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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Navigating Land Disputes: Understanding the Indefeasibility of Torrens Titles in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how the indefeasibility of Torrens titles protects mortgagees in good faith and foreclosure sale purchasers in land disputes.
When Does an NLRC Reinstatement Order Become Enforceable? Key Lessons from Concordo v. Erjohn & Almark Transit
The Supreme Court clarifies when an NLRC reinstatement order becomes final and executory, and the reckoning point for accrued backwages.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Proving Work-Related Illness Under the POEA Contract
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's illness is compensable under the POEA Standard Employment Contract, and the burden of proof required.
Bank Liability and Jurisdiction in Mortgage Fraud Cases: The Hermosa Savings Bank Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies which court handles claims against a bank under liquidation, and what this means for creditors.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Proving Work-Related Illness Under the POEA Contract
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's illness is compensable under the POEA Standard Employment Contract and the burden of proof required.
Understanding Total and Permanent Disability Benefits for Seafarers: Key Insights from a Recent Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies who qualifies as a seafarer for disability benefits, ruling that offshore platform workers on fixed structures are land-based employees.
Free Patents on Private Land: Nullity and the Limits of Torrens Indefeasibility
When a free patent is issued over private land, it is void. The Supreme Court explains why in Alberto v. Flores.
Ensuring Chain of Custody Integrity: The Key to Successful Drug Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, highlighting the strict requirements under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When a Doctor's Assessment Is Not Final
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability becomes total and permanent despite a company doctor's partial disability rating.
Administrative Liability and Business Permits: Lessons from the Kentex Fire Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when local officials may be held liable for issuing business permits without fire safety certificates.
Understanding the Limits of Quasi-Judicial Powers: The DARAB's Jurisdictional Boundaries
The Supreme Court clarifies that the DARAB, as a quasi-judicial body, cannot exercise certiorari powers—a key ruling on jurisdictional limits.
When a Company Doctor's Delay Makes a Seafarer's Disability Total and Permanent
Explain the Supreme Court's ruling in Salonga v. Solvang Philippines: a company doctor's failure to issue a timely disability assessment makes a seafarer's injury total and permanent.
Understanding the Distinction Between Attempted and Frustrated Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a shooting is attempted, not frustrated, murder—and why proving the wound's fatality matters.
One-Year Prescription Period for Insurance Claims: The Alpha Plus Ruling
Learn how the Supreme Court's Alpha Plus ruling clarifies the one-year prescription period for insurance claims and why timing matters.
Reassignment Orders and Insubordination: What Public Employees Must Know
Public employees must comply with reassignment orders even while appeals are pending. The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of insubordination.
When Justice Delays: The Cost of Unresolved Cases in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling shows why judges must decide cases on time—and what happens when they don't.
Trademark Cancellation: When Registration Does Not Guarantee Ownership
The Supreme Court explains when a trademark registration can be cancelled despite the prima facie presumption of ownership it grants.
Lost Court Records and Prescription: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
When loans and mortgages go uncollected for years, prescription can cancel them. A 2021 Supreme Court ruling explains how.
Serious Misconduct Justifies Dismissal: The Mesina Case on Workplace Discourtesy
When does talking back to a superior become serious misconduct? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on valid dismissal and 13th month pay.
Serious Misconduct at Work: When Can an Employee Be Dismissed?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when serious misconduct justifies dismissal and whether benefits are automatically forfeited upon termination.
Proving Land Is Alienable and Disposable: Key to Philippine Land Registration
Learn the strict proof required to register land in the Philippines, from the Supreme Court's ruling in Republic v. PNP.
Understanding Just Compensation in Philippine Expropriation: Landmark Ruling on Interest Rates
The Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest accrues on unpaid just compensation in expropriation cases, citing Republic v. Heirs of Francisco.
Navigating Docket Fee Challenges: Ensuring Jurisdiction in Philippine Courts
Learn how the Supreme Court protects the right to speedy disposition of cases and prevents inordinate delay in preliminary investigations.
Resignation vs. Dismissal: Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Employee Rights
The Supreme Court explains when resignation bars an illegal dismissal claim and when procedural due process still matters.