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.
Judicial Acts During Suspension: Balancing Authority and Protecting Litigant Rights
The Supreme Court validates decisions of a suspended judge under the de facto officer and operative fact doctrines, protecting good-faith litigants.
Floating Status in Philippine Labor Law: When Suspension Becomes Illegal Dismissal
Learn when an employee's floating status becomes illegal dismissal under Philippine law, based on a 2024 Supreme Court ruling.
When Personal Misconduct Impacts Public Trust Philippine Supreme Court Ruling ON Employee Behavior
The Supreme Court clarifies liability rules when government officials receive disallowed benefits, distinguishing approving officers from mere recipients.
Third-Party Claims in Labor Disputes: Protecting Assets from Wrongful Levy
Learn how the Supreme Court protects third-party asset owners from wrongful levy in labor dispute executions, and the proper remedies available.
Mortgage in Good Faith vs True Owner: Navigating Philippine Property Law
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on mortgagee in good faith versus true owner rights in Philippine property disputes.
Constructive Delivery in Property Sales: What the Tamayao Case Teaches Buyers
A notarized deed can transfer ownership, but registration is key. The Tamayao case shows why due diligence matters in Philippine property sales.
Fraudulent Land Patents Void Derivative Titles Even for Good-Faith Buyers
Supreme Court ruling: titles derived from fraudulently obtained land patents are void, even if current owners bought in good faith.
Bid Withdrawal vs. Not Bidding: The Jaspe Case on RA 9184 and Grave Misconduct
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between bid withdrawal and simply not bidding under RA 9184, and when BAC members may be liable for grave misconduct.
COA Disallowances and the Limits of Audit Power Over PAGCOR Funds
The Supreme Court clarifies that COA's audit jurisdiction over PAGCOR is limited to specific funds, not all corporate expenditures.
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.
Environmental Advocacy and the Attorney's Duty When Fisherfolk Voices Clash in the West Philippine Sea
How lawyers can ethically navigate environmental advocacy when fisherfolk voices clash in the West Philippine Sea.
When Procedural Lapses Yield to Substantial Justice: Ben Line v. Madson
The Supreme Court ruled that procedural rules must yield to substantial justice when a party rectifies defects, as in Ben Line v. Madson.
Treble Costs Under Rule 65: When Courts May Penalize Frivolous Petitions
The Supreme Court clarifies that treble costs under Rule 65 are discretionary, requiring clear justification, not automatic penalties.
Quantum Meruit: Fair Pay When Contracts Lack Clear Terms
Learn how quantum meruit ensures fair compensation when contracts lack clear payment terms, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in International Hotel Corporation v. Joaquin.
When Refusing a Boss's Order Is Not Willful Disobedience: Lores Realty v. Pacia
Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes willful disobedience under Article 282 of the Labor Code and when an employee's refusal is justified.
Buyer Beware: Due Diligence in Philippine Real Estate Transactions
The Supreme Court reminds buyers of registered land that a title is not enough—due diligence requires inquiry beyond its four corners.
Establishing Landlord-Tenant Relationship: The Core of Ejectment Suits in the Philippines
A landlord-tenant relationship is essential in ejectment cases. The Supreme Court explains who may file an unlawful detainer suit.
Philippine Wage Orders: The Limits of Regional Wage Board Authority
The Supreme Court rules that regional wage boards cannot grant across-the-board increases to all workers, only minimum wage earners.
Donations to Unregistered Organizations in the Philippines: When Are They Valid?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on donations to unregistered organizations: why juridical personality matters and what donors and groups must know.
Perfecting a Sale vs. Transfer of Ownership: Forged Documents and Land Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when ownership transfers in a sale, and why forged documents cannot defeat a registered owner's title.
Good Faith Prevails: Exoneration From Dishonesty Charges in Veteran Preference Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules good faith and truthfulness defeat dishonesty charges in veteran preference claims, allowing reinstatement with back salaries.
Prescription in Contract Disputes: The 10-Year Rule Under Philippine Law
Learn how the 10-year prescription period for written contracts works in the Philippines, and why delay can bar a valid claim.
Liability of Public Officials, Good Faith, and the Limits of Supervisory Responsibility in Philippine Law
Philippine jurisprudence on public official liability, good faith defenses, and the boundaries of supervisory responsibility explained for lay readers.
Moral Damages for Unfounded Lawsuits in the Philippines: What the Law Says
Winning a baseless lawsuit does not automatically entitle you to moral damages. Learn the rules from Expertravel v. CA.