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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Conjugal Partnership and Surety Agreements: When a Spouse's Guaranty Does Not Bind the Family
When a husband signs a surety agreement for a third party, the conjugal partnership is not automatically liable. Here's why.
Novation and Insurance Claims: Contractual Obligations in Secured Transactions
When a mortgaged car is carnapped, does insurance payment extinguish the loan? The Supreme Court clarifies novation rules.
Heirs' Rights: Written Notice Is Key for Legal Redemption in Extrajudicial Settlements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: publication of an extrajudicial settlement does not bind non-participating heirs, and written notice is required before legal redemption.
When a Waiver Revives Rights: Property Disputes and Quitclaims in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a default order in land registration cases does not bar the government from appealing, and explains the limits of waiver in property disputes.
Can Established Companies Be Forced to Rehire Former Employees? What Philippine Law Says
Philippine law does not force companies to rehire former employees. This article explains reinstatement rules, illegal dismissal remedies, and practical guidance.
Agricultural Land Reclassification: Continued Use Does Not Override Prior Conversion
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how prior land reclassification to commercial use affects agrarian reform coverage and tenant rights.
Public Bidding Does Not Exempt Takay Projects From the Election Spending Ban
The Supreme Court upheld the Comelec's finding that takay or paquiao public works cannot escape the election ban on fund releases through a public bidding.
Breach of Contract and Bad Faith: When Moral Damages Are Not Automatic in Sales Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere breach of contract does not justify moral damages absent proof of bad faith or fraud.
Counsel's Negligence and Due Process: When Does It Warrant a New Trial
The Supreme Court explains when a lawyer's negligence justifies a new trial and when it does not, in Elpidio S. Uy v. First Metro Integrated Steel Corp.
Attorney Negligence Does NOT Automatically Justify Judgment Annulment
Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's negligence does not automatically justify annulment of a final judgment, especially when the wrong remedy is used.
Ejectment Proceedings Ownership Disputes DO NOT Oust Metropolitan Trial Court Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that raising ownership issues in an ejectment case does not divest the Metropolitan Trial Court of jurisdiction over possession disputes.
Civil Liability After Acquittal: When Does a Defendant Still Owe?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an acquittal in BP 22 cases still leaves the defendant civilly liable.
Defamation and the Limits of Public Interest: Protecting Private Individuals From Unjustified Scorn
When does public interest end and defamation begin? The Binay case clarifies the limits of privileged communication in libel.
Tolerance Ends Unlawful Detainer AND Property Rights IN THE Philippines
When does tolerated possession become unlawful detainer? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on jurisdiction, demand, and ownership claims.
Compromise Agreements and Employee Rights: When Settlements Don't Erase Prior Illegal Dismissals
A compromise agreement settles monetary claims but doesn't erase a prior ruling of illegal dismissal, especially for non-signatories.
The Limits of Administrative Authority: Personal Misconduct vs Official Duties
When does a judge's personal relationship become an administrative liability? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between personal conduct and official duty in this ruling on judicial delay.
Restarting the Clock: Minimum Corporate Income Tax and the Revival of Thrift Banks
When a closed bank reopens as a thrift bank, when does its MCIT grace period begin? The Supreme Court settles the rule.
Reckless Imprudence and Civil Liability: How a Plea Bargain Affects Damages Beyond the Criminal Penalty
A plea to a lesser offense does not erase civil liability for the death caused by reckless imprudence, as heirs may still recover full damages.
Rape, Silence, and the Burden of Proof: Lessons from People v. Magallones
The Supreme Court clarifies that a rape victim's silence or lack of physical resistance does not negate force or intimidation.
Illegal Recruitment: The Fine Line Between Referral and Criminal Activity
When does helping a neighbor find overseas work become illegal recruitment? The Supreme Court clarifies the line in this 2006 ruling.
Management Prerogative vs Employee Rights: The Limits of Promotion Decisions
When does a supervisor's recommendation bind management? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of management prerogative in promotion decisions.
Conditional Contracts to Sell: When Buyers' Payment Hinges on Sellers' Prior Mortgage Release
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in a contract to sell, buyers need not pay until sellers secure mortgage release, and rescission under Article 1191 does not apply.
Estoppel Against the Philippine Government: When It Does Not Apply in Land Registration Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when the government cannot be estopped from challenging void land registration judgments, even after decades of delay.
When a Missing Marriage License Doesn't Void a Marriage: Sevilla v. Cardenas
The Supreme Court explains when a missing marriage license does not automatically make a marriage void, and why proof matters.