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.
OFW Repatriation in the Philippines: Who Pays and How It Works
OFW repatriation in the Philippines explained: which laws cover it, who pays for return flights, and the process for distressed overseas Filipino workers.
Unlawful Detainer vs Forcible Entry: Key Distinction in Property Possession Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial difference between unlawful detainer and forcible entry, and why tolerance must exist from the start of possession.
When Is Deadly Force Justified in the Philippines? Police Use of Force Rules
Philippine law on police use of force, deadly force standards, and what the Supreme Court says about justified shootings.
Unlawful Detainer: How Tolerance Affects Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how tolerated occupancy can become unlawful detainer when the owner withdraws permission, based on a 2023 Supreme Court ruling.
Seafarer Death Benefits: Prescription Periods and Proving Work-Related Death
Learn the strict rules on prescription and compensability in seafarer death benefit claims, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: Overcoming Concealment and Securing Benefits Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's failure to disclose pre-existing illness bars disability claims and how to secure benefits.
Double Titling in the Philippines: How to Protect Your Property Rights
Learn how Philippine courts handle double titling disputes and what property owners can do to protect their rights and avoid legal conflicts.
Navigating Property Disputes: The Importance of Due Process and Property Identification in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies estafa liability for selling property one does not own, emphasizing due process and proper property identification.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The 120/240-Day Rule and the Third Doctor Requirement
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's disability becomes permanent and total, and why skipping the third-doctor referral can defeat a claim.
Navigating Seafarer Disability Claims: The Mandatory Third Doctor Rule in the Philippines
Understand the mandatory third doctor rule in Philippine seafarer disability claims and why company physician assessments prevail when the rule is ignored.
Medical Concealment and Seafarer Disability Claims: Lessons from Clemente v. Status Maritime
The Supreme Court denies disability benefits to a seafarer who concealed a pre-existing shoulder condition, clarifying the rules on medical disclosure and PEME.
Venue Stipulations and the Right Remedy: Pillars Property v. Century Communities
The Supreme Court clarifies when a venue stipulation binds parties and why dismissal for improper venue calls for certiorari, not appeal.
Quantum Meruit and Government Contracts: Fair Compensation for Completed Projects
When can a contractor recover payment from the government without a written contract? The Supreme Court explains quantum meruit.
Oral Contracts for Property: Six-Year Prescription Bars Stale Claims for Specific Performance
Oral agreements to transfer property must be enforced within six years. Learn how prescription works and why timely action matters.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The Mandatory Third Doctor Rule and Compensation
Learn how the mandatory third doctor rule under the POEA-SEC affects seafarer disability claims and compensation in the Philippines.
Revival of Judgment Prescription and Compliance in Banking Disputes
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on the 10-year prescription period for reviving judgments, applied to a banking dispute.
Accretion vs. Reclamation: Philippine Supreme Court Rules on Artificial Land Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that artificially filled land is not accretion under Article 457, settling ownership disputes over man-made extensions.
Compulsory vs. Permissive Counterclaims: What Philippine Litigants Must Know
Learn the difference between compulsory and permissive counterclaims in Philippine courts, including docket fees, forum shopping, and the Alba v. Malapajo ruling.
Stroke Compensation Claims: When Work Stress Meets Employee Welfare
Supreme Court clarifies when stroke and hypertension are compensable under PD 626, emphasizing probability over certainty in employee claims.
Securities Deposit Immunity Protecting Policyholders Interests IN Insurance Contracts
Learn how the Supreme Court protects policyholders' interests through the securities deposit immunity rule in insurance contracts.
Self-Defense and Double Jeopardy: Key Lessons from People v. De Leon
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. De Leon clarifies the strict requirements for self-defense and the absolute protection against double jeopardy in Philippine criminal law.
Constructive Dismissal: When a Security Guard's Prolonged Floating Status Becomes Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when a security guard's floating status beyond six months amounts to constructive dismissal, entitling the guard to separation pay and back wages.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Why Following POEA-SEC and CBA Procedures Matters
SC ruling explains why seafarers must follow POEA-SEC and CBA procedures, including third-doctor referral, before filing disability claims.
Quieting Title Over Public Land: Why Ownership Rights Are Required
The Supreme Court clarifies that an action to quiet title fails without legal or equitable ownership, especially over public land.