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.
Dragnet Clauses and Foreclosure: Defining the Limits of Mortgage Security in the Philippines
A bank cannot inflate a foreclosure redemption price using a dragnet clause. The Supreme Court explains the limits of mortgage security.
When a Lease Isn't a Lease: Clarifying Rights in Market Stall Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the distinction between leasehold rights and ownership of improvements in market stall transactions under Philippine law.
Tenant Rights vs Landowner Rights in the Philippines: Understanding Tenancy and Agricultural Land Law
A look at Philippine tenancy law, balancing tenant rights and landowner rights under agricultural land reform and related statutes.
Verbal Dismissal in the Philippines: Why Oral Termination Is Illegal Without Due Process
Verbal dismissal alone cannot lawfully end employment in the Philippines. Learn the due process rules from Uy v. Centro Ceramica.
Probationary Teacher Rights in the Philippines: Non-Renewal and Security of Tenure
When can a private school validly refuse to renew a probationary teacher's contract? The Supreme Court's ruling in St. Paul College vs. Ancheta explains.
Levy on Mortgaged Property in the Philippines: Sheriff's Duties Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that sheriffs may levy mortgaged properties to satisfy judgments, as debtors retain beneficial ownership until foreclosure.
Partial Redemption in Philippine Foreclosure: Can You Redeem Select Properties?
Philippine law allows partial redemption of foreclosed properties. Learn the rules, limits, and practical implications from a key Supreme Court ruling.
When NO Means GO Understanding Lawful Employee Transfers AND Insubordination IN THE Philippines
Learn Philippine labor law on employee transfers and insubordination—when a "no" to a lawful order can cost a job.
Due Process for Casual Employees: Security of Tenure in Philippine Civil Service
The Supreme Court clarifies that casual government employees enjoy security of tenure and cannot be dismissed without cause and due process.
Partnership vs. Loan in the Philippines: Profit-Sharing Terms Still Bind
Philippine courts look beyond contract labels to determine if a deal is a partnership or loan—but agreed profit-sharing terms remain enforceable either way.
SSS Death Benefits: Does Legal Separation Bar a Spouse’s Claim?
Legal marriage alone does not guarantee SSS death benefits—surviving spouses must prove actual dependency, especially after separation.
Condominium Common Areas: When Utility Installations Inside a Unit Belong to the Corporation
Learn when electrical panels and utility installations inside a condominium unit are common areas under RA 4726 and the master deed.
Contract to Sell vs Dacion en Pago: Protecting Subdivision Lot Buyers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how PD 957 protects subdivision lot buyers even when a developer transfers the property to a bank through dacion en pago.
Continuing Security: How Future Debts Can Affect Real Estate Mortgages in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how a real estate mortgage can secure future loans, not just the original debt, through continuing guaranty clauses.
GSIS Pension Rights: Recovering Retirement Benefits After a Wrongful Denial
Learn how the Supreme Court protects government retirees' pension rights, even when GSIS initially approved benefits under the wrong law.
Continuing Suretyship Scope and Enforceability in Loan Renewals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a continuing suretyship covers renewed credit facilities and subsequent loan availments.
Bank Not Subsidiarily Liable Without Clear Obligation: Prudential Bank v. Abasolo
Supreme Court rules a bank is not subsidiarily liable for a loan officer's alleged promises absent a clear obligation or written request.
Security of Tenure vs Academic Standards: The St. Mary's Academy Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on premature dismissal of teachers who failed the LET, balancing security of tenure with professional regulation.
Burden of Proof in Illegal Dismissal Cases: Documentary Evidence vs Simple Denial
In illegal dismissal cases, the employer bears the burden of proving valid termination with substantial evidence—not the employee.
Navigating Government Procurement: The Imperative of Protest Compliance in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on LRA v. Lanting Security clarifies mandatory protest rules under R.A. 9184 before courts can act.
When Cross Collateral Clauses Clash With Verbal Agreements: Understanding Mortgage Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies that bank branch managers cannot verbally alter mortgage contracts containing cross-collateral or dragnet clauses.
Certiorari as a Substitute for Appeal: Navigating Procedural Missteps in Philippine Courts
Learn when certiorari can replace an appeal in Philippine procedure, and how the Supreme Court treats loss of trust and confidence in dismissals.
When Election Returns Override Ballots in Philippine Election Protests
Philippine Supreme Court explains when election returns may be used instead of ballots in determining election protest winners.
Deemed Approved Leave: What Happens When Government Agencies Ignore Leave Applications
When government agencies fail to act on leave applications within five working days, the leave is deemed approved. Learn the rules and protections.