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.
Retirement Pay Law Retroactivity: When RA 7641 Does Not Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Retirement Pay Law applies retroactively—and when it does not—in J.V. Angeles Construction v. NLRC.
Retroactive Registration: How Late Filings Can Validate Labor Union Petitions in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when late union registration can retroactively validate a certification election petition under labor law.
Navigating Homeowners Association Disputes: HIGC Jurisdiction in the Philippines
Learn when the HIGC, not regular courts, has jurisdiction over homeowners association disputes, based on a 1999 Supreme Court ruling.
When Allowances Count as Wages: Separation Pay Computation Clarified
Supreme Court clarifies when allowances form part of wages for separation pay computation under Article 283 of the Labor Code.
Due Process in Agrarian Reform: The Supreme Court on CLOA Issuance and Rightful Beneficiaries
The Supreme Court affirms that due process is indispensable in CLOA issuance, and explains when exhausting administrative remedies is not required.
Philippine Energy Disputes: DOE vs ERB Jurisdiction Over Power Connections
The Supreme Court clarifies which agency—DOE or ERB—has jurisdiction over disputes involving direct power supply and disconnection in the Philippines.
Sheriffs' Breach of Trust, Integrity, and Accountability in Philippine Public Service
A deputy sheriff who failed to remit collected judgment funds was dismissed for grave dishonesty and serious misconduct, affirming strict standards for court personnel.
Upholding Integrity in Public Service: Consequences of Neglect of Duty in the Philippines
A court stenographer's gross neglect of duty leads to forfeiture of benefits and a lifetime ban from government service.
Heirship First, Claim Later: Proving You're an Heir Before Filing Property Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why heirs must first be declared in special proceedings before filing property reconveyance cases.
Grievance Before Strike: SC Upholds CBA Machinery in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court rules unions must exhaust CBA grievance and arbitration procedures before declaring a strike, citing San Miguel Corp. v. NLRC.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Choosing the Right Remedy in Philippine Courts
Learn when to file certiorari versus appeal in Philippine courts, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Asian Trading Corporation v. Court of Appeals.
Proportionality in Employee Discipline: When Dismissal Is Too Harsh in the Philippines
Philippine labor law requires penalties to fit the offense. Learn when dismissal is disproportionate and how the Supreme Court applies this rule.
Locus Standi and Docket Fees: Lessons from National Steel v. Court of Appeals
Understand locus standi and docket fee rules in Philippine land disputes through the Supreme Court's ruling in National Steel v. Court of Appeals.
Wage Distortion In The Philippines Understanding Collective Bargaining And Legal Remedies
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies wage distortion, collective bargaining rights, and legal remedies for employees facing demotion or illegal dismissal.
Missed Deadlines Missed Defenses: The High Stakes of Ignoring a Request for Admission in Philippine Courts
A Request for Admission is not a mere formality. Ignoring it can mean losing a case by default. Learn the rules.
Civil Service Coverage in the Philippines: Clarifying Exemptions for Government Agencies
The Supreme Court clarifies that all government agencies, including intelligence bureaus, fall under civil service coverage despite statutory exemptions.
Priority in Land Titles: Why Earlier Registration Wins in Philippine Property Disputes
When two titles cover the same land, the earlier registration generally prevails. Learn the rule and how to protect your property.
Finality of Administrative Decisions: Why Timeliness Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why final and executory administrative decisions cannot be reopened, and the importance of reglementary periods.
Bouncing Checks and Corporate Liability: When Officers Face Criminal Risk in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers are criminally liable for bouncing checks under BP 22, including defenses and penalties.
Successor Liability in Philippine Labor Law: Enforcing Judgments Against Transferee Companies
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on enforcing labor judgments against successor companies that assume liabilities of the original employer.
Supreme Court on Actual Damages: Proving Loss in Maritime Collision Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies actual damages rules: hearsay price quotations lack probative value, nominal damages may apply when loss unproven.
Missed Deadlines Dismissed Appeals Why Timely Docket Fee Payment Is Non Negotiable in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies that unpaid docket fees on increased claims become a lien on judgment, and actual damages need competent proof.
Apparent Authority in Corporate Contracts: When a President's Actions Bind a Philippine Company
The Supreme Court explains when a corporate president's contracts bind the company, even without board approval, under the doctrine of apparent authority.
Presumption of Innocence Prevails: How Due Process Protects Against Graft Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits Imelda Marcos in a graft case, reaffirming that proof beyond reasonable doubt and due process are essential in criminal convictions.