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.
Accretion vs. Dried Riverbeds: Who Owns the Land in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court clarifies that land formed by a dried-up riverbed belongs to the State, not adjacent owners. Learn the rules on accretion and land registration.
Brokers Entitlement to Commission: The Efficient Procuring Cause in Real Estate Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a real estate broker earns a commission, the efficient procuring cause rule, and written authority contracts.
Finality vs Justice: Reconciling Immutability of Judgments With Equitable Labor Standards
The Supreme Court clarifies when a final judgment can be reconsidered, balancing the doctrine of immutability with the rights of illegally dismissed employees.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: Consent and the Legal Threshold
How moral ascendancy replaces force in rape by a stepparent, and why proving the victim's age matters.
Breach of Trust: Upholding Employers' Right to Terminate Managerial Employees in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers may validly terminate managerial employees for breach of trust, examining the legal standards and evidentiary requirements.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When Can Philippine Employers Dismiss Managerial Employees?
The Supreme Court in Manese v. Jollibee clarifies the less stringent standard for dismissing managerial employees for loss of trust and confidence.
Norkis Trading v. Buenavista: Labor-Only Contracting and Employer Status
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on labor-only contracting, employer status, and the binding effect of DOLE findings in Norkis Trading v. Buenavista.
Defining Capital: Filipino Control of Public Utilities Under the Constitution
The Supreme Court clarifies that mean in the Constitution's requirement that public utilities be at least 60% Filipino-owned? The answer—that "capital" refers to voting stock, not all outstanding shar
Perpetual Disqualification: How a Criminal Conviction Affects Candidacy in the Philippines
A criminal conviction can permanently bar a person from running for public office in the Philippines. Learn the rules on disqualification, substitution, and what voters should know.
Foreclosure vs Rehabilitation: When a Stay Order Takes Effect
A stay order in corporate rehabilitation does not undo a foreclosure completed before the petition. Ownership matters.
Loan Restructuring vs Foreclosure: Borrower Rights in the Philippines
When does a pending loan restructuring stop a bank from foreclosing? The Supreme Court explains borrower rights and limits.
Annulment of Judgment: When a Non-Party Can Challenge a Final Court Decision
Learn when Philippine courts allow annulment of judgment under Rule 47, and why non-parties have limited remedies.
Proof of Notice in B.P. 22 Cases: Registry Receipt Alone Insufficient
In B.P. 22 cases, a registry return receipt alone cannot prove notice of dishonor. Learn what evidence the prosecution must present.
Annulment of Judgment: Who Can Sue and When It Is Allowed Under Philippine Law
Learn who may file annulment of judgment under Rule 47, the limited grounds, and why non-parties have other remedies.
Bad Faith in Unregistered Land Sales and Trust Disputes: Belle Corp. v. De Leon-Banks
When can a buyer of unregistered land be sued for bad faith? The Supreme Court clarifies pleading rules in trust and property disputes.
When a Motion to Dismiss Fails: Bad Faith and Trust Claims Must Go to Trial
The Supreme Court clarifies that allegations of bad faith and implied trust cannot be resolved in a motion to dismiss but require full trial.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Consent and Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Law
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Lupac on proving rape through circumstantial evidence and the limits of consent when the victim is unconscious.
Preventive Suspension Grounds: When Philippine Civil Servants Face Removal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when preventive suspension may validly issue against civil servants pending administrative investigation.
Presidential Control vs Agency Autonomy: Disallowed Incentive Awards Without Approval
When can the President override an agency's incentive program? The Supreme Court explains the limits of agency autonomy under presidential control.
Treachery Defined When A Defenseless Victim Becomes THE Target IN Murder Cases
When a victim is down and defenseless, the attack is treacherous. This case explains how Philippine courts define treachery in murder.
Untangling Time: When Does the Clock Start Ticking for Relief from Judgment?
Explaining the 60-day and 6-month periods for filing a petition for relief from judgment under Rule 38, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Court of Tax Appeals an
Defining Attempted Rape: Proving Penile Penetration in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that consummated rape requires proof of penile penetration of the labia; mere touching may constitute only attempted rape.
Unlocking VAT Refunds: The Transitional Input Tax Credit Principle in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that prior tax payment is not required to claim the 8% transitional input tax credit under the NIRC.
Revival of Judgment: When Does the Clock Start Ticking on Prescription in Civil Actions?
Learn when the 10-year prescriptive period for reviving a judgment starts and how interruptions affect the deadline, explained in plain language.