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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When Company Rules Clash With Labor Rights Reinstatement Despite Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court rules on reinstatement without backwages when both employer and workers are at fault in labor dispute.
Ethical Boundaries for Public Officials: Soliciting Loans and Conflict of Interest
Public officials cannot solicit loans from entities they regulate, even if they are cooperative members. The Supreme Court clarifies the rule.
Loan Contract Perfection and Mortgage Validity: Insights from Palada v. Solidbank
When is a loan contract perfected, and what makes a real estate mortgage valid? The Supreme Court clarifies in Palada v. Solidbank.
Compromise Agreements: A Strategic Tool to Nullify Preliminary Attachments in Philippine Litigation
How a compromise agreement can render preliminary attachment cases moot, dissolve writs, and end litigation under Philippine law.
Parental Liability in Statutory Rape: Philippine Law and Child Protection
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies statutory rape by a parent, penalties under RA 9346, and damages awarded to minor victims.
Lost Your Appeal? Timelines and Procedures in Philippine Corporate Rehabilitation Cases
Learn the strict appeal rules in corporate rehabilitation cases from BPI Family Savings Bank v. Pryce Gases, including the record on appeal requirement.
League of Cities v. COMELEC: The Finality of the 16 Cityhood Laws
The Supreme Court denies a second motion for reconsideration, affirming the constitutionality of the 16 Cityhood Laws with finality.
Employee Transfers and Constructive Dismissal in the Philippines: Employer Rights and Employee Protection
When is a job transfer constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court explains management prerogative, diminution of benefits, and employee rights.
Jurisdictional Defect: Strict Compliance in Land Title Reconstitution
Reconstitution of lost land titles requires strict compliance with RA 26's jurisdictional requirements; defects are fatal.
Substantial Compliance with Procedural Rules: Santos v. Litton Mills and the Primacy of Justice
The Supreme Court relaxes procedural rules when there is substantial compliance, ensuring justice prevails over technicalities in labor cases.
Appeal Bond Reduction in NLRC: Navigating Financial Hardship in Labor Disputes
When can an employer reduce the NLRC appeal bond? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on meritorious grounds and financial hardship.
Why Correct Docket Fees Are Crucial for Jurisdiction in Philippine Property Disputes
Learn how docket fees affect court jurisdiction in property cases, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estate disputes.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as Just Cause for Dismissal: The Coca-Cola Export Corporation v. Gacayan Case
Supreme Court clarifies that loss of trust and confidence can justify dismissing non-managerial employees holding positions of responsibility, reversing an illegal dismissal ruling.
Just Compensation for Easements: Full Market Value, Not a 10% Fee
When transmission lines cross private land, landowners are entitled to full market value as just compensation—not just a 10% easement fee.
Accountability Amidst Chaos: Supreme Court Upholds Abu Sayyaf Kidnapping Convictions
The Supreme Court affirms the kidnapping convictions of Abu Sayyaf members, rejecting alibi, duress, and minority defenses.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Why Choosing the Right Legal Remedy Matters in Philippine Courts
A property dispute teaches a vital lesson: courts cannot issue summary judgment without a motion and hearing, or they violate due process.
Due Process and Indispensable Parties: Protecting Property Rights in Philippine Litigation
The Supreme Court explains why failing to implead an indispensable party voids a judgment and violates due process in property disputes.
Missing Rollo Case: Court Record Handling and Lawyer Accountability
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for borrowing a case rollo and keeping it for nearly 12 years, underscoring integrity in legal practice.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Proving Social Media Authorship and Higher Penalties
The Supreme Court clarifies how to prove social media authorship in VAWC cases and raises penalties when psychological abuse is committed online.
Breach of Seafarer Employment Contracts: POEA Rules and the Risk of Suspension
A Supreme Court ruling on a seafarer's refusal to join a vessel clarifies POEA breach rules and the proper appeal route.
CBA Imposition Balancing Employer Rights AND Collective Bargaining Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the scope and effectivity of an imposed CBA when an employer commits unfair labor practice by refusing to bargain.
Corporate Rehabilitation and the Right to Sue: Clarifying Corporate Powers in Financial Distress
The Supreme Court clarifies that corporate rehabilitation does not strip a corporation of its power to sue to recover its property.
Invalid Land Title Understanding Reconveyance AND Protecting Your Property Rights IN THE Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court handles land title disputes, reconveyance, and property rights in the Philippines, with key lessons from a recent ruling.
Tax Refund or Tax Credit Carry Over: Understanding Irrevocability in Philippine Tax Law
The Supreme Court explains why choosing the carry-over option for excess income tax credits is irrevocable under the National Internal Revenue Code.