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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Supreme Court: Five-Day Rule for Small Claims Is Mandatory, Not Flexible
The Supreme Court reminds judges that the five-day period to decide small claims cases is mandatory, not a flexible guideline.
Breach OF Public Trust When Court Employees Overstep Boundaries
Psychological Incapacity: When Expert Testimony Fails to Prove a Void Marriage
The Supreme Court explains when expert testimony on psychological incapacity fails to prove a void marriage under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Probationary Teacher Rights in the Philippines: Non-Renewal and Security of Tenure
When can a private school validly refuse to renew a probationary teacher's contract? The Supreme Court's ruling in St. Paul College vs. Ancheta explains.
Loss of Trust and Confidence in Labor Disputes: The Keppel Bank Case
When can a bank validly dismiss a branch manager for loss of trust and confidence? The Supreme Court explains the limits of this just cause.
Breach of Contract in Construction: Completion, Damages, and Mutual Breach Under Philippine Law
When both contractor and client breach a construction contract, Philippine courts equitably adjust damages. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accidents: When Negligence and Vicarious Liability Apply
Supreme Court affirms joint liability of driver and owner in a vehicular accident, clarifying negligence, proximate cause, and vicarious liability under the Civil Code.
Eminent Domain Just Compensation: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on just compensation for underground tunnel taking under eminent domain, protecting landowners' constitutional rights.
Res Judicata and Forum Shopping in Foreclosure Disputes: Villanueva v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court explains how res judicata and forum shopping bar repeated challenges to loan interest rates and foreclosure proceedings.
When a Final Judgment Bars a New Case: Res Judicata and Forum Shopping in Loan Disputes
The Supreme Court explains how a final ruling on loan interest rates can bar a later case through res judicata and forum shopping.
Reconveyance Claims: Proving Land Identity Under Article 434 of the Civil Code
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reconveyance actions: claimants must prove land identity and title. Learn the requirements under Article 434.
Voluntary Retirement: Why Employee Consent Is Key to Valid Retirement Plans
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on voluntary retirement plans, employee consent, and the validity of retirement agreements in labor law.
Project Employees and Due Process: Clarifying Notice Requirements for Contract Completion
The Supreme Court clarifies when project employees must receive notice of contract completion and the due process requirements for termination.
Kidnapping with Rape: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for kidnapping with rape, explaining how credible testimony and the sweetheart defense are weighed.
Repeated Infractions: When Company Policy Violations Justify Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that an employee's repeated violations of company rules can justify dismissal, even if past offenses were already penalized.
Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Documentary Stamp Tax on Passbook Savings Accounts
The Supreme Court rules that passbook savings accounts with higher interest rates are certificates of deposit subject to documentary stamp tax.
Simplified Union Registration in the Philippines: Understanding DOLE Department Order 40-03
The Supreme Court upheld DOLE Department Order 40-03, confirming simplified registration rules for local chapters of labor federations.
Luga v. Arciaga: Land Ownership, Tolerance, and the Limits of Possession Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies when tolerated occupancy defeats a claim of ownership by adverse possession in Luga v. Arciaga.
The 15-Day Rule in Just Compensation Cases: When a Belated Filing Proves Fatal
A belated petition for just compensation before the Special Agrarian Court can be dismissed. Learn the 15-day rule from Land Bank v. Listana.
Sheriff Misconduct: When Moonlighting Becomes Malfeasance in Office — Abadiano v. Regalado
Learn how a sheriff's moonlighting for a party in a case he handled became misconduct, and the ethical rules for judicial employees.
Protecting Labor Rights: How Philippine Courts Determine Employer-Employee Relationships for Retirement Benefi
Philippine courts resolve doubts in labor disputes in favor of workers. Learn how the Supreme Court determines employer-employee relationships for retirement benefits.
Missed Deadlines, Lost Rights: The 15-Day Rule for Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform
Land Bank v. Listana explains why a late petition for just compensation in agrarian reform cases can be fatal, and what the 15-day rule means for landowners.
Partial Redemption in Philippine Foreclosure: Can You Redeem Select Properties?
Philippine law allows partial redemption of foreclosed properties. Learn the rules, limits, and practical implications from a key Supreme Court ruling.
Levy on Mortgaged Property in the Philippines: Sheriff's Duties Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that sheriffs may levy mortgaged properties to satisfy judgments, as debtors retain beneficial ownership until foreclosure.