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.
Constructive Dismissal: When Employee Transfers Become Unfair Labor Practices
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a management transfer becomes constructive dismissal and unfair labor practice.
Constructive Dismissal When Employer Actions Force Employee Resignation
Understand constructive dismissal in Philippine labor law, when employer actions force resignation, and the burden of proof on employers.
Bank Set-Off Rights: Limits and Liabilities in Loan Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when banks may validly offset deposits against loans, and the limits of contractual set-off rights.
The Limits of Administrative Authority: Personal Misconduct vs Official Duties
When does a judge's personal relationship become an administrative liability? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between personal conduct and official duty in this ruling on judicial delay.
Agency vs Assignment: Who Is the Real Party in Interest in Contract Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a representative is an agent rather than an assignee, and who may sue on a contract.
When Can Cases Be Reassigned? Understanding Judicial Inhibition and Venue Transfer
The Supreme Court clarifies when cases may be transferred to another judge after inhibition, and why venue transfer is not automatic.
Extrinsic Fraud and Indispensable Parties: Protecting Due Process in Civil Actions
When a suit excludes an indispensable party, the judgment may be void. Learn the Rule 47 remedy of annulment for extrinsic fraud.
Behest Loans and the Ombudsman's Discretion: When Courts Refuse to Intervene
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's dismissal of behest loan charges against DBP officials, underscoring the wide discretion given to the Ombudsman in determining probable cause.
Quieting Title and Due Process: Notice of Raffle and Voluntary Submission to Jurisdiction
Learn how notice of raffle and voluntary appearance affect jurisdiction in quieting title cases, based on a 2006 Supreme Court ruling.
Real Party-in-Interest and CIAC Jurisdiction in Construction Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies indispensable parties and CIAC jurisdiction in construction arbitration, using the Heritage Park case as a guide.
Emancipation Patents Indefeasibility and Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Rights
Supreme Court affirms that Emancipation Patents become indefeasible one year after issuance, protecting farmer-beneficiaries from late cancellation challenges.
Illegal Dismissal: Abandonment Defense Fails, Backwages Still Due
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, abandonment defense, and the right to full backwages even when separation pay is awarded.
Election Bans and Government Employee Reassignments: What Davalos Teaches Us
A look at how the Supreme Court treats cash advances, liquidation duties, and accountability of public officers.
Transferee Recruitment Agency Liability and OFW Claims: The Grand Placement Case
Explaining when a transferee recruitment agency assumes liability for OFW claims, and why evidence still matters in monetary disputes.
Dismissal Denied: Why Properly Stating Your Cause of Action Matters in Philippine Courts
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on constructive dismissal in a security guard's case and why precise legal claims are crucial.
Torrens Title vs Adverse Possession: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies how registered land under the Torrens system is protected against adverse possession claims.
Surety Bonds Enforcing Liability Despite Procedural Technicalities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may suspend civil cases for prejudicial questions, and how surety obligations remain enforceable.
Meralco Billing Dispute: Tax Credit Assignments and Tampered Meter Claims
Supreme Court ruling on Meralco's interest charges on tax credit assignments and differential billing for alleged meter tampering.
Dragnet Clauses in Mortgages: Limits on Securing Future Debts with Existing Collateral
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a dragnet clause in a real estate mortgage covers future loans, and when separate security prevails.
Quitclaims and Continued Employment: Can Post-Termination Actions Revoke Redundancy?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when quitclaims are valid and whether post-termination tasks revoke a redundancy dismissal.
Seafarer Status Contractual Employment AND Security OF TENURE IN Philippine Maritime LAW
The Supreme Court rules that seafarers are contractual employees, not regular employees, even after decades of continuous rehiring.
Letters of Credit and Attorney-in-Fact Duties: Land Bank's Dual Role Explained
Supreme Court clarifies a bank's limited role under letters of credit versus its fiduciary duties as attorney-in-fact in export collections.
Judicial Efficiency: Timely Resolution of Cases as a Judge's Duty
The Supreme Court reminds judges that heavy caseloads do not excuse delay in deciding cases, imposing fines for gross inefficiency.
Who Pays Capital Gains Tax and Sale Registration Costs in Philippine Property Deals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who bears capital gains tax and registration expenses in property sales, distinguishing obligations of individual and corporate sellers.