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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Detention and Absences: When Prolonged AWOL Is Not Abandonment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an employee's prolonged absence due to detention does not constitute abandonment, and the limits of dismissal.
Security Codes and Promo Prizes: Why 349 Crown Holders Lost in Court
The Supreme Court denied claims of 349 crown holders in the Pepsi number fever promo, ruling that the correct security code was indispensable to win.
When Appeals Should Not Be Dismissed: Protecting Rights of Appellants With Counsel de Oficio
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Court of Appeals may dismiss an appeal for failure to file a brief, protecting indigent appellants.
Bank Negligence and Fiduciary Duty in Handling Foreign Currency Deposits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for negligence in handling foreign currency time deposit pretermination and fiduciary duty.
Can a Filipino Lawyer Who Became a Foreign Citizen Still Practice Law? The Dacanay Ruling
The Supreme Court explains when a lawyer who lost Philippine citizenship may resume law practice under RA 9225.
Directors Personally Liable for Unremitted SSS Contributions: The Garcia Doctrine
The Supreme Court holds directors personally liable for collected but unremitted SSS contributions, piercing the corporate veil under the Social Security Law.
Credibility of Victim Testimony in Rape Cases Convicting Solely on Direct Evidence
In People v. Aguilar, the Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction based solely on the victim's credible testimony, ruling medical evidence is not indispensable.
Forged Titles and Faulty Foundations: How Errors in Original Land Registration Undermine Property Rights in th
A Supreme Court ruling explains why the date of transcription, not decree issuance, determines a title's validity and priority.
Supreme Court Clarifies Torrens Title Date: Registration Takes Effect on Transcription, Not Decree Issuance
The Court ruled that a Torrens title takes effect only upon transcription by the Register of Deeds, resolving a decades-old land dispute.
Res Judicata and Land Ownership: When Prior Judgments Do Not Bar New Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies when res judicata bars land disputes, protecting property owners from endless litigation.
Trade Secrets vs Discovery: Balancing Business Confidentiality and Legal Rights in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when trade secrets are privileged from compulsory disclosure in civil discovery proceedings.
Delivery Order Compliance: Who Bears the Loss for Unauthorized Fertilizer Withdrawals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who bears the loss when goods are released without proper delivery order forms.
Protecting Consumers: Illegal Disconnection and Utility Company Liability
Supreme Court ruling on Meralco's liability for illegal disconnection without notice, and the limits of differential billing claims.
Heirs Can Invoke Imprescriptibility of Torrens Titles for Inherited Land
Supreme Court rules heirs inherit the right to claim registered land without prescription, even after long possession by another party.
Surety Bonds and Reimbursement: When Payment Under Compulsion Is Still Collectible
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a surety can recover from the principal debtor after paying a bond under threat of execution.
Butakal Case: MTRCB Powers vs Artistic Freedom and Reputation
The Supreme Court clarifies MTRCB's power to review films for defamation and sub judice content in the Butakal case.
Abandonment vs Constructive Dismissal: Protecting Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the fine line between abandonment and constructive dismissal, and what employers must prove to justify termination.
Writ of Possession as Ministerial Duty: Rayo v. Metrobank on Due Process Limits
The Supreme Court affirms that a writ of possession after extrajudicial foreclosure is a ministerial duty, even if issued ex parte. Learn the limits of due process claims.
Judicial Impartiality When Doubts Warrant Disqualification
A Supreme Court ruling on financial accountability of court personnel and the duty of clerks of court to safeguard judicial funds.
Understanding Forum Shopping and Writ of Possession in Philippine Foreclosure Law
The Supreme Court clarifies forum shopping, real party-in-interest rules, and the ministerial nature of writs of possession in extrajudicial foreclosures.
Family Feuds and Corporate Control: Navigating Share Ownership Disputes in Philippine Corporations
The Supreme Court clarifies how Philippine courts resolve family disputes over corporate shares, trusts, and injunctions.
Credit Card Interest and Penalties: Balancing Contractual Freedom and Unconscionability in Debt Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies when credit card interest and penalty rates are enforceable and when courts may reduce them as unconscionable.
Amending an Information Before Plea: What Fronda-Baggao v. People Teaches Us
The Supreme Court clarifies when prosecutors may amend or consolidate criminal charges before arraignment, and how this affects an accused's rights.
Jurisdiction Limits When Labor Disputes Overshadow Regular Court Actions In Property Disputes
When can a regular court hear a property dispute that stems from a labor case? The Supreme Court settles the jurisdictional boundary.