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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Validating Foreclosure Sales: Due Process and Property Rights in Philippine Law
A 1999 Supreme Court ruling explains when extrajudicial foreclosure sales are valid despite claims of defective notice, low price, or holiday sale.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction When Graft Cases Against Local Officials Fall Under Anti Graft Court
Explains when the Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over graft cases involving local officials, using the Supreme Court ruling in Rodrigo v. Sandiganbayan.
Certiorari Not a Substitute for Appeal: Lessons from Asian Trading v. Court of Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal, and the limits of due process claims in demurrer cases.
Dismissal of Court Cases for Lack of Prosecution: When Is It Justified in the Philippines
Philippine courts may dismiss cases for lack of prosecution, but only for valid reasons. Learn the rules and limits from a Supreme Court ruling.
Due Process in Labor Disputes: Why Ignoring Deadlines Can Cost Employers Dearly
A Supreme Court ruling shows why employers must respect due process and deadlines in labor cases, or face costly consequences.
Misconduct vs Initiative: Navigating Employee Discipline and Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a supervisor's irregular acts constitute grave misconduct or mere initiative, and the limits of dismissal as a penalty.
Filing Deadlines vs Public Interest: SC Ruling on Foreshore Land Reversion
Supreme Court ruling on whether the OSG's late appeal brief should be excused when foreshore land reversion involves public interest.
The Weight of Witness Testimony: Understanding Murder Convictions in Philippine Courts
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony against alibi in murder cases, explained through a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Exercising Your Option to Purchase: Timeliness and Good Faith in Philippine Lease Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on option-to-purchase clauses in lease contracts, timeliness of exercise, good faith, and fair market value pricing.
Tenancy Disputes and Jurisdiction: Courts vs. Agrarian Reform Boards
Understanding when courts or DARAB have jurisdiction over agrarian disputes, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Pipeline Operators as Common Carriers: Tax Exemption Under the Local Government Code
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether pipeline operators qualify as common carriers exempt from local business taxes under the Local Government Code.
Cashier Negligence and Liability: Safeguarding Public Funds in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on cashier negligence and accountability for lost public funds, with rules on safekeeping and COA relief.
Foreign Divorce and Inheritance Rights in the Philippines: Citizenship and Marital Validity
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on foreign divorce, citizenship, and inheritance rights of a surviving spouse in intestate succession.
Partition Without Prior Estate Settlement: Heirs' Rights Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on heirs' right to demand partition of inherited co-owned property without prior estate settlement proceedings.
The Client Is Bound by Counsel's Negligence: Vicarious Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a client is bound by counsel's actions, including negligent mistakes, and the limits of that rule.
Enforcing Partition Decisions Ensuring Heirs Receive Their Fair Share of Inherited Property in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on execution pending appeal in partition cases, protecting heirs' shares of inherited property.
Decoding Loan Agreements: How Ambiguity Can Invalidate Penalty Clauses in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how ambiguous penalty clauses in loan agreements, especially contracts of adhesion, are construed against the drafting bank.
When Can You Annul a Final Court Decision in the Philippines? Know the Limits
Philippine courts rarely annul final judgments. Learn the two legal grounds—lack of jurisdiction and extrinsic fraud—from a Supreme Court ruling.
Regularization After Probation: Security of Tenure for Philippine Employees
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when probationary employees become regular employees entitled to security of tenure under the Labor Code.
Credibility Counts: How Philippine Courts Decide Self-Defense Claims in Murder Cases
Philippine courts weigh credibility heavily when accused persons invoke self-defense in murder cases. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Employer Liability in Philippine Vehicular Accidents: Due Diligence and Negligence Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability for driver negligence in vehicular accidents, covering due diligence and contributory negligence defenses.
Valid Service of Summons in Revival of Judgment Cases: Jurisdiction Lessons from Arcenas
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when substituted service of summons is invalid in revival of judgment actions, and why courts must acquire jurisdiction over the defendant.
Payroll Evidence in Philippine Labor Disputes: Ensuring Fair Hearings for Employers
A Supreme Court ruling on payroll evidence in labor disputes, protecting employers' right to present original documents for fair hearings.
Timber License Boundary Disputes: Why Accurate Surveys Are Non-Negotiable
A Supreme Court ruling on timber license boundary disputes shows why precise surveys and strict compliance with agreements are critical for logging companies.