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.
Who Pays for an Illegal Strike? National Union Liability Under Philippine Law
When a local union stages an illegal strike, can the national union be held liable for damages? The Supreme Court clarifies agency and responsibility.
Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: When Presence Means Guilt
Under Philippine law, conspiracy makes every participant equally liable for a crime, even without inflicting the fatal blow. People v. Gallo explains how.
Filing Replevin Cases in the Philippines: Understanding MTC Jurisdiction Limits
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on MTC jurisdiction in replevin cases with damages claims, citing Movers-Baseco vs. Cyborg Leasing.
Habeas Corpus Territorial Limits and Judicial Accountability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on habeas corpus territorial jurisdiction limits and judicial accountability for judges who exceed them.
Legally Binding Family Agreements: Extrajudicial Settlements and Inheritance in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on extrajudicial settlements, forgery claims, prescription, and laches in family inheritance disputes.
Homestead Redemption After Foreclosure: The 5-Year Right Under the Public Land Act
Homesteaders have a five-year right to repurchase foreclosed land under the Public Land Act, even after a bank consolidates title.
Birth Certificate vs Baptismal Certificate: Proving Filiation in Philippine Inheritance Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why birth certificates outweigh baptismal certificates in proving filiation for inheritance claims.
Nationwide Reach of Replevin Writs: Jurisdiction and Enforcement in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts can enforce replevin writs nationwide. Learn how jurisdiction is determined and what it means for creditors and debtors.
Subleasing in the Philippines: When Silence Equals Consent — Perez v. Court of Appeals
Explaining Perez v. Court of Appeals: when a lessor's acceptance of rent from a sublessee can bar objections to a prohibited sublease.
Proving Evident Premeditation in Murder Cases: What Philippine Law Requires
The Supreme Court explains when evident premeditation qualifies murder and why courts demand clear proof of deliberate planning before imposing the penalty.
Hlurb Jurisdiction Prevails Ensuring THE Right Forum FOR Land Dispute Resolution IN THE Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified expropriation rules under the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure, including writ of possession and just compensation requirements.
Truth and Honesty in Legal Practice: Why Misleading the Court Can Lead to Suspension
A lawyer's false statement in a motion for postponement led to a six-month suspension. Learn the ethical rules on candor.
Expropriation in the Philippines: Provisional Deposit and Writ of Possession Explained
Understand how the 1997 Rules on expropriation allow the government to take property upon depositing assessed value, and what this means for owners.
Attorney Negligence in the Philippines: A Lawyer's Duty of Diligence and the Consequences of Abandoning a Clie
When can a lawyer abandon a client? The Supreme Court explains the duty of diligence and the penalty for neglect in Aromin v. Boncavil.
Ombudsman's Limits: When Can the Ombudsman Order Payment of Back Wages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the Ombudsman's power to order payment of back wages and limits of its jurisdiction.
Unlocking Ejectment Cases: How to Use New Evidence to Challenge a Final Judgment in the Philippines
Learn when Philippine courts allow newly discovered evidence to overturn a final ejectment judgment, and the proper legal remedies available.
Philippine Land Registration: Why Imperfect Titles Need Perfect Proof
A Supreme Court ruling on land registration shows why tax declarations and possession alone cannot confirm imperfect titles over public land.
Due Process in Philippine Labor Law: Why Proper Notice Is Non-Negotiable in Dismissal Cases
Learn from Masagana Concrete Products v. NLRC why proper notice and service of summons are essential to valid dismissal and due process in Philippine labor law.
Constructive Dismissal: When Workplace Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Philippine Supreme Court explains constructive dismissal—when an employer's actions, not words, force an employee to leave. Learn the legal test.
Partnership Dissolution and Receivership: Protecting Assets in Business Disputes Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when receivership is proper after partnership dissolution, and why due process requires hearing all affected parties.
Can Philippine Universities Revoke Degrees? Academic Integrity and Due Process
The Supreme Court affirms a university's power to revoke degrees obtained through fraud, provided due process is observed.
Election Disqualification: Why Strong Evidence Is Crucial to Unseat a Winner
A dismissed disqualification case shows why clear, credible evidence is vital when challenging an election winner under Philippine law.
Conspiracy and Mastermind Liability in Philippine Murder Cases: The Sanchez Doctrine
How Philippine courts hold crime masterminds liable for murder through conspiracy, even when they never appear at the crime scene.
Illegal Dismissal and Early Retirement: Protecting Employees from Unjust Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when a demotion becomes illegal dismissal and the rules on optional retirement under Philippine labor law.