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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Procedural Lapses and Labor Rights: Understanding the Correct Appeal Process in Illegal Dismissal Cases
Learn how procedural errors in illegal dismissal cases affect appeals, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings on judicial remedies.
When Time Is Not of the Essence: Contractual Delay and Obligations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when delay in delivery does not breach a contract and when time is not of the essence.
Equity Prevails When Unjust Enrichment Trumps Landlord Tenant Estoppel
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lessee's estoppel to deny lessor's title yields to equity and unjust enrichment principles.
Reconstitution of Titles: Substantial Compliance and Jurisdictional Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on what jurisdictional requirements apply in judicial reconstitution of lost titles under RA 26.
Good Faith Purchasers Prevail: Upholding the Integrity of Torrens Titles
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial reconstitution of lost titles clarifies jurisdictional requirements under Republic Act No. 26.
Constructive Dismissal and Management Prerogative: When Transfers Cross the Line
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal, unfair transfers, and the limits of management prerogative in labor law.
Public Land Cannot Be Burdened: Property Rights and Public Use in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on public dominion property, right of way easements, and possession claims over government land.
Speedy Trial Rights: When One-Day Delay in Graft Appeals Is Excusable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when late appeal filings in criminal cases may be excused to serve substantial justice.
Curing Defective Summons: How Amended Complaints and Proper Service Establish Court Jurisdiction
Learn when defective summons can be cured by amended complaints and alias summons, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Missed Deadlines Dismissed Appeals The High Cost Of Late Docket Fees In Philippine Courts
Learn how paying appellate docket fees late can cost you your appeal, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: BPI v. National Power Corporation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts determine just compensation in eminent domain cases, emphasizing evidence-based valuation over speculative market data.
Delay and Damages Interest on Obligations in Compromise Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when legal interest accrues on unpaid compromise agreement obligations and the effect of delay.
Civilian Supremacy Prevails Military Court Jurisdiction Limited By Service-Connected Offenses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies military court jurisdiction is limited to service-connected offenses, upholding civilian court authority over non-military crimes.
Breach of Warranty: Proving Hidden Defects in Animal Feed Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on what buyers must prove to claim breach of warranty for hidden defects in animal feed.
Perfecting Land Titles: Continuous Possession Since June 12, 1945 Required for Registration
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judicial confirmation of imperfect land titles requires open, continuous possession since June 12, 1945.
Perfecting Appeals THE Strict Timeline AND Exceptions IN Philippine LAW
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains the strict deadlines for appeals and the limited exceptions, guiding litigants on procedural compliance.
Judicial Overreach: When Courts Issue Injunctions Beyond Territorial Limits
Philippine Supreme Court disciplines judge for issuing injunctions beyond territorial jurisdiction, violating due process and contempt rules.
Contract Termination Unilateral Right NOT Implied Absent Express Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: a party cannot unilaterally terminate a contract unless the right is expressly stipulated or a substantial breach is proven.
Custodial Rights Under Forest Management Agreements and Confiscated Resources
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who holds custody of confiscated forest products and conveyances under IFMA and DENR deputization.
Why Bicycles Aren't Held to the Same Negligence Standard as Motor Vehicles
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why motorists face a higher duty of care than cyclists, and why a cyclist's ordinance violation doesn't automatically bar damages.
Good Faith Prevails When Government Entities Cant Recover Improperly Paid Benefits
Explore when good faith protects government employees from repaying benefits erroneously paid, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings.
Employee Misconduct and Due Process: When Can Separation Benefits Be Withheld
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on separation pay, quitclaims, and due process in authorized termination cases.
Jurisdiction Over Labor Disputes When a Pending Case Shifts With the Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains how jurisdictional changes in labor law apply to pending cases, using UST v. Canicosa as the guide.
The Limits of Judicial Relief: Why a Court Can't Grant What You Didn't Ask For
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability of judges who fail to decide cases within the 90-day reglementary period.