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.
Illegal Strikes and Return-to-Work Orders: What Philippine Labor Law Requires
When can a strike be declared illegal in the Philippines? The Supreme Court explains the binding effect of assumption and return-to-work orders.
Land as Attorney’s Fees: Enforcing Written Contracts for Legal Services in the Philippines
Philippine courts uphold written attorney’s fee contracts, even those paid in land, provided the essential elements of a valid contract are present.
Nemo Dat Quod Non Habet: Why Title Verification Matters in Philippine Property Deals
Philippine law bars transferring property you don't own. Learn the nemo dat rule from Hermosilla v. Remoquillo and how to protect your purchase.
When Self-Defense Fails: Homicide and Accomplice Liability in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains when self-defense fails, why a killing becomes homicide not murder, and when relatives become accomplices.
COA Audit Not Mandatory for Utility Rate Changes: Meralco Case Analysis
Supreme Court clarifies that COA audit is not a prerequisite to ERC rate approvals, settling a key administrative law question.
Squatters Rights in Ejectment Cases: Possession Disputes Between Informal Settlers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on squatters rights in ejectment cases—prior physical possession matters even between informal settlers on public land.
Lease Extension Balancing Landlord Rights and Tenant Long-Term Occupancy
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may extend a lease under Article 1687 and how to compute reasonable rent after expiration.
Balancing Right to Work and Employer Prerogative: Absences and Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when excessive absences justify dismissal, emphasizing proportional penalties and employer burden of proof.
B.P. 22 Conviction Requires Proper Presentation of Notice of Dishonor: The Tan Case
A B.P. 22 conviction requires the prosecution to properly present the notice of dishonor in court; failure to do so negates the presumption of knowledge of insufficient funds.
Proving Causation in Delayed Illness Claims: Philippine Employee Compensation Law
Learn how Philippine courts decide employee compensation claims when illness or death occurs years after employment ends, and what proof is required.
Lessor Liability for Lease Violations: Trespass in Fact vs Trespass in Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lessor is liable for third-party disturbances of a lessee's possession, distinguishing trespass in fact from trespass in law.
When Fear Is Not Enough: Unlawful Aggression in Philippine Self-Defense Cases
Philippine law requires actual unlawful aggression for self-defense claims. Learn what counts and what does not under the Revised Penal Code.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Why You Must First Navigate Government Channels
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why bidders must exhaust administrative remedies under R.A. 9184 before going to court.
Religious Freedom and Administrative Discipline: The Escritor Doctrine on Benevolent Neutrality
Explaining the Supreme Court's landmark ruling on religious freedom as a defense in administrative cases, and the compelling state interest test.
Contract to Sell vs. Contract of Sale: Why Consent on Payment Terms Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies when a property agreement is a contract to sell, not a sale, and why consent on payment terms is decisive.
Probationary Employees and Due Process: Lessons from Philemploy v. Rodriguez
A look at the Supreme Court ruling on probationary employment, due process, and the payment of nominal damages for defective dismissal.
Prima Facie Evidence in Disbarment Cases: Protecting Lawyers From Baseless Accusations
Learn how the Supreme Court protects lawyers from baseless disbarment complaints, requiring prima facie evidence before full investigation proceeds.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: High Court Clarifies Social Media Evidence and Penalties
Supreme Court affirms conviction for online psychological abuse under RA 9262, sets guidelines on proving social media authorship, and raises penalty for ICT use.
Power Back On: Your Rights to Electricity Reconnection in the Philippines
When can a power company cut your electricity, and can you get it restored? A Supreme Court ruling clarifies your rights.
Navigating Agrarian Disputes: DARAB Jurisdiction and Tenancy Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when DARAB has jurisdiction over agrarian disputes and what evidence proves tenancy and ownership rights.
Customs Jurisdiction Prevails Challenging Seizure AND Forfeiture Powers OF THE Bureau OF Customs
Landmark ruling clarifies that RTCs cannot interfere with Bureau of Customs seizure and forfeiture proceedings, even if the warrant appears defective.
Oral Loan Agreements in the Philippines: When a Verbal Promise Is Legally Binding
Oral loan agreements can be enforceable in the Philippines. Learn the rules, evidence needed, and key Supreme Court ruling on verbal contracts.
Barangay Conciliation: Why a Settlement Agreement Cannot Replace the Lupon Requirement
Learn from Berba v. Pablo why a barangay settlement with one party does not excuse mandatory conciliation before filing an ejectment suit.
Reopening Inquiry Service Provider Rights and Due Process in Airport Terminal Agreements
Court rules Ombudsman committed grave abuse of discretion in dismissing service operators' complaint without complete preliminary investigation.