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.
Employer Liability for Vehicular Accidents: Proving Due Diligence in Hiring Drivers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer liability for driver negligence, emphasizing documentary proof of due diligence in hiring and supervision.
Counsel's Negligence and Due Process: When Can a Client Reopen a Case
When a lawyer's mistake hurts a client's case, can the case be reopened? The Supreme Court explains the limits of due process and counsel negligence.
Missed Appeal Deadlines in Agrarian Cases: When Negligence Costs the Right to Appeal
The Supreme Court rules on missed appeal deadlines in agrarian disputes, explaining when a motion for reconsideration suspends the period and why certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal.
Burden of Proof in Cargo Claims: Insurers Must Prove Actual Damages to Recover Subrogated Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when temperate damages apply in cargo loss claims when actual damages cannot be proven with certainty.
Prevailing Medical Opinion Resolving Seafarer Disability Claims Under Poea SEC
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 120-day vs 240-day rule in seafarer disability claims under the POEA-SEC.
Execution Pending Appeal and Surety Liability: Lessons from Centennial Guarantee v. Universal Motors
Explaining when Philippine courts allow execution pending appeal and how a surety's liability on an injunction bond is limited.
Breach of Trust as Just Cause for Termination: Protecting Employer Confidence
When an employee's dishonesty erodes the employer's trust, dismissal may be justified under Article 282 of the Labor Code.
Treble Costs Under Rule 65: When Courts May Penalize Frivolous Petitions
The Supreme Court clarifies that treble costs under Rule 65 are discretionary, requiring clear justification, not automatic penalties.
Vehicle Accidents and Utility Posts: Liability Under Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts determine liability when a vehicle damages utility infrastructure, including negligence, vicarious liability, and damages.
Probation Revocation in the Philippines: New Offenses and Due Process
Learn when Philippine courts can revoke probation for a new offense, and what due process requires in revocation proceedings.
Counterclaims Survive Independent Adjudication After Complaint Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies that dismissing a complaint does not automatically kill the defendant's counterclaim, which may proceed independently.
Local Government Representation Legal Officers Exclusive Authority
Supreme Court clarifies that local government units must be represented by their legal officers, not the OSG, in court cases.
Seafarers' Rights: Implied Contract Extension and Disability Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on implied contract extension for seafarers and entitlement to permanent total disability benefits under POEA-SEC.
Incestuous Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Alleged Testimonial Inconsistencies
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling minor inconsistencies in victim testimony do not undermine credibility or the prosecution's case.
Falsifying Time Records: A Breach of Public Trust in the Philippine Judiciary
Court interpreter suspended six months for falsifying daily time records to attend law school. The Supreme Court rules on dishonesty, due process, and public accountability.
Stored Goods Destroyed by Fire: When Negligence Overrides Fortuitous Events
Learn when storage facilities are liable for goods destroyed by fire, and how the Supreme Court applied res ipsa loquitur in ICTSI v. Chua.
Land Registration Under Section 14(2): The Patrimonial Property Requirement
The Supreme Court clarifies when alienable public land becomes private property subject to acquisition by prescription under PD 1529.
Quieting Title Over Public Land: Why Ownership Rights Are Required
The Supreme Court clarifies that an action to quiet title fails without legal or equitable ownership, especially over public land.
Maceda Law Protecting Installment Buyers From Improper Contract Cancellations
Learn how the Maceda Law protects installment buyers from improper contract cancellations and what the Supreme Court said about buyer rights.
Judicial Clemency: Balancing Mercy and Public Trust in the Philippine Judiciary
The Supreme Court denies a former judge's plea for judicial clemency, reaffirming that remorse and reformation must be proven, not merely claimed.
Love OR LAW Intentions Behind Marriages AND Legal Validity
Philippine Supreme Court rules that marriage for citizenship or money is valid if consent is real, distinguishing motive from lack of consent.
Foreign Land Ownership: No Reimbursement for Unconstitutional Purchases
A foreigner who knowingly violates the constitutional ban on land ownership cannot recover the purchase price, even under equity or unjust enrichment claims.
Quarrying Rights: Local Permits Prevail Despite National Authorization
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a national quarry permit does not override local government requirements like the governor's permit.
Choosing the Right Appeal: Rule 41 vs. Rule 42 in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when to use an ordinary appeal versus a petition for review in property cases, emphasizing the importance of the correct mode of appeal.