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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Extrajudicial Settlement and Heirs' Rights: When a Co-Owner Is Not Bound
A Supreme Court ruling on extrajudicial settlements, resulting trusts, and why a minor heir who did not participate in partition retains rights to property.
Solidary Liability Holding Principals Accountable FOR Wage Violations OF Contractors IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine labor law holds principals solidarily liable for wage violations of their contractors and the rules on valid dismissal.
Establishing Paternity in the Philippines: Navigating Recognition and Support
Learn how Philippine courts establish paternity for illegitimate children and their right to support, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
The Duty to Prosecute Appeals: Why Inaction Can Get Your Appeal Dismissed in the Philippines
Philippine law requires appellants to actively prosecute their appeals. Learn why waiting for court notices can lead to dismissal.
When Can an Employee Be Considered to Have Abandoned Their Job
Philippine Supreme Court explains the two elements of abandonment and why employers bear the burden of proving it.
Attorney Negligence: When a Botched Case Makes a Lawyer Liable
When a lawyer's negligence costs a client their case, disciplinary action follows. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Dying Declarations Admissibility and Impact on Criminal Cases in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts treat dying declarations in criminal cases, their admissibility requirements, and their impact on convictions.
Spanish Land Titles in the Philippines: P.D. 892 and Why They No Longer Prove Ownership
Spanish-era land titles lost their force under P.D. 892. Learn the registration deadline, the San Pedro ruling, and what evidence now counts.
Affidavits of Desistance and Witness Recantations: Their Limited Impact on Philippine Criminal Cases
Philippine courts view affidavits of desistance and witness recantations with disfavor. Learn why from People v. Ballabare.
Government Immunity vs Corporate Liability: When Can Government Assets Be Garnished
The Supreme Court clarifies when government agencies can be sued and when their funds are protected from garnishment in this labor law case.
Donation of Subdivision Open Spaces: Conditions, Revocation, and Public Use
The Supreme Court rules on conditions attached to donated subdivision open spaces, their non-buildable character, and limits on revocation.
Just Compensation and Landowner Rights in Philippine Land Reform
Philippine Supreme Court rules landowners who reject DAR valuation must still be paid promptly, protecting their right to just compensation under CARP.
Unilateral Interest Rate Hikes When Banks Overstep Their Bounds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when banks cannot unilaterally raise loan interest rates, and the limits of escalation clauses.
Regular vs Probationary Employment: What the Supreme Court Says About Employee Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when probationary employees become regular employees and their right to backwages in illegal dismissal cases.