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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Upholding Professional Integrity Lawyers Association With Questionable Individuals Leads TO Suspension
Burden OF Proof IN Deficiency Claims Banks Duty TO Substantiate Foreclosure Amounts
Malversation Through Falsification: Upholding Accountability in Philippine Public Office
A BIR agent's conviction for malversation through falsification shows how Philippine courts penalize public fund misappropriation and enforce restitution.
Employees Compensation for Leukemia: Proving Increased Occupational Risk
A widow's claim for EC death benefits failed because she could not prove her husband's security guard work increased his leukemia risk.
Res Judicata Preventing Endless Litigation Over Land Ownership in the Philippines
Learn how res judicata bars relitigation of land ownership disputes in the Philippines and why final judgments must be respected.
Pre-Trial Representation: When a Special Power of Attorney Is Required
Learn why the Supreme Court requires a Special Power of Attorney for pre-trial representation, and how lacking one can lead to default.
Balancing Housing Rights and Public Interest in Philippine Eviction Law
Supreme Court clarifies when evictions without court orders are allowed under RA 7279, and why procedural rules matter in constitutional challenges.
Geographical Trademark AND Unfair Competition Protecting Business Identity IN Real Estate
Proving Wage Payment: Employer's Burden and the Cost of Missing Records
Employers must prove wage payment with payroll records. Missing records can defeat defenses and lead to liability for money claims.
Corporate Restructuring and Security of Tenure: Illegal Dismissal in Stock Sales
A look at how corporate restructuring and stock sales affect security of tenure, and when they constitute illegal dismissal under Philippine law.
Accidental Shooting Defense in Parricide: Proving Intent Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Explore how Philippine courts rejected an accidental shooting defense in parricide, analyzing circumstantial evidence and criminal intent.
Burden of Proof in Labor Disputes: Employers Must Substantiate Claims of Payment
Employers who claim they paid workers' wages and benefits must prove it with payroll records. Learn the rule from a 2014 Supreme Court case.
Untimely Appeal: Why the Secretary of Labor Could Not Challenge a Reversal in Certification Election Cases
The Supreme Court denies the Secretary of Labor's appeal in certification election cases, ruling that quasi-judicial officers cannot question appellate reversals.
When Labor Officials Cannot Appeal: The Real Party-in-Interest Rule
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that quasi-judicial officers like the Labor Secretary cannot appeal adverse appellate decisions, reinforcing judicial detachment.
Upholding Ejectment Decisions: Counsel's Negligence and Finality of Judgments
Learn how a client's failure to attend a preliminary conference and counsel's negligence led to a binding ejectment judgment in Mauleon v. Porter.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Justice in Forcible Abduction and Rape of a Minor
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for forcible abduction with rape of a 7-year-old, clarifying the law on deception, credibility, and damages.
Indirect Contempt and Due Process: Why Hearings Matter in Ejectment Cases
The Supreme Court explains when non-appearance at a preliminary conference justifies judgment without further hearing, and what this means for due process.
VAT Refund Claims Substantiation AND Timeliness IN Zero Rated Sales
When Can Government Agencies Appeal Labor Case Decisions: Standing Rules Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies standing rules for government agencies appealing labor case decisions, with practical guidance for litigants.
Untimely Appeal: Strict Application of Procedural Rules in Death Benefit Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how strict procedural rules apply to death benefit claims, and why timing matters.
Amending Lease Contracts: Upholding Written Agreements and Preventing Unjust Enrichment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lease amendments, judicial admissions, and why unjust enrichment claims fail when a lessee violates the contract.
Upholding Drug Convictions: Integrity of the Chain of Custody Under RA 9165
The Supreme Court affirms a drug sale conviction, explaining that minor deviations from Section 21 procedures do not automatically render seized drugs inadmissible.
Real Party in Interest: Who Can Sue in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies the real party in interest rule in G.R. No. 205179, explaining who may properly bring suit.
Arbitration Agreements Enforceability and Scope of Party Inclusion in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when arbitration can be compelled, who is bound by arbitration agreements, and limits on dismissing arbitration cases.