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.
Psychological Incapacity and Declaration of Nullity of Marriage in the Philippines
Learn what psychological incapacity means for annulment in the Philippines, the legal basis, and the process to declare a marriage void.
Barangay Conciliation in the Philippines: When It's Required Before Filing a Case
Learn when barangay conciliation is required in the Philippines before filing a case in court, plus the exceptions and process under the law.
How to File a Civil Case in the Philippines: A Step-by-Step Overview
Learn how to file a civil case in the Philippines, from demand letters to trial, in this plain-language step-by-step guide.
Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: Penalties and How to Report It
Learn the penalties for illegal recruitment in the Philippines under RA 8042, as amended by RA 10022, including fines, imprisonment, and how to file a complaint.
Direct Hiring of OFWs in the Philippines: Rules and Prohibitions
Learn the rules on direct hiring of OFWs in the Philippines, including prohibited acts, illegal recruitment penalties, and how to verify licensed agencies.
Protecting Employee Rights: How Forced Resignation Leads to Constructive Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when forced resignation amounts to constructive dismissal, protecting employees from hostile work environments and coercive employer conduct.
When a Sale Among Heirs Can Be Voided: PD 27 and Simulated Land Transfers
Learn when a sale of agrarian reform land among heirs is void under PD 27, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Dela Cruz v. Dumasig.
Extrajudicial Foreclosure in the Philippines: Why a Special Power of Attorney Is Required
The Supreme Court ruled that a general foreclosure clause is not enough—mortgagees need express authority to sell property extrajudicially.
Extrajudicial Settlement in the Philippines: Why Excluding Heirs Can Void the Deal
Learn how the Supreme Court protects excluded heirs in extrajudicial settlements, and what co-owners can still do with their shares.
Real Party in Interest: Who Can Sue to Nullify a Contract in the Philippines
Learn who has legal standing to file a case to nullify a contract in the Philippines, based on Supreme Court rulings on real party in interest.
Libel Venue in the Philippines: Where Can a Public Official File a Case?
Learn the rules on libel venue for public officials under the Revised Penal Code, as clarified by the Supreme Court.
Overcoming Inheritance Disputes: How Courts Decide Property Sales Among Heirs
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a sale of inherited property among heirs may be voided and the land partitioned equally.
Non-Payment of Debts and Insubordination in Court Employment: A Cautionary Tale
The Supreme Court explains when a court employee's failure to pay debts and defiance of Court orders can lead to dismissal from service.
Correcting Birth Certificate Entries: When to File with the Civil Registrar or the Court
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when birth certificate corrections need administrative filing under RA 9048 versus judicial action under Rule 108.
Judicial Immunity and the Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies in Agrarian Compensation Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when landowners may directly sue for just compensation despite the exhaustion of administrative remedies doctrine.
Cooperative Debt Collection: Jurisdiction, Authority, and Interest Rates Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on cooperative debt collection, officer authority, and interest rate reductions in Fausto v. Multi Agri-Forest.
Attorney’s Fees and Ethical Conduct: Candor and Fairness in Lawyer-Client Relationships
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for five years for deceitful fee agreements and unfair dealings with elderly clients, reaffirming ethical duties.
Upholding Stockholder Rights Jurisdiction In Intra Corporate Disputes Involving Sequestered Entities
The Supreme Court clarifies that intra-corporate disputes involving sequestered firms belong to the RTC, not the Sandiganbayan.
Marital Consent IS KEY Voiding Property Sales Without Spousal Agreement
Learn when a sale of conjugal property without spousal consent can be voided under Philippine law, and what buyers must check.
Retaliatory Dismissal: Protecting Employees Who Assert Their Rights
The Supreme Court affirms that firing workers for filing labor complaints violates security of tenure and constitutes illegal dismissal.
Co-Ownership and Land Sales: When Selling a Definite Portion Is Invalid
A co-owner cannot sell a definite portion of undivided land without all co-owners' consent. Learn the rules from Cabrera v. Ysaac.
Secretary's Certificate as Proof of Corporate Authority in Philippine Litigation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a secretary's certificate suffices to prove corporate authority to file pleadings, and the duties of plaintiffs in pre-trial.
When Can Courts Dismiss a Case for Failure to Prosecute? A Land Registration Lesson
The Supreme Court clarifies the limited grounds for dismissing a case for failure to prosecute, using a land registration dispute as the backdrop.
Clarification vs. Amendment: When a Final Judgment Can Still Be Explained
Philippine courts can clarify final judgments but not amend them. Learn the distinction from Spouses Mahusay vs. B.E. San Diego, Inc.