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 Corruption: When Can Evidence From a Government-Issued Laptop Be Used
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on using evidence from a government-issued laptop in administrative cases against judges.
Letter of Authority Required When Reassigning Tax Audits: Supreme Court Ruling
Supreme Court nullifies tax assessments where audits were reassigned without a new Letter of Authority. Learn the rules.
Product Imperfection Liability: How Consumers Can Demand Replacement Under the Consumer Act
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when defective products must be replaced under the Consumer Act and who bears liability.
Defective Vehicle Refund and Manufacturer Liability Under the Consumer Act
Supreme Court ruling clarifies consumer refund rights for defective vehicles and manufacturer liability under RA 7394, with administrative fines reinstated.
Consumer Refunds for Defective Products in the Philippines: What the Law Says
Learn when you can demand a refund or replacement for defective products under the Consumer Act and the Mazda v. Caruncho ruling.
Proving a Lost Property Title: Evidence Lessons from a 2021 Supreme Court Ruling
A 2021 Supreme Court ruling clarifies the strict evidence needed to replace a lost property title in the Philippines.
Timely Intervention and Jurisdictional Limits in Philippine Estate Proceedings
Learn how the Constantino case clarifies intervention rules and probate court limits in Philippine estate proceedings.
Understanding Constructive Dismissal: Protecting Your Rights as an Employee
Learn what constructive dismissal means in Philippine labor law, how "floating status" affects security guards, and your rights as an employee.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When a Supervisor's Single Mistake Justifies Dismissal
Supreme Court ruling on when a nurse supervisor's unauthorized taking of hospital supplies justifies dismissal for loss of trust and confidence.
Burden of Proof in Cargo Claims: Insurers Must Prove Actual Damages to Recover Subrogated Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when temperate damages apply in cargo loss claims when actual damages cannot be proven with certainty.
Vehicle Accidents and Utility Posts: Liability Under Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts determine liability when a vehicle damages utility infrastructure, including negligence, vicarious liability, and damages.
Redundancy vs Retrenchment: Protecting Employees From Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between redundancy and retrenchment, and the rules employers must follow to avoid illegal dismissal.
Falsification of Official Documents: Upholding Integrity in Public Service
Supreme Court ruling on sheriff's DTR falsification underscores that public office is a public trust and dishonesty merits severe penalties.
Lost Land Title Petitions: Court Limits, Due Diligence, and Protecting Property Rights
Learn how Philippine courts handle petitions for new owner's duplicate titles, including jurisdictional limits, due diligence duties, and key lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
When Is a Statement an Admission? Lessons from a Prawn Feed Dispute
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a written statement counts as an admission and when corporate officers can be held personally liable.
Hidden Defects and Time Limits: Understanding Warranty Claims in the Philippines
Learn the prescriptive periods for implied warranty claims in the Philippines, from the Civil Code and Consumer Act, explained simply.
When Can Cases Be Reassigned? Understanding Judicial Inhibition and Venue Transfer
The Supreme Court clarifies when cases may be transferred to another judge after inhibition, and why venue transfer is not automatic.
Lumber Transport in the Philippines: Private Land, Permits, and the Revised Forestry Code
A look at when transporting lumber from private land still requires DENR documents, and how courts compute penalties under the Forestry Code.
Enforcing Foreign Judgments in the Philippines: Lessons from Oil and Natural Gas Commission v. Pacific Cement
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies when foreign judgments are enforceable and how courts interpret arbitration clauses in commercial contracts.
Barangay Appointments: Why Sangguniang Barangay Approval Is Required
The Supreme Court ruled that a Punong Barangay cannot appoint or replace barangay officials without Sangguniang Barangay approval.
Supreme Court on Actual Damages: Proving Loss in Maritime Collision Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies actual damages rules: hearsay price quotations lack probative value, nominal damages may apply when loss unproven.
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.
Filling Vacancies in Local Government: A Guide to Appointments in the Philippines
Who appoints replacements for vacant local council seats? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules under the Local Government Code.