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.
Finality of Judgments: COA Cannot Reverse Absolved Parties' Liability
The Supreme Court rules that the COA cannot reverse a final decision absolving employee-recipients from refunding disallowed benefits, reinforcing finality principles.
Intent to Gain in Theft Cases: Good Faith Ownership Claims Under Philippine Law
Philippine theft law requires intent to gain. Learn how a good faith belief in ownership can defeat criminal charges, citing Amarille v. People.
Lessee Reimbursement for Improvements: The Bermon Marketing Case
Learn when lessees can claim reimbursement for improvements under Article 1678 and how contract terms can waive that right.
Finality of Monetary Awards in Labor Cases: The Tan v. Dagpin Rule
Learn how the Supreme Court's Tan v. Dagpin ruling protects final labor judgments from recomputation after full payment.
Sales Commissions Are Wages: Supreme Court Ruling on Unpaid Commissions and Unauthorized Deductions
Sales commissions are wages under Philippine law. Learn what the Supreme Court ruled on unpaid commissions and unauthorized car plan deductions.
Estafa Acquittal: When Lack of Proof of Deceit and Reliance Wins the Case
A look at Ison v. People, where the Supreme Court acquitted an accused of estafa for failure to prove deceit and reliance beyond reasonable doubt.
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.
Foreign Land Ownership: No Reimbursement for Unconstitutional Purchases
A foreigner who knowingly violates the constitutional ban on land ownership cannot recover the purchase price, even under equity or unjust enrichment claims.
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.
Void Contracts and Recovery: The Good Faith Exception Under Article 1412
When a contract is void for illegality, can an innocent party recover what was paid? Magoyag v. Maruhom explains the good faith exception.
Implied Trusts in Philippine Property Law: When a Titleholder Is Not the True Owner
Learn how implied trusts work under Philippine law, the gift presumption for children under Article 1448, and key lessons from Morales v. Court of Appeals.
Check-Off Provisions in Philippine Labor Law: Employer Liability for Uncollected Union Dues
When an employer fails to deduct union dues under a CBA check-off, is it liable for the uncollected amount? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Implied Trusts and Prescription: What the Esconde Case Means for Property Owners
Learn how implied trusts work in the Philippines and why delay can bar your property claim, based on the Supreme Court's Esconde ruling.
Builder in Good Faith in the Philippines: Rights Under Property Law
When can a mistaken builder claim good faith under Philippine law? The Supreme Court's ruling in Pleasantville clarifies the rights of builders and landowners.