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.
Defining Status Quo Ante in Philippine Injunctions: Verzosa v. Court of Appeals
Learn how the Supreme Court defines "status quo ante" in injunctions, and why amended complaints relate back to the original filing date.
Decoding Stray Votes: How Philippine Courts Uphold Voter Intent in Elections
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on stray votes, nuisance candidates, and the primacy of voter intent in election canvassing.
Successor Liability in Philippine Labor Law: Enforcing Judgments Against Transferee Companies
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on enforcing labor judgments against successor companies that assume liabilities of the original employer.
Verbal Promises and Real Property: Why Oral Land Donations Fail in the Philippines
Oral donations of land are void under Philippine law. Learn why verbal promises cannot transfer real property ownership.
Judicial Impartiality When Prior Involvement In A Case Disqualifies A Judge
A judge who previously served as prosecutor must inhibit from the case. Rule 137, Section 1 explained.
Limits of Contempt Power: When Can You Actually Be Held in Contempt of Court in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains the limits of contempt power—when a court order binds you and when it does not.
Understanding Court Jurisdiction in Forcible Entry Cases in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts determine jurisdiction in forcible entry cases, based on a Supreme Court administrative ruling.
Judicial Integrity Under Scrutiny: Bribery and Entrapment in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court dismisses a judge for direct bribery, clarifying the line between lawful entrapment and illegal frame-up.
Apparent Authority in Corporate Contracts: When a President's Actions Bind a Philippine Company
The Supreme Court explains when a corporate president's contracts bind the company, even without board approval, under the doctrine of apparent authority.
Corporate Authority in Property Sales: Why Board Approval Matters in the Philippines
A corporate officer cannot sell company land without board approval. Learn the due diligence steps to protect your property transaction.
Retrenchment Rules in the Philippines: When Business Losses Justify Employee Dismissal
Learn the strict rules for valid retrenchment in the Philippines, including proof of serious losses, notice requirements, and quitclaim limits.
Who Bears the Burden of Proof in Philippine Labor Disputes Over Unpaid Wages
A look at Ropali Trading v. NLRC, where the Supreme Court clarified who must prove payment of wages and commissions in labor cases.
Enforcing Foreign Judgments in the Philippines: Jurisdiction and Due Process
A Hong Kong judgment against a Quezon City resident was unenforceable in the Philippines because the foreign court never acquired jurisdiction over him.
Reinstatement vs. Separation Pay: Proportionality in Philippine Labor Law
PAL v. NLRC clarifies when redundancy justifies dismissal and why separation pay, not reinstatement, is the proper remedy.
Parental Consent in Philippine Adoption: Upholding Natural Parents' Rights
Supreme Court ruling on when a natural parent's consent is required for adoption and what abandonment truly means under Philippine law.
Ejectment Case Victory: Why Judges Must Enforce Demolition Orders
Philippine Supreme Court rules judges have a ministerial duty to issue demolition orders in ejectment cases, even if ownership is questioned.
Philippine Courts and Foreign Defendants: How Voluntary Appearance Can Establish Jurisdiction
A look at Villareal v. CA: when a non-resident defendant voluntarily appears in court, jurisdiction over the person is established.
Falsification of Public Documents: Upholding Integrity in Philippine Public Service
A Supreme Court ruling on a court interpreter's dismissal for forging a judge's signature, underscoring integrity in public service.
When Courts Review Mining Disputes: The Pearson Doctrine on Abandoned Claims
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Pearson on abandoned mining claims, administrative adjudication, and when courts may review interlocutory orders.
Invalid Sheriff's Sale: Protecting Property Rights in Judgment Execution
Learn from Dayonot v. NLRC why a sheriff's lack of authority voids an auction sale and what it means for judgment execution.
Mandatory PCHC Arbitration for Bank Check Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine banks must settle check clearing disputes through PCHC arbitration before going to court, as explained in Allied Banking v. Court of Appeals.
Employer Neutrality in Union Certification Elections and Employee Rights to Representation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer neutrality during certification elections, freedom period CBAs, and employee rights to choose their bargaining representative.
Habeas Corpus and Premature Release: Why Appeals Matter in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on why a convicted person cannot use habeas corpus to secure release while an appeal is still pending.
Labor-Only Contracting vs. Legitimate Job Contracting: Supreme Court Clarifies Employer Liability
The Supreme Court explains the difference between labor-only contracting and legitimate job contracting, and who bears liability for workers' claims.