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 Integrity: Consequences of Misconduct for Court Employees in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on grave misconduct by court employees, explaining penalties, ethical standards, and why resignation does not erase liability.
When Onboard Recreation Becomes Work-Related: Seafarer Disability Claims Under the POEA-SEC
The Supreme Court clarifies when injuries from onboard recreational activities are compensable under the POEA-SEC and the Bunkhouse Rule.
Avoiding Default Judgment: Why Showing Up to Pre-Trial Is Non-Negotiable in Philippine Courts
Learn why failing to appear at pre-trial in Philippine courts can lead to default judgment, and how to protect your case.
Lost Land Title WHY Filing A Petition FOR Reissuance Might Backfire IN THE Philippines
When a Case Becomes Moot: The Stradcom v. Laqui Ruling on Preliminary Injunctions
The Supreme Court explains the moot and academic doctrine in Stradcom v. Laqui, showing how a preliminary injunction expires with the main case.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: When Loss of Trust and Confidence Doesn't Justify Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that loss of trust and confidence requires willful breach by employee; poor sales performance alone is not enough.
Perfected Contracts and Procedural Rules in Philippine Joint Venture Disputes
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies when oral joint venture agreements are perfected and why procedural rules matter in appeals.
Cooperatives No Longer Exempt From Court Fees: The 2012 Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court denied cooperatives' exemption from court and sheriff's fees, reaffirming judicial independence and fiscal autonomy.
When Is a Bus Company Liable for Accidents? Employer Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bus company liability for driver negligence, damages, and employer responsibility under civil law.
Prescription Periods and Missing Seafarers: How Employer Actions Can Extend Your Claim for Death Benefits
Learn how employer negligence and concealment can extend prescription periods for seafarer death benefit claims in the Philippines.
Travel Authority for Government Employees: Lessons from a Court Stenographer's Suspension
A court stenographer's suspension for traveling abroad without travel authority and concealing it in her leave application offers key lessons for government employees.
Dying Declarations in Philippine Law: When Can a Victim’s Last Words Convict
Philippine law admits dying declarations as evidence. Learn the legal requirements and limits of this exception to hearsay.
Prescription Period for Illegal Dismissal: The 4-Year Rule in Philippine Labor Law
Illegal dismissal claims prescribe in four years, not three. Learn the rule and how refiling a case interrupts prescription.
Land Registration: Proving Possession for Imperfect Titles Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves open, continuous possession for land registration under the Public Land Act and Property Registration Decree.
Crediting Prior Government Service for Retirement in the Judiciary: A Guide for Philippine Judges
Explains when Philippine judges and justices can credit prior government service, like prosecutor work, for retirement and longevity pay.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Nominal Damages for Procedural Lapses
Learn how Philippine labor law treats dismissals for just cause without procedural due process, and when courts award nominal damages.
Breach of Trust: The Price of Corruption for Court Personnel in the Philippines
A look at a Supreme Court ruling on estafa by abuse of confidence, explaining the crime, penalties, and why deceit need not be proven.
Silence OF THE Abused Admissibility OF Spontaneous Utterances IN Rape Cases Involving Incapacitated Victims
Rescission of Share Sale: When Broken Promises Do Not Justify Annulment
A Supreme Court ruling on when disappointed investors can—and cannot—rescind a stock sale for fraud or breach.
Bouncing Checks and Civil Liability: Why You Can't Sue Separately for a BP 22 Violation in the Philippines
Learn why a bounced check can lead to estafa prosecution, not just BP 22, and what this means for your civil remedies.
When Judges Ignore Court Directives: Administrative Consequences in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rulings show judges who disregard court directives face administrative liability, including fines, suspension, or dismissal from service.
Litis Pendentia and Forum Shopping in Philippine Law: The Cabreza Case
Learn how the Supreme Court applied litis pendentia and forum shopping rules to bar a second suit over the same conjugal property dispute.
When Judges Are Sued for Doing Their Job: The Tallado v. Racoma Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when errors by judges are judicial matters, not administrative offenses, and warns against harassment suits.
Prescription in Fraud Claims: When Does the Clock Start Ticking
When does the prescriptive period for fraud claims begin? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in a recent decision.