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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Preliminary Injunctions Protecting Possession Rights in Philippine Property Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court protected possession rights through preliminary injunctions in Maunlad Homes v. Union Bank, and what this means for property disputes.
Buy-Bust Operations: Legality of Drug Sales and Possession in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on buy-bust operations, illegal drug sales, and possession under Philippine law.
Preliminary Injunction and Possession Rights: Maunlad Homes v. Union Bank
When can a property owner be barred from collecting rentals? The Supreme Court explains the limits of ownership rights versus possession in Maunlad Homes v. Union Bank.
Proving Work-Related Illness in Seafarer Disability Claims: The Francisco Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's illness is compensable, emphasizing proof of work-relatedness beyond mere occurrence during employment.
When Can You Compel Government Action: Understanding Mandamus in Philippine Law
Learn when Philippine courts issue mandamus to compel government action, the legal requirements, and practical limits of this extraordinary remedy.
When Banks Dishonor Checks: The Citibank v. Dinopol Case on Fiduciary Duty and Damages
The Supreme Court ruled that banks must exercise the highest degree of diligence, holding Citibank liable for dishonoring a check over a P58.33 charge.
Forcible Entry vs Agrarian Dispute: Who Has Jurisdiction in Philippine Courts?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when forcible entry cases belong to MTC or DARAB, and how tenancy defenses affect jurisdiction.
Loafing in the Workplace: Philippine Law, Penalties, and the Fortaleza Case
Learn what constitutes loafing under Philippine law, its penalties for government employees, and key lessons from a Supreme Court ruling.
Unfair Labor Practices: The Duty to Bargain Collectively in the Philippines
When does an employer's refusal to negotiate become an unfair labor practice? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on the duty to bargain collectively.
Indirect Employers' Solidary Liability: Protecting Workers' Monetary Claims Under the Labor Code
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on indirect employers' solidary liability for workers' wages, 13th month pay, and other monetary benefits.
Prescription in Tax Collection: When Does the Government Lose Its Right to Collect
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on prescription periods for tax collection and when the government's right to collect prescribed taxes expires.
The Sweetheart Defense in Philippine Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Cabanilla
In People v. Cabanilla, the Supreme Court rejected the sweetheart defense, showing why a claim of a love affair rarely defeats a credible rape charge.
Just Compensation in Land Reform: LBP's Role and Interest Rate Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies interest rates on agrarian just compensation and Land Bank's exemption from costs in land reform cases.
Buyer Beware: Due Diligence in Philippine Real Estate Transactions
The Supreme Court reminds buyers of registered land that a title is not enough—due diligence requires inquiry beyond its four corners.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Qualifying Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, and why self-defense failed in People v. Manulit.
Sweetheart Defense in Rape Cases: Why Consent Cannot Be Assumed from a Relationship
The Supreme Court explains why the sweetheart defense fails in rape cases and what constitutes valid consent under Philippine law.
Intra-Corporate Disputes: Protecting Shareholder Rights in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts classify intra-corporate disputes and protect shareholder rights from fraudulent share transfers, based on a 2010 Supreme Court ruling.
Right of First Refusal in Lease Agreements and Property Sales in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lessee's right of first refusal when leased property is sold, explained in plain language.
When a Guilty Plea Is Not Enough: Proving Murder Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains why a guilty plea to a capital offense still requires the prosecution to prove guilt and the precise degree of culpability.
GSIS Pension Rights: Recovering Retirement Benefits After a Wrongful Denial
Learn how the Supreme Court protects government retirees' pension rights, even when GSIS initially approved benefits under the wrong law.
When Sheriffs Cross the Line: Execution Without a Demolition Order
A sheriff demolished a house using only a writ of execution, without a demolition order. The Supreme Court explains the limits.
When the Secretary of Labor May Award Higher Wages Than a Union MOA
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether the Labor Secretary can grant wage increases higher than a union's memorandum of agreement.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Inconsistent Evidence Leads to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after prosecution witnesses gave contradictory testimonies, casting doubt on the identity of the seized drugs.
Untimely Appeal: How Attorney Negligence Can Doom Your Case
Learn how attorney negligence in filing an appeal can doom your case, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability.