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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Mortgage Validity, Good Faith, and Due Diligence in Property Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mortgage validity, good faith, and the due diligence required of banks before accepting property as collateral.
Proving Possession Since June 12, 1945: Key Requirements for Land Registration
A corporation's land registration application fails because it could not prove possession since June 12, 1945, nor the land's alienable status.
Due Process in Termination: The Two-Notice Rule and Just Cause in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine law requires employers to follow the two-notice rule and prove just cause before dismissing an employee. This case explains both requirements.
Accountability in Kidnapping: Conspiracy, Victim Rights, and the High Court's Ruling
The Supreme Court affirms a kidnap-for-ransom conviction, clarifies conspiracy liability, and adjusts damages awards for the victim.
Personal Liability of Corporate Officers: Limits on Altering Final Labor Judgments
When can corporate officers be personally liable in labor cases? The Supreme Court clarifies limits on modifying final judgments.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Timely Medical Assessment and Permanent Disability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability claims, the role of company-designated physicians, and the importance of timely medical assessment.
School Negligence: Defining the Scope of Responsibility for Student Safety in Science Experiments
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that schools and teachers owe students a high degree of care during dangerous activities like science experiments.
Client’s Right to Terminate Counsel and Withdraw Appeal: Bautista v. Seraph Management
Supreme Court affirms a client’s absolute right to fire counsel and withdraw an appeal, even if the lawyer doubts the client’s decision.
Accountability in Kidnapping: Justice Despite Fugitive Status and Evidentiary Challenges
Supreme Court affirms kidnap-for-ransom conviction, dismisses fugitive's appeal, and clarifies damages awards under Philippine law.
Unliquidated Claims When Repair Costs Cannot Offset Rental Payments IN Lease Agreements
When can a lessee offset repair costs against unpaid rent? The Supreme Court explains the rule on legal compensation in lease disputes.
Insanity Plea in Parricide: Burden of Proof and the Limits of Jealous Rage
The Supreme Court clarifies when insanity exempts an accused from criminal liability, and why jealous rage falls short.
Local Tax Injunctions: Balancing Government Revenue and Taxpayer Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may enjoin local tax collection, balancing government revenue needs with taxpayer rights.
Independent Contractor or Employee? Control in Insurance Agency Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an insurance agent becomes an employee, applying the four-fold test and control standard.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Interest Rates AND Attorneys Fees IN Commercial Agreements
Mining firm's sand and gravel extraction taxed despite mining lease; SC clarifies permit exemptions and tax liability.
Bouncing Checks and the Demand Letter: When Notice Establishes Liability Under B.P. 22
The Supreme Court clarifies when a written demand letter suffices to establish liability for bouncing checks under B.P. 22, even without itemizing each check.
Buy-Bust Operations and the Chain of Custody: Safeguarding Drug Evidence in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where police failed to establish the chain of custody of seized shabu, underscoring strict evidence rules.
Dying Declarations and Witness Credibility Determining Guilt in Murder Cases
Supreme Court ruling on witness credibility, alibi, conspiracy, and treachery in multiple murder convictions.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Balancing Land Valuation and Judicial Discretion
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies just compensation in agrarian reform, balancing Land Bank valuations with judicial discretion in eminent domain cases.
Treachery and Conspiracy: Distinguishing Multiple Murder From Complex Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when killing several victims is separate murder counts, not a complex crime, despite treachery and conspiracy.
Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: When a Written Resignation Is Not Voluntary
When is a resignation letter not a true resignation? The Supreme Court explains constructive dismissal and employer liability.
Fresh Period Rule in Administrative Cases: Panolino v. Tajala Explained
When does the Neypes fresh period rule apply? The Supreme Court clarifies it does not govern DENR administrative appeals.
PAGCOR v. Fontana: Contracts Bind Government Agencies Too
Supreme Court rules PAGCOR must honor its casino MOA with Fontana, affirming that contracts bind government agencies.
When a Client Relieves Counsel: Withdrawal of Appeal and Compromise Agreements
A look at Bautista v. Seraph Management Group, Inc. on withdrawal of appeals, relieving counsel, and the validity of compromise agreements.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Preserving Evidence Integrity Under RA 9165
Philippine Supreme Court explains when non-compliance with Section 21 RA 9165 is excused and why evidence integrity matters most.