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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Land Title Forever: Why Court Decisions in Land Registration Cases Don't Expire in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling confirms that prescription and laches do not bar enforcement of final land registration judgments, protecting property rights indefinitely.
Navigating Conflicting Land Titles in the Philippines: Due Diligence and the Doctrine of Indefeasibility
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land title disputes, due diligence, and why factual findings bind appellate review.
Substantial Evidence Needed for Loss of Trust and Confidence Dismissals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that loss of trust and confidence requires substantial evidence, not mere suspicion, to justify employee dismissal.
Protecting Judicial Integrity: Dismissal of Frivolous Disbarment Suits in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle frivolous disbarment suits and protect judicial integrity through procedural rules and ethical standards.
Land Disputes in the Philippines: Why Clear Property Boundaries Are Crucial
A Supreme Court ruling on a Cabuyao land dispute shows why verifying property boundaries and prior titles is essential before buying land in the Philippines.
Trademark Territoriality and Bad Faith Registration in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies territoriality principle and bad faith in trademark registration under R.A. 166 in Shangri-La case.
Philippine VAT Zero-Rating for Services: The "Doing Business Outside the Philippines" Requirement
Supreme Court clarifies VAT zero-rating for services requires the recipient to be doing business outside the Philippines, not just payment in foreign currency.
Navigating Sequestration: Why Court Approval Is Mandatory for Disposing of Assets in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why sequestered assets, including dividends, cannot be sold without Sandiganbayan approval.
Habeas Corpus as a Remedy for Excessive Penalties: Understanding Sentence Reclassification in the Philippines
When can habeas corpus challenge an excessive penalty? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of sentence reclassification under R.A. 8353.
Dishonesty in Public Office: Understanding Administrative Liability in the Philippines
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Apolinario v. Flores on administrative liability for dishonesty, double jeopardy, and substantial evidence.
Breach of Trust: When Can a Manager Be Dismissed in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when employers may validly dismiss managerial employees for loss of trust and confidence.
Upholding Timely Justice: The Consequences of Neglect for Court Stenographers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court holds court stenographers accountable for delayed transcripts, reinforcing the duty to ensure speedy justice for all.
Bouncing Checks and Unconscionable Interest: BP 22 Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when unconscionable loan interest affects criminal liability for bouncing checks under BP 22.
Exclusivity Clauses in Philippine Contracts: When Are They Valid?
Exclusivity clauses are not automatically invalid restraints of trade in the Philippines. They are enforceable when reasonable and tied to legitimate business interests.
Breach of Trust: A Lawyer's Duty to Client Property in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyers who took a client's car as payment, explaining the fiduciary duty over client property.
Court Fund Accountability: Clerk of Court Liabilities in the Philippines
Financial audit case clarifies the accountability of clerks of court and cash clerks for shortages, delayed deposits, and misuse of court funds.
When Courts Can Compel Disclosure of Foreign Currency Deposits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may compel banks to disclose foreign currency deposits despite the secrecy rule under RA 6426.
Double Jeopardy in Labor Disputes: Res Judicata and Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
Learn how res judicata bars relitigation of illegal dismissal claims, using the Supreme Court's ruling in Williams v. Days Hotel.
Unintentional Admission: How Words Can Win or Lose Your Ejectment Case in the Philippines
Learn how a party's own admission in pleadings can decide an ejectment case, and why every word in court filings matters.
Tax Clearance Not Required for BSP-Ordered Bank Liquidation in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling: banks closed by the BSP and liquidated by PDIC need not secure a BIR tax clearance before asset distribution.
Illegal Demolition as Grave Coercion: Property Rights and Due Process in the Philippines
When does demolition become a crime? The Sy case shows how unlawful property destruction can constitute grave coercion under Philippine law.
Substituted Service of Summons in the Philippines: Ensuring Court Jurisdiction
Explaining when Philippine courts acquire jurisdiction over non-resident defendants through personal or extraterritorial service of summons.
Valid Service of Summons in the Philippines When Personal Delivery to a Non-Resident Is Sufficient
Learn when Philippine courts consider summons validly served on a non-resident defendant found in the country, and what this means for jurisdiction.
Deadlines Matter: A Sheriff's Duty for Timely Writ of Execution Returns in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a sheriff's mandatory 30-day duty to return writs of execution, with penalties for delay.