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.
Employee Transfers: Management Prerogative vs. Unfair Labor Practice in the Philippines
When can employers transfer workers without committing unfair labor practice? The Supreme Court explains the limits of management prerogative.
Employee Dismissal: Proving Just Cause and Observing Due Process in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employee dismissal: employers must prove just cause with substantial evidence and observe due process.
Sheriff’s Sales in the Philippines: Notice Rules and What Torres v. Cabling Teaches
Learn the notice and payment rules for sheriff’s sales in the Philippines, explained through the landmark case of Torres v. Cabling.
Equitable Mortgage vs. Pacto de Retro Sale: When a "Sale" Is Really a Loan
Philippine law presumes certain "sales with right to repurchase" are equitable mortgages, protecting borrowers from unfair lending arrangements.
Self-Defense and Homicide: Understanding the Limits of Justifiable Force in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense applies in Philippine homicide cases, using the 1997 Maalat ruling as a guide.
Self-Defense and Voluntary Surrender: Key Lessons from a Philippine Murder Case
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies when self-defense fails and voluntary surrender mitigates murder liability. Learn the rules.
Right of Repurchase in Philippine Real Estate: Pacto de Retro Rules Explained
Learn the rules on pacto de retro sales and the right of repurchase in Philippine real estate, including annotation duties and judicial requirements.
When Eyewitness Testimony Alone Can Lead to a Conviction in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when eyewitness testimony suffices for conviction, and how buy-bust operations establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Understanding Acceleration Clauses in Philippine Promissory Notes
Learn how Philippine courts interpret acceleration clauses in promissory notes, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Mendoza v. Court of Appeals.
Conditions vs. Warranties in Philippine Sales Contracts: The Power Commercial Case
Learn how Philippine law distinguishes contract conditions from warranties, and when a seller's failure to deliver possession justifies rescission.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: What the Supreme Court Looks At
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies what makes illegal recruitment "large scale" and why victim testimony alone can secure a conviction.
Seaworthiness and Insurance Subrogation in Philippine Maritime Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on shipowner liability for unseaworthy vessels, insurer subrogation rights, and the limited liability rule.
Solidary Liability Holding Principals Accountable FOR Wage Violations OF Contractors IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine labor law holds principals solidarily liable for wage violations of their contractors and the rules on valid dismissal.
Final Judgments Are Immutable: Goking v. Villaraza on Execution Limits
A final judgment cannot be altered through a motion for execution. Goking v. Villaraza explains the limits of post-judgment remedies.
Lease Abandonment and Tenant Rights: The Paterno v. Court of Appeals Case
The Supreme Court's ruling in Paterno v. Court of Appeals clarifies when a tenant's departure amounts to lease abandonment and what it means for landlords and occupants.
Upholding Labor Rights Illegal Dismissal AND Unfair Labor Practices IN the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules on illegal dismissal, unfair labor practice, and the limits of "loss of confidence" as a ground for termination.
Combating Land Title Fraud: Reopening Decrees and Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that reconstituted titles obtained through fraudulent or defective proceedings are void and cannot defeat actual possession.
Marine Insurance: When Arrest of a Vessel by Civil Authorities Is a Covered Risk
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when arrest of a vessel by judicial process is a covered risk under marine cargo insurance policies.
Who Can Represent a Municipality in Court: The Ramos Doctrine on Unauthorized Counsel
Philippine law limits who may represent a municipality in lawsuits. Learn the rules, exceptions, and effects of unauthorized private counsel appearances.
Redeemable Preferred Shares: When Can a Corporation Refuse Redemption? Philippine Law Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a corporation may refuse to redeem preferred shares, and why stockholders cannot compel redemption.
Navigating Illegal Recruitment: Understanding Your Rights and Risks in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts define illegal recruitment, the penalties for large-scale offenses, and practical tips to avoid scams.
Continuing Surety Agreements Can Validly Cover Future Debts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that continuing surety agreements validly secure future debts, even if no principal obligation exists at signing.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Supreme Court clarifies the control test distinguishing independent contractors from employees in Philippine labor law, using an insurance agent case.
Extrajudicial Foreclosure Venue: Why Judges Must Follow Act 3135, Not the Rules of Court
A judge's fine for gross ignorance of the law clarifies that extrajudicial foreclosure venue follows Act 3135, not general venue rules.