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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Corporate Authority and Tax Credits: Clarifying the Scope for Senior Citizen Discounts
Supreme Court clarifies corporate officer authority in signing pleadings and affirms tax credit entitlement for senior citizen discounts despite net loss.
Habitual Tardiness and Overtime Refusal: When Dismissal Is Valid but Due Process Still Matters
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on valid dismissal for habitual tardiness and overtime refusal, and the price of skipping procedural due process.
Tardiness, Insubordination, and Due Process: Balancing Grounds for Valid Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when habitual tardiness and insubordination justify dismissal, and what procedural due process truly requires.
Ombudsman's Discretion: When Courts Can Compel Criminal Charges for Graft
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may compel the Ombudsman to file criminal charges, balancing prosecutorial discretion with judicial oversight.
When Courts Won't Second-Guess the Ombudsman's Dismissal of Graft Complaints
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's wide discretion in dismissing graft complaints, limiting judicial review to grave abuse of discretion.
Sheriffs, Misconduct, and the Duty of Honesty in Judicial Service
A Supreme Court ruling dismisses a sheriff for pocketing execution fees and auction proceeds, underscoring the strict honesty required of court personnel.
Continuing Jurisdiction and Court Power: Rombe Eximtrade v. Asiatrust
When can a court issue an injunction after another court dismissed a rehabilitation case? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial power.
Litis Pendentia Dismissal Reversed: Lack of Identical Parties and Causes of Action
Supreme Court clarifies litis pendentia elements, reversing a dismissal for lack of identical parties and causes of action.
Balancing Public Welfare and Business Interests: The Manila Oil Depot Relocation Case
The Supreme Court upheld Manila's Ordinance No. 8027, ordering oil companies to relocate from Pandacan, balancing public safety with business interests.
Reconstitution of Title: Strict Proof Required for Lost or Destroyed Land Titles in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict requirements for reconstitution of lost or destroyed land titles under RA 26, emphasizing proof of original title issuance.
Void Marriages and Child Support: When Can a Marriage Be Challenged in Court
The Supreme Court clarifies when a void marriage can be challenged in court and the support rights of children born from such unions.
Theft vs. Estafa: When Misusing Entrusted Funds Becomes Theft in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when misappropriating funds received for a specific purpose constitutes theft rather than estafa.
Health Care Agreements: Insurers Must Prove Pre-Existing Conditions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who bears the burden of proving pre-existing conditions in health care agreements, and insurer liability for damages.
Finality of Judgments, Due Process, and Counsel's Negligence in Contract Rescission
A Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgments, due process, and counsel's negligence in a construction contract rescission case.
Certiorari Dismissed Untimely Appeals AND THE Finality OF Judgments
Explore how the Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of a Rule 65 petition, reinforcing the finality of judgments and the limits of certiorari.
Preliminary Mandatory Injunctions: Clear Right and Irreparable Injury Required
The Supreme Court explains when preliminary mandatory injunctions may issue, requiring clear rights and concrete proof of irreparable injury.
Mutuality of Contracts: The Limits of Bank Discretion in Setting Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that unilateral interest rate setting violates mutuality of contracts, but the principal loan obligation remains valid and enforceable.
Co-Ownership Consent and the Limits of Property Rights in the Philippines
One co-owner's consent cannot authorize construction on common property. The Supreme Court explains forcible entry rules in co-ownership disputes.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect and Mishandling Client's Property
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for failing to render legal services, returning money late, and withholding client's title and documents.
Breach of Trust: When Workplace Conduct Undermines Employer Confidence
Supreme Court ruling on when managerial employees may be validly dismissed for breach of trust and loss of confidence.
Navigating the Court Hierarchy When Directly Appealing to the Supreme Court in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when direct petitions for certiorari are allowed, emphasizing the doctrine of hierarchy of courts.
Dation in Payment: When Transferring Property Fully Settles a Debt
A bank accepted equipment as full payment of a loan, then sued for more. The Supreme Court explains when dation in payment extinguishes a debt.
Upholding Property Rights: The Church's Right to Eject a Former Pastor
A pastor who stayed on church property after his license was revoked had to leave. The Supreme Court ruled the church's title prevails over self-serving claims.
Enforcing Contractual Obligations: Valid Payment and the Courts' Supervisory Role
When may a buyer rescind a timeshare contract? The Supreme Court clarifies registration rules, rescission periods, and appeal deadlines.