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.
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Mutual Termination of a Construction Contract Does Not Erase Unpaid Obligations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that mutually terminating a government construction contract does not waive the contractor's right to collect payment for work already completed.
Mutual Contract Termination Does Not Waive Payment Claims in Construction Disputes
Supreme Court ruling on DPWH v. CMC/Monark Joint Venture clarifies that mutual termination of a construction contract does not extinguish valid payment claims.
Bank Manager's Acquittal in Graft Case Does Not Erase Civil Liability for Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that acquittal in a criminal graft case does not automatically absolve a bank manager from civil liability for negligence.
Res Judicata and Due Process in Tax Sales: When a Prior Case Does Not Bar a New Suit
The Supreme Court clarifies when res judicata applies in tax delinquency sales and protects property owners' right to due process.
Falsification of Public Documents: Duty, Damage, and the Limits of Reliance
When does altering a date on a purchase order become falsification? The Supreme Court explains the limits of good-faith reliance for public officers.
Dying Declarations and Abuse of Superior Strength: Homicide, Not Murder, in People v. Santillan
The Supreme Court clarifies when a dying declaration is admissible and when numerical superiority does not amount to abuse of superior strength.
Writ of Possession in Foreclosure: When a Third Party's Claim Fails
Explains when a third party can block a writ of possession after foreclosure, and why a mere waiver of rights does not transfer ownership.
Tax Sale Deposit Rule: When Section 267 of the Local Government Code Does Not Apply
Supreme Court clarifies when the Section 267 deposit requirement for tax sale challenges does not apply, remanding Beaumont case for trial.
Prior Possession Prevails in Forcible Entry: Key Lessons from Spouses Fahrenbach v. Pangilinan
The Supreme Court explains why prior physical possession, not ownership, decides forcible entry cases, and why tacking possession does not apply.
Bail and Res Judicata: Why an Interlocutory Order Does Not Bar a Second Bail Petition
The Supreme Court clarifies that res judicata does not apply to interlocutory orders like bail denials in criminal cases.
Disobeying Orders: When Does It Justify Dismissal in the Philippines?
Philippine labor law on insubordination: when defiance of company orders warrants dismissal, and when it does not.
Lease Perfection vs Performance: Hilltop Market Case on Conditions and Estoppel
When does a lease begin? The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between conditions for perfection and performance in Hilltop Market.
Intellectual Disability and Witness Credibility in Philippine Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that intellectual disability alone does not disqualify a rape victim from testifying, provided her account is coherent and consistent.
Accountability in Government: When Good Faith Does Not Excuse Negligence in Public Fund Disbursements
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officers approving disallowed disbursements remain personally liable despite claims of good faith.
Estafa and Civil Liability: When Acquittal Doesnt Guarantee Freedom From Civil Claims
Explore the distinction between criminal acquittal and civil liability in estafa cases, and how banks can be held accountable.
Security of Tenure, Constructive Dismissal, and the Floating Status of Security Guards in the Philippines
When does a security guard's floating status become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the six-month rule.
Resignation Not a Shield: Grave Misconduct and Accountability in Public Service
Supreme Court rules resignation does not erase administrative liability for grave misconduct, imposing perpetual disqualification and forfeiture of benefits.
Filing an Annulment Case Does Not Stop the Redemption Period in Foreclosure Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that filing an annulment case does not toll the one-year redemption period in extrajudicial foreclosure sales.
Bidding and Government Contracts: No Automatic Right to Award Without Post-Qualification
The Supreme Court clarifies that being the lowest bidder in a government project does not automatically entitle a contractor to the award—post-qualification is mandatory.
Tax Assumption vs. Tax Exemption: The Mitsubishi Ruling on Government-Promised Tax Relief
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government's promise to assume taxes binds the state—and when it doesn't—in this landmark Philippine tax case.
When Attorney Negligence Doesnt Equal Extrinsic Fraud Protecting Final Judgments
The Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's negligence, without malice or connivance with the adverse party, does not constitute extrinsic fraud to annul final judgments.
Farmlot Reclassification Does NOT Exempt Land From Agrarian Reform
The Supreme Court ruled that reclassifying agricultural land as a farmlot subdivision does not remove it from agrarian reform coverage under RA 6657.
Agrarian Reform Reclassification As Farmlot Subdivision Does NOT Exempt Land From CARP Coverage
Supreme Court rules that reclassifying agricultural land as a farmlot subdivision before CARP does not exempt it from agrarian reform coverage.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Why the 120-Day Rule Is Not Automatic
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 120-day rule does not automatically grant total disability benefits to seafarers under the POEA-SEC.