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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Attorney Ethics: Navigating Conflicts of Interest in the Philippines
A lawyer cannot represent conflicting interests, even in good faith. The Supreme Court explains the rule and its penalties.
When Can the LRA Refuse to Issue a Decree of Registration? Mandamus Limits Explained
The Supreme Court explains when the Land Registration Authority may validly refuse to issue a decree of registration and why mandamus cannot compel it.
Dismissal by Sandiganbayan: Proper Legal Remedy and Mootness in Philippine Courts
Learn when a Sandiganbayan dismissal is appealable via Rule 45, not certiorari, and when cases become moot.
Navigating NLRC Appeals: Why Proof of Receipt and Timeliness Are Critical
Learn how the Supreme Court resolved a labor appeal dismissed for being late, and why proving the exact date of receipt matters.
Undue Injury in Philippine Anti-Graft Law: Why Actual Damage Is Crucial
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Llorente v. Sandiganbayan that in graft cases.
The High Cost of Negligence: Why Banks Must Exercise Due Diligence in Mortgage Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on GSIS v. Salonga clarifies that banks and lending institutions cannot claim good faith by merely relying on titles.
Fixed vs Percentage Docket Fees: Annulment of Real Estate Contracts Qualifies for Fixed Fees
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when annulment of real estate contracts warrants fixed docket fees rather than percentage-based fees.
Unshaken Testimony: How Philippine Courts Determine Eyewitness Credibility in Criminal Cases
Learn how Philippine courts assess eyewitness credibility in criminal cases, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on murder.
Philippine Labor Law: Workplace Venue Not Always Mandatory for Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: NLRC venue rules are permissive, not mandatory. Worker convenience and substantial justice can override workplace location.
Justice Delayed Rights Denied Understanding Judicial Delay AND Injunction Bonds IN Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies venue rules in labor cases, prioritizing worker convenience and substantial justice over technicalities.
Upholding Integrity: Why Government Employee Absenteeism and Dishonesty Lead to Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how habitual absenteeism and dishonesty by a court employee warranted dismissal from service with forfeiture of benefits.
Court Personnel Misconduct and Judicial Abuse: Lessons from a 1998 Administrative Case
A 1998 Supreme Court ruling shows how court personnel misconduct and judicial abuse of contempt power undermine public trust in the judiciary.
When AWOL Is Not Grounds for Dismissal: Philippine Labor Law Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains when absence without leave (AWOL) is not valid grounds for dismissal, and what employers must prove.
Estate Settlement and Guardianship: Why Venue and Proper Petition Matter in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies venue rules, proper petitions, and standing in Philippine estate settlement and guardianship proceedings.
Time Is of the Essence: Understanding the Prescription Period for Illegal Dismissal Claims in the Philippines
When does the 4-year prescriptive period for illegal dismissal start? The Supreme Court clarifies in Mendoza v. NLRC.
Breach of Trust and Conflict of Interest: Attorney Suspended for Unethical Conduct in Estate Settlement
A CPA-lawyer's suspension for breach of trust, conflict of interest, and unethical conduct in settling a client's estate.
Valid Contracts for Future Property in the Philippines: Insights from Mananzala v. Court of Appeals
Learn when a contract to sell future property is valid under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Mananzala v. Court of Appeals.
Suspension of Payments in the Philippines: Who Can File and What Are the Limits
The Supreme Court clarifies that only corporations, partnerships, or associations—not individuals—may file for suspension of payments under PD 902-A.
Missed Deadline NOT Justice Denied When Excusable Negligence Saves A Labor Appeal IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when a late labor appeal may be excused due to honest mistake, and when separation pay replaces reinstatement.
Presidential Power vs Cooperative Autonomy: When Can the President Intervene
The Supreme Court limits presidential intervention in electric cooperatives, protecting cooperative autonomy and democratic governance under Philippine law.
Dying Declarations and Witness Credibility: Key Elements in Philippine Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains dying declarations, witness credibility, and conspiracy in murder convictions of three brothers.
Appeal Bonds in Philippine Labor Cases: Lessons from Greenhills Products v. NLRC
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified appeal bond rules and due process in illegal dismissal cases, protecting employee rights.
Eyewitness Testimony vs Forensic Evidence: When Reasonable Doubt Prevails
Philippine Supreme Court acquits murder accused where eyewitness accounts conflicted with forensic findings, explaining when reasonable doubt prevails.
Rape Conviction Reversal: When Consensual Sex Becomes Forced
Supreme Court acquits pastor in rape case, explaining how a complainant's post-incident conduct can cast doubt on claims of force.