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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Seafarer Disability Claims: When a Doctor's Assessment Is Not Final
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability becomes total and permanent despite a company doctor's partial disability rating.
Understanding the Limits of Quasi-Judicial Powers: The DARAB's Jurisdictional Boundaries
The Supreme Court clarifies that the DARAB, as a quasi-judicial body, cannot exercise certiorari powers—a key ruling on jurisdictional limits.
Bank Liability and Jurisdiction in Mortgage Fraud Cases: The Hermosa Savings Bank Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies which court handles claims against a bank under liquidation, and what this means for creditors.
Free Patents on Private Land: Nullity and the Limits of Torrens Indefeasibility
When a free patent is issued over private land, it is void. The Supreme Court explains why in Alberto v. Flores.
Navigating Land Disputes: Understanding the Indefeasibility of Torrens Titles in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how the indefeasibility of Torrens titles protects mortgagees in good faith and foreclosure sale purchasers in land disputes.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: Understanding Work-Related Illnesses and Legal Standards
The Supreme Court clarifies who qualifies as a seafarer and the burden of proof for work-related illness claims under the POEA-SEC.
Understanding the Distinction Between Attempted and Frustrated Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a shooting is attempted, not frustrated, murder—and why proving the wound's fatality matters.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Proving Work-Related Illness Under the POEA Contract
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's illness is compensable under the POEA Standard Employment Contract, and the burden of proof required.
Understanding Total and Permanent Disability Benefits for Seafarers: Key Insights from a Recent Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies who qualifies as a seafarer for disability benefits, ruling that offshore platform workers on fixed structures are land-based employees.
When Does an NLRC Reinstatement Order Become Enforceable? Key Lessons from Concordo v. Erjohn & Almark Transit
The Supreme Court clarifies when an NLRC reinstatement order becomes final and executory, and the reckoning point for accrued backwages.
Administrative Liability and Business Permits: Lessons from the Kentex Fire Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when local officials may be held liable for issuing business permits without fire safety certificates.
When a Company Doctor's Delay Makes a Seafarer's Disability Total and Permanent
Explain the Supreme Court's ruling in Salonga v. Solvang Philippines: a company doctor's failure to issue a timely disability assessment makes a seafarer's injury total and permanent.
Understanding Jurisdiction in Bank Liquidation: Filing Claims Against Closed Banks in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle claims against closed banks, including the liquidation court's exclusive jurisdiction under RA 7653.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Proving Work-Related Illness Under the POEA Contract
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's illness is compensable under the POEA Standard Employment Contract and the burden of proof required.
Ensuring Chain of Custody Integrity: The Key to Successful Drug Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, highlighting the strict requirements under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Timely Intervention and Jurisdictional Limits in Philippine Estate Proceedings
Learn how the Constantino case clarifies intervention rules and probate court limits in Philippine estate proceedings.
Mortgagee in Good Faith in the Philippines: What Jimenez v. Jimenez, Jr. Means for Property Owners
Learn how the mortgagee in good faith doctrine protects lenders and foreclosure buyers in the Philippines, explained through the Jimenez case.
One-Year Prescription Period for Insurance Claims: The Alpha Plus Ruling
Learn how the Supreme Court's Alpha Plus ruling clarifies the one-year prescription period for insurance claims and why timing matters.
Reassignment Orders and Insubordination: What Public Employees Must Know
Public employees must comply with reassignment orders even while appeals are pending. The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of insubordination.
When Justice Delays: The Cost of Unresolved Cases in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling shows why judges must decide cases on time—and what happens when they don't.
Balancing Freedom OF THE Press AND Judicial Independence THE Limits OF Reporting ON Alleged Bribery
Trademark Cancellation: When Registration Does Not Guarantee Ownership
The Supreme Court explains when a trademark registration can be cancelled despite the prima facie presumption of ownership it grants.
Serious Misconduct at Work: When Can an Employee Be Dismissed?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when serious misconduct justifies dismissal and whether benefits are automatically forfeited upon termination.
Serious Misconduct Justifies Dismissal: The Mesina Case on Workplace Discourtesy
When does talking back to a superior become serious misconduct? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on valid dismissal and 13th month pay.