option to renew, and when a lessor can sell property.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Employer Obligations for Medical Staff
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when nurses are independent contractors versus employees under Article 157 of the Labor Code.
Confession as Evidence Overcoming Hearsay in Robbery With Homicide and Carnapping Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an accused's confession to a witness is admissible evidence, not hearsay, in robbery with homicide and carnapping cases.