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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Employer Liability When an Employee's Crime Becomes the Company's Debt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer subsidiary liability for crimes committed by employees, and when companies must answer for employee misconduct.
Reformation of Contract: When Does the Prescription Period Begin?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the 10-year prescriptive period for reformation of contract starts—not from execution, but from discovery of the mistake.
Falsification of Documents: Proving Intent and Damage in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on notarial falsification, forgery evidence, and lawyer liability in Lingan v. Calubaquib.
Unsigned Stipulations in Mortgages: Philippine Supreme Court Upholds Consent as Key
Philippine Supreme Court rules a mortgage stipulation inserted after signing without the mortgagor's consent is void ab initio.
Successor Liability in Philippine Labor Law: When Is a Company Responsible for Another's Debts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a company becomes liable for another firm's labor debts under successor liability rules.
Deficiency Judgments in Philippine Foreclosure: Can Banks Recover More After Auction?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when banks can collect deficiency after extrajudicial foreclosure of real estate mortgages.
Illegal Dismissal and Quitclaims: Employee Rights in Retrenchment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on retrenchment, quitclaims, and illegal dismissal — what employees and employers must know.
Demand NOT Always Needed When Philippine Banks CAN Foreclose Without Prior Notice
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when banks may foreclose without prior demand, and limits on preliminary injunctions against foreclosure.
Falsification of Documents: When Can an Employee Be Disciplined?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an employee's DTR irregularities amount to falsification or merely conduct prejudicial to the service.
Interest on Maritime Liens in the Philippines: When Does the Clock Start Ticking?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest on a maritime lien begins to accrue—from extrajudicial demand, not from foreclosure sale.
Forum Shopping in International Arbitration: Lessons from Transfield v. Luzon Hydro
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when parallel court actions and arbitration proceedings constitute forum shopping, and when they do not.
When Can CLOAs Be Canceled? Landowner Rights Under CARP Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when CLOAs may be canceled, who may question farmer-beneficiary qualifications, and landowner rights under CARP.
Exhausting Administrative Remedies with the COA: A Prerequisite for Money Claims Against Government Agencies
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that money claims against government agencies must first be filed with the COA before going to court.
When Void Contracts Cannot Support Ejectment: Republic v. La'o
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void contracts under RA 3019 and their effect on ejectment cases and property rights.
Execution Pending Appeal in the Philippines: When Can a Judgment Be Enforced Immediately
Philippine Supreme Court explains when execution pending appeal is allowed and why "good reasons" must be compelling, not merely convenient.
Void Contracts and Ejectment: Property Rights in the Philippines
When a contract is void from the start, it cannot support an ejectment suit. Learn the legal rules from a Philippine Supreme Court case.
Upholding Due Process in Search Warrants: The Kho v. Lanzanas Standard
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies probable cause standards for search warrants and due process in intellectual property cases.
Managerial Staff vs Regular Employees: Overtime Pay and Labor Standards in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains why managerial staff, like regular employees, are exempt from overtime pay and other labor standard benefits.
Valid Service of Summons on Corporations: Lessons from Aboitiz International Forwarders
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when service of summons on a corporate employee is valid and binds the corporation.
Limited Liability in Maritime Law: When Can a Shipowner Avoid Full Damages
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the limited liability doctrine applies to shipowners and when they must pay full damages for lost cargo.
Pre-Need Memorial Plans in the Philippines: Understanding Contract Terms and Funeral Service Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on pre-need memorial plans, contract terms, and when funeral service claims fail.
Dying Declarations and Res Gestae: How Philippine Courts Determine Truth in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains dying declarations and res gestae in homicide cases, and how courts weigh witness credibility.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Heart Condition and Fitness for Sea Duty After Bypass Surgery
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer permanent total disability benefits after heart bypass surgery under the 1996 POEA Standard Employment Contract.
Beyond 30 Days When Preventive Suspension Becomes Constructive Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that preventive suspension beyond 30 days can constitute constructive dismissal, entitling employees to reinstatement and backwages.