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.
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Res Judicata and Prescription in Banking Disputes: Key Lessons from Metrobank v. Spouses Uy
The Supreme Court clarifies when a prior judgment bars a later case and how prescription runs in collection suits involving dishonored checks.
Protecting Homebuyers: Supreme Court on Foreclosure and Third-Party Rights
The Supreme Court rules that condominium buyers in actual possession may be excluded from writs of possession after foreclosure, protecting them from summary eviction.
When Does a Job Cause a Heart Attack? Work-Related Heart Conditions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when heart attacks are compensable as work-related diseases under PD 626, using a messenger's death as the guide.
Seafarers' Disability Benefits: When a Company Doctor's Report Falls Short
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's illness is presumed work-related and why a company doctor's bare conclusion may not defeat a disability claim.
Navigating Mootness in Labor Disputes: The Impact of Union Dissolution on Legal Proceedings
When a labor union dissolves mid-litigation, the case may become moot. The Supreme Court explains the doctrine in New World v. New World Renaissance Hotel Labor Union.
Understanding Judicial Bias And The Right To Fair Trial In Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts define judicial bias and protect the right to fair trial through clear rules and real case examples.
Can Laches Bar a Registered Owner’s Right to Recover Property in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court rules that laches cannot defeat a registered owner’s right to recover property under the Torrens system.
Understanding Serious Dishonesty in Civil Service Exams: The Impact of Impersonation on Government Employment
The Supreme Court rules that impersonation in civil service exams constitutes serious dishonesty, resulting in dismissal from government service.
Understanding the Limits of Medical Benefits for Government Employees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government-owned corporations may grant medical benefits to employees—and why presidential approval matters.
Judicial Efficiency and the Consequences of Delayed Case Decisions
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge dismissed for delayed decisions and false certificates of service, and what it means for judicial accountability.
Presidential Approval for GOCC Employee Benefits: Lessons from the PMDC Case
The Supreme Court ruled that GOCCs must secure presidential approval for employee benefits under PD 1597, regardless of charter status.
Defending Against Bigamy Charges: Void Marriages and Judicial Declarations
When can a void marriage be a defense in bigamy cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on judicial declarations of nullity.
Understanding the Consequences of Misappropriating Judicial Funds in the Philippines
A Philippine lawyer disbarred for misappropriating client funds in California faces the same fate here. Learn how reciprocal discipline works.
Navigating Tax Refund Claims: The Two-Year Rule and Its Implications for Businesses in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the two-year prescriptive period for tax refund claims, allowing judicial claims even without the BIR's prior ruling.
Understanding Interest on Final Judgments: A Guide for Property Owners and Legal Professionals
The Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest begins to run on final money judgments against government agencies, protecting property owners' rights.
Navigating Government Allowances and Disallowances: Key Insights From the Supreme Court's Ruling on SSS vs COA
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on government allowances and disallowances, offering key insights for public officers and employees.
Understanding Estoppel by Laches: When Silence Can Cost You Your Case
Learn how the Supreme Court applied estoppel by laches to bar a party from questioning a court's jurisdiction after years of silence and active participation.
When Can Employers Fire for Loss of Trust? Key Accounts Manager Case Explained
Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal of a Key Accounts Manager who falsified documents.
What a Notarized Deed Must Have: Lessons from a Philippine Property Dispute
A Supreme Court ruling on notarization requirements in a family property dispute, and what it means for heirs and property owners.
When Bank Receivership Suspends B.P. 22 Liability: What Creditors Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how bank receivership suspends check payment obligations and bars B.P. 22 criminal liability for bank officers.
When Eyewitness Identification Fails: Reasonable Doubt and the Burden of Proof in Philippine Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a robbery-homicide accused, ruling that unreliable eyewitness identification creates reasonable doubt. Learn the legal standards.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The Presumption of Work-Relatedness and Compensability
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's illness is presumed work-related and compensable under the POEA-SEC.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: The Supreme Court's Ruling on Medical Assessments and Compensati
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's illness is presumed work-related and why a company doctor's bare finding of non-work relation is not enough.
Notarization Without Signatories Present: Supreme Court Disciplines Lawyer in Montinola Case
The Supreme Court suspended a notary public for notarizing a deed without the signatories present, reaffirming strict notarial rules.