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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When a Wife Can Challenge Her Husband's Sale of Conjugal Property
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a wife can annul her husband's sale of conjugal property without her consent, explained in plain language.
Attorney Misconduct: When a Lawyer's Absence Constitutes Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's absence from proceedings amounts to negligence, and the limits of a client's remedy.
Court Discretion in Estate Administration: When Can a Special Administrator Be Removed
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may remove a special administrator and the limits of judicial discretion in estate proceedings.
Estate Tax Deductions: Claims Valued at Death, Not Post-Death Settlements
Philippine Supreme Court rules estate tax deductions for claims against the estate are valued at date of death, not reduced by later compromise settlements.
Res Judicata and Illegal Dismissal: Requisites for Dismissal of Labor Disputes in the Philippines
Learn the four requisites of res judicata in illegal dismissal cases, explained through a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Seafarers Death Benefits: Work Relatedness and Contractual Coverage for Compensation Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when seafarers' death benefits apply—death must occur during the contract term and illness must be work-related.
Heirs' Rights Prevail in Inheritance Disputes: Partition and Prescription Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on heirs' rights in inheritance disputes, covering partition, prescription, and validity of conveyances affecting estate property.
Supreme Court Affirms Rape Conviction Based on Victim's Credible Testimony Despite Minor Inconsistencies
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a victim's credible testimony suffices even with minor inconsistencies and delayed reporting.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Interest AND Penalties IN Land Purchase Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules buyers must pay stipulated interest and penalty charges in land purchase agreements, even if onerous.
Burden of Proof in Civil Cases: Preponderance of Evidence Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in civil cases and why self-serving testimony cannot replace preponderance of evidence.
Suretyship and Subcontracting: When Does a Surety Guarantee Performance
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a surety's liability arises in subcontracting and why reimbursement claims belong in regular courts.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Choosing the Right Path for Legal Review in the Philippines
Learn when to file a petition for certiorari versus an appeal under Rule 45, explained through a Philippine Supreme Court labor case.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When a Corporation's Separate Identity May Be Disregarded
Philippine Supreme Court explains the strict test for piercing the corporate veil and why mere stock ownership is not enough.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Personal Jurisdiction Over Sole Proprietorships in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that sole proprietorships lack juridical personality, requiring suits against the owner personally for proper jurisdiction.
Illegal Dismissal of Seafarers: Overtime Pay and Contractual Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer illegal dismissal, salary for unexpired contract, and guaranteed overtime pay.
Illegal Dismissal of OFW: When Tardiness Is Not a Valid Ground for Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a single act of tardiness cannot justify dismissing an overseas Filipino worker, and how illegal dismissal damages are computed.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Choosing the Proper Remedy in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why appeal and certiorari are mutually exclusive remedies, and why procedural rules matter in extraordinary actions.
Publisher's Knowledge Not Required for Libel Conviction Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules a publisher can be convicted of libel even without knowledge of the libelous article, citing Article 360 of the Revised Penal Code.
Simple vs Destructive Arson: Intent, Information Adequacy, and Penalty
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies simple vs destructive arson, emphasizing the information's allegations control the crime charged and penalty.
Striking a Balance When Employee Misconduct Doesnt Warrant Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a court employee's overstepping of duties constitutes simple misconduct, not grounds for dismissal.
Just Cause Without Due Process: When Dismissal Stands But Damages Follow
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a valid cause for dismissal does not excuse an employer from the two-notice rule, imposing nominal damages.
Compromise Agreements Prevail Over Final Judgments in Philippine Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how compromise agreements can supersede final judgments, explained for lay readers.
Trademark License Revocation: When Unauthorized Use Justifies Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a trademark owner may validly revoke a license for unauthorized use beyond the agreed scope.
Shareholder Rights vs Corporate Autonomy: When Can a Stockholder Intervene in a Corporate Dispute
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when stockholders may intervene in corporate disputes, emphasizing the separate legal personality of corporations.