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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Unlawful Detainer: Proving a Lease Contract and the Limits of Ownership Claims
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies what a plaintiff must prove in unlawful detainer cases, including the lease contract and better right to possession.
Labor-Only Contracting and Illegal Dismissal: When a Principal Becomes the Employer
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a company becomes the true employer of workers supplied by a contractor, and the consequences of illegal dismissal.
Authority TO Sell Written Power IS KEY To Valid Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Estate of Lino Olaguer clarifies when a written power of attorney is required for valid real estate sales.
Simulated Business Closure Employer Liability FOR Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a simulated business closure constitutes illegal dismissal and employer liability.
Altered Checks and Holder in Due Course Protection Under the Negotiable Instruments Law
Supreme Court ruling on drawee bank liability for altered checks and holder in due course protection under the Negotiable Instruments Law.
When a Father's Betrayal Meets the Eyes of Justice: Re-evaluating Guilt in Incestuous Rape Cases
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows how incestuous rape is proven, why a victim's testimony carries weight, and what penalties and damages the law imposes.
Ejectment Actions Co Owners Rights AND Barangay Conciliation Compliance IN Lease Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ejectment, co-owner rights to sue, and barangay conciliation requirements in lease disputes.
When Lawyers Abuse Blank Checks: Lessons from Manaois v. Deciembre
A Supreme Court ruling on indefinite suspension for a lawyer who filled blank checks with unauthorized amounts shows how the Bar polices deceitful conduct.
Divorce by Faskh: New Grounds After a Prior Dismissal Is Not Barred by Res Judicata
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a dismissed divorce by faskh petition does not bar a new one due to new grounds.
Compromise Agreements in Labor Disputes: When Settlements Are Final and Binding
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on enforceability of compromise agreements in labor cases, even without counsel present, and limits on lawyer's authority.
Closure vs. Retrenchment: Proving Losses in Philippine Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a business closure is treated as retrenchment, requiring proof of substantial losses.
Balancing Efficiency and Due Process: Admissibility of Additional Evidence After Pre-Trial
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may allow additional evidence after pre-trial without violating due process.
Good Faith vs Public Interest: How the Supreme Court Resolves Philippine Land Title Disputes
A 2008 Supreme Court ruling shows why a buyer's claim of good faith cannot defeat the State's right to reclaim fraudulently acquired public land.
Good Faith Purchasers and Notarized Documents in Philippine Property Sales
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on buyer in good faith protection and reliance on notarized board resolutions in property transactions.
Property Rights Prevail: The Right to Fence Over Easement Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the right to fence one's property, easement claims, and procedural rules in injunction cases.
When Judges Overstep: Notarizing Private Deeds as Ex-Officio Notaries
A Supreme Court ruling on when judges may notarize documents, and the limits of their authority as ex-officio notaries public.
Right of Way When a Promise Isn't a Guarantee in Property Sales
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a company's promise to extend a contract becomes binding, and the limits of corporate liability.
Sheriffs Must Follow Execution Rules: Grave Misconduct Case Lessons
When sheriffs demand unauthorized fees and adjourn sales without consent, they commit grave misconduct. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Falsifying Time Records in Government: The Case of a Court Process Server Dismissed for Dishonesty
A Supreme Court ruling shows how falsified daily time records lead to dismissal for dishonesty, forfeiture of benefits, and disqualification from public office.
When Court Employees Falsify Attendance Records: A Lesson in Judicial Discipline
A Supreme Court ruling on a process server's falsified DTRs shows how dishonesty and absenteeism in the judiciary are punished.
Constructive Dismissal: When Forced Resignation Through Pay Reduction Is Illegal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal when an employer's pay reduction forces an employee to resign.
Finality of Judgment Prevails: Compromise Agreements Do Not Erase Criminal Liability in Estafa Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estafa: compromise agreements and payment do not extinguish criminal liability once judgment becomes final.
Finality of Judgments, Solidary Liability, and Actual Damages in Cockfighting Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the immutability of final judgments and how to compute actual damages in a cockfighting dispute.
Duty of Inquiry: Protecting Land Rights Against Fraudulent Transactions in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tenancy, land redemption rights, and the burden of proving lawful landowner-tenant relationships.