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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Fugitive Status and Election Victory: When a Disqualified Candidate's Votes Are Stray
The Supreme Court clarifies when a disqualified candidate's votes are stray and who truly wins the election.
Lawyer Suspended 3 Years for Falsification and Dishonesty in Land Deal
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three years for falsifying land documents, breaching the Lawyer's Oath and Code of Professional Responsibility.
When a Disqualified Candidate Wins: Second-Placer Rule and Void Certificates of Candidacy
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on void certificates of candidacy, second-placers, and who truly wins when a candidate is disqualified.
Second Motions for Reconsideration: Finality of Judgments and the Interest of Justice
The Supreme Court clarifies that a second motion for reconsideration is prohibited, and final judgments are immutable and unalterable.
Tax Waivers and Faulty Agreements: When Buyers and Sellers Are Bound by Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a developer's unauthorized sale still binds a property owner, and why final judgments are immutable.
When Rate Challenges Come Too Late: Finality and Collateral Attacks in Utility Regulation
A Supreme Court ruling on Meralco's rates explains why regulatory decisions become final and cannot be attacked sideways.
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.
MERALCO Rate Case: Supreme Court Upholds ERC’s Shift to Performance-Based Regulation
Supreme Court affirms ERC’s shift to PBR for setting MERALCO rates, barring collateral attacks on administrative regulations.
Refusal to Bargain: Protecting Workers' Right to Collective Bargaining in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules that an employer's refusal to bargain and waiver schemes constitute unfair labor practice under Philippine law.
When Family Driver Claims Mask Illegal Dismissal: Protecting Employee Rights in the Philippines
Supreme Court rules that labeling a company driver as a "family driver" cannot defeat illegal dismissal claims and full backwages.
When a Case Withdrawal Backfires: The Co It Case on Finality and Justice
The Supreme Court reinstated a withdrawn petition after a promised family reconciliation failed, showing when final judgments may yield to substantial justice.
Piercing the Corporate Veil When Labor Rights Trump Corporate Fiction in Illegal Dismissal Cases
When a contractor is a labor-only scheme, the principal becomes the true employer. The Supreme Court pierces the corporate veil to protect workers' rights.
Lis Pendens and Ill-Gotten Wealth: Protecting Public Interest Through Property Notices
The Supreme Court reinstates a notice of lis pendens on Marcos property, clarifying how procedural rules serve, not defeat, the recovery of ill-gotten wealth.
Stockholder Inspection Rights Corporations Cannot Enjoin Access Preemptively
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: corporations cannot use injunction to preemptively block stockholders' statutory right to inspect corporate books and records.
Attorney’s Fees and Ethical Conduct: Candor and Fairness in Lawyer-Client Relationships
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for five years for deceitful fee agreements and unfair dealings with elderly clients, reaffirming ethical duties.
Stockholders' Right to Inspect Corporate Records vs. Corporate Injunction: Key Insights from PASAR v. Lim
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling in PASAR v. Lim on why corporations cannot use injunction to block stockholders' inspection rights under Section 74.
When a Right to Top Fails: Severability and Conditional Obligations in Share Sales
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how severability clauses and conditional obligations determine bidder rights when a preferential right is voided.
Protecting Workers: Illegal Dismissal and the Rights of Pakyaw Employees in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that pakyaw workers are regular employees entitled to security of tenure, holiday pay, and service incentive leave pay.
Specific Performance vs Rescission: Contractual Remedies Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when specific performance or rescission applies in reciprocal obligations, using a Tagaytay property dispute as guide.
Balancing Free Press and Confidentiality When Attorney Discipline Becomes a Public Matter
The Supreme Court clarifies when media reports on confidential lawyer disciplinary cases are protected by press freedom.
When a Lawyer’s Deal Defines Your Land Dispute: Binding Agreements Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court treats lawyer-negotiated settlements in land disputes, and what makes them binding on the parties.
Discernment Requirement for Minors: Key Lessons from Dorado v. People
Supreme Court clarifies that discernment, not intent, determines criminal liability of minors aged 15-18 under RA 9344.
Conspiracy in Robbery With Homicide: How Planning and Presence Establish Guilt
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for robbery with homicide based on conspiracy, explaining how planning, presence, and post-crime acts prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Burden of Proof in Seafarer Disability Claims: Establishing Work-Relatedness
The Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers must prove work-relatedness of illness or injury by substantial evidence to receive disability benefits.