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.
Prescription in Mortgage Foreclosure: When the Clock Starts Ticking in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that the 10-year prescriptive period for mortgage foreclosure runs from default, not from the mortgage date.
When Can a Court Reinstate a Dismissed Appeal: Procedural Lapses in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when procedural lapses in appeals may be overlooked to serve substantial justice, with rules on prescription of mortgage actions.
Retirement Plans and Security of Tenure: Voluntary vs Compulsory Retirement in the Philippines
When does a retirement plan violate security of tenure? The Supreme Court explains the difference between voluntary and compulsory retirement.
Persistent Lying As Psychological Incapacity Understanding Grounds For Marriage Nullity In The Philippines
Explore how persistent lying may constitute psychological incapacity under Philippine law, affecting marriage nullity cases and legal remedies.
Moonlighting and Misconduct: When a Second Job Leads to Legal Trouble in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on loss of trust and confidence as just cause for dismissing managerial employees who engage in misconduct.
Hospital Liability for Doctor Negligence in the Philippines: Corporate Responsibility Explained
When can a Philippine hospital be held liable for a doctor's negligence? The Supreme Court's ruling in Professional Services, Inc. v. Agana clarifies corporate responsibility.
Burden of Proof in Labor Cases: Supreme Court Upholds Employee Rights in Wage Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that employers bear the burden of proof in labor standards cases, protecting workers' claims for unpaid wages.
Navigating the Fine Line Between Legal Picketing and Illegal Strikes in the Philippines
When does a peaceful protest become an illegal strike? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction and the consequences for union officers.
Welga ng Bayan and Illegal Work Stoppage: What Philippine Employees Should Know
Joining a welga ng bayan without notice can be an illegal work stoppage. Learn the rules from the Biflex case.
Consolidation of Cases: Efficiency and Prevention of Conflicting Judgments
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may consolidate related cases to avoid conflicting judgments, save time, and promote swift justice.
Emancipation Patents Indefeasibility and Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Rights
Supreme Court affirms that Emancipation Patents become indefeasible one year after issuance, protecting farmer-beneficiaries from late cancellation challenges.
Quieting Title Actions Imprescriptible When Plaintiff in Possession — Ragasa v. Roa
Supreme Court ruling: an action to quiet title is imprescriptible if the plaintiff remains in possession, even if an adverse claim exists.
Prescription Periods in Philippine Anti-Graft Cases: When Does the Clock Really Start
Learn how Philippine courts determine when the prescriptive period for anti-graft offenses begins, based on recent Supreme Court rulings.
When Government Takes Property Without Expropriation: Just Compensation Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to value property taken by government without expropriation proceedings, and when back rentals are due.
Power Rates and Public Notice: Why Transparency Matters in Philippine Electricity Regulations
A Supreme Court ruling on Meralco's generation charge increase clarifies when public notice and publication are required for rate adjustments under EPIRA.
Burden of Proof in Insurance Claims: Insurers Must Prove Policy Exclusions Apply
When an insurer denies a claim citing a policy exclusion, Philippine law requires the insurer to prove the exception applies—mere suspicion is not enough.
Protecting Your Pawned Items: Understanding Proper Auction Procedures in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts protect judgment debtors' property through strict rules on sheriff auctions, garnishment, and payment handling.
Falsification of Private Documents: Intent to Damage Is Key in Philippine Law
Philippine law requires proof of intent to cause damage for falsification of private documents. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Judicial Discretion vs Duty: When Can a Judge Inhibit From a Case?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the limits of voluntary judicial inhibition, balancing a judge's discretion against the duty to decide cases.
Budgetary Control vs Regional Autonomy: The Atitiw Ruling on Appropriations Law
The Supreme Court explains when a spending restriction in the GAA is a valid budgetary policy, not an unconstitutional rider.
Protecting Trademarks: The Balance Between Brand Identity and Business Operations
The Supreme Court clarifies when preliminary injunctions may issue in trademark cases, balancing brand protection against business disruption.
Electricity Meter Malfunctions: Who Bears the Cost of Unregistered Consumption
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who pays for unregistered electricity when a defective meter causes under-billing.
Timely Notice IS KEY Understanding Carrier Liability IN Damaged Goods Claims Under THE Code OF Commerce
When cargo arrives damaged, the clock starts ticking. Learn how Article 366 of the Code of Commerce can bar a claim entirely if notice is late.
Vehicular Homicide vs. Murder: Intent and the Use of a Motor Vehicle
When does a fatal vehicular incident become murder? The Mallari case shows how intent and the use of a motor vehicle elevate the crime.