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.
Preliminary Injunction vs Full Trial: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that a preliminary injunction hearing is not a substitute for a full trial on the merits in property disputes.
When Can a City Demand Access to Private Property? The Caloocan Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may demand access to private roads, balancing public service duties against property rights.
Freeze Orders in the Philippines: Probable Cause and Asset Protection Under AMLA
Learn how Philippine courts protect assets from unjustified freeze orders, and why probable cause is essential under the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
When Court Errors Are Not Misconduct: Ombudsman Decisions and Judicial Review
Understand when judges can be disciplined for erroneous rulings and when errors must be raised through judicial remedies instead.
Backwages After a Return-to-Work Order: Lessons from ALECO v. ALEO
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when backwages are due after the Labor Secretary assumes jurisdiction over a strike and issues a return-to-work order.
Reinstatement in Illegal Dismissal: The Strained Relations Doctrine Explained
Illegal dismissal entitles workers to reinstatement and backwages. The strained relations doctrine is a narrow exception—learn how courts apply it.
Upholding Contractual Freedom: Injunctive Relief and the Limits of Exclusivity in Lottery Operations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when injunctive relief fails absent a clear legal right, using the PCSO-PGMC lottery lease dispute.
Historical Truth vs National Reconciliation: The Supreme Court Ruling on Marcos' Libingan ng mga Bayani Burial
The Supreme Court upheld President Duterte's decision to bury Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, ruling it a political question beyond judicial review.
Third-Party Claims in Property Execution: PSALM v. Maunlad Homes Explained
Learn how Philippine law protects third-party property owners from wrongful levy during judgment execution, based on PSALM v. Maunlad Homes.
Maintaining the Status Quo: Upholding Preliminary Injunctions in Property Disputes
Learn when courts uphold preliminary injunctions in property disputes and why challenging final judgments through annulment of court processes fails.
Good Faith in Collective Bargaining: Philippine Rule on Fair Labor Practices
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies good faith bargaining duties, unfair labor practice, and when strikes are justified in CBA negotiations.
Priority of Registered Adverse Claims Over Subsequent Mortgages: Protecting Land Rights in the Philippines
Learn how a registered adverse claim protects land rights against subsequent mortgages, and why prior registration prevails under Philippine property law.
Motion for Reconsideration Before Certiorari: The Novateknika Rule
Philippine courts require a motion for reconsideration before filing certiorari. Learn the rule, its exceptions, and why it matters.
When Dismissal of the Main Case Kills Injunctions and Triggers Forum Shopping
A preliminary injunction dies with the main case. Filing similar suits in different courts is forum shopping.
Job Evaluations and Employee Entitlements: Clarifying the Scope of Management Prerogative
Supreme Court clarifies that union security clauses cannot justify dismissal for exercising the right to self-organization during the freedom period.
Union Security Clauses and Employee Rights: Lessons from PICOP Resources
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when union security clauses justify dismissal and how employee rights to self-organization are protected.
Dissolution of Preliminary Injunction When Dismissal Trumps Pending Appeal
A preliminary injunction ends automatically when the trial court dismisses the main case, even if an appeal is pending. Here's why.
Local Autonomy vs Congressional Prerogative: The Shariff Kabunsuan Case
The Supreme Court voids Shariff Kabunsuan's creation, ruling only Congress can create provinces and legislative districts.
Injunctions in Ejectment Cases: Balancing Property Rights and Public Service
When can an ejectment judgment be stayed? City of Naga v. Asuncion shows how courts balance property rights against disruption of public services.
Prior Physical Possession Is Key in Forcible Entry Cases: Gonzaga v. Agan
Philippine Supreme Court explains why ownership alone is not enough to win a forcible entry case—prior physical possession is required.
Navigating Corporate Disputes: The Boundaries of Forum Shopping and Litis Pendentia in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when two corporate cases are not forum shopping or litis pendentia, using the Taningco dispute as a guide.
Double Sale in the Philippines: How Good Faith and Prior Knowledge Decide Property Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sale: a second buyer who registers first but knows of the first sale acts in bad faith and loses.
Pairing Judge Authority: When Orders Become Void After a Regular Judge Assumes Office
A pairing judge's authority ends when the regular judge assumes office. Orders issued after that are void, as Yujuico v. Quiambao shows.
Injunctive Relief and Status Quo in Foreclosure Disputes: The Dela Cruz Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how pending agrarian tenancy cases affect forcible entry jurisdiction and the principle of status quo.