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.
Brokers Breach Unauthorized Stock Sales AND Fiduciary Duty IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies stockbroker liability for unauthorized share sales and fiduciary duties under the Civil Code.
Corporate Officer vs Employee: Who Hears Illegal Dismissal Cases?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an illegal dismissal case belongs to the Labor Arbiter versus the Regional Trial Court.
Judicial Efficiency vs. Delay: Striking the Balance in Case Disposition
The Supreme Court balances speedy disposition against thorough adjudication in consolidated cases involving land disputes, clarifying the limits of judicial efficiency.
Dismissal for Non-Compliance: Upholding Procedural Rules in Appellate Review
The Supreme Court affirms the CA's dismissal of a petition for review for failure to comply with Rule 43 requirements, underscoring the mandatory nature of appellate procedure.
Navigating Land Disputes: Reversion, Expropriation, and Title Conflicts Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies how reversion cases, expropriation proceedings, and quieting of title actions interact when land titles are challenged.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Interest for Delayed Payment in Agrarian Reform
When government takes land for agrarian reform, just compensation must be paid without delay; otherwise, 12% interest accrues from taking until full payment.
Rape With Homicide: Defining Carnal Knowledge and the Threshold of Sexual Assault
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes carnal knowledge in rape with homicide, ruling that mere touching of the labia by an erect penis suffices for conviction.
Attorney's Disregard for Court Orders Results in Disbarment and Denied Reinstatement
A lawyer's evasion of court processes and nine-year delay in complying with a restitution order led to disbarment and denial of reinstatement.
Dismissal for Repeat Offenses: Enforcing Ethical Conduct in Writ Enforcement
A sheriff's second offense for mishandling execution expenses leads to dismissal, underscoring strict rules for sheriffs.
Judicial Misconduct When Negligence AND Abuse OF Authority Undermine Public Trust
The Supreme Court's ruling in Lerma shows how a judge's negligence and abuse of authority can erode public trust in the judiciary.
The Critical Omission: Why "Zero-Rated" Must Appear on VAT Invoices for Tax Credit Refund Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failing to print on its sales invoices. The CTA En Banc affirmed this denial, and J.R.A. elevated the matter to the Supreme Court.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The Cost of Skipping the Post-Employment Exam
A seafarer's failure to submit to the required post-employment medical exam within three days forfeits disability claims, even for depression.
Upholding a Drug Conviction: Chain of Custody and Informant Testimony in Gonzaga
The Supreme Court affirmed a shabu sale conviction, ruling that informant non-presentation, minor witness inconsistencies, and custody lapses do not defeat a solid buy-bust case.
Corporate Merger vs Separate Entities: Protecting Creditor Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on invalid mergers, separate corporate personalities, and creditor rights in execution sales.
Just Compensation Under CARP: Courts Must Follow DAR Valuation Formula
Supreme Court clarifies that courts determining just compensation under CARP must strictly apply the DAR valuation formula, not substitute their own methods.
Solidary Liability of Recruitment Agencies: Protecting Overseas Filipino Workers' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recruitment agencies' solidary liability with foreign principals for OFW claims, explained in plain language.
Change Orders Without Written Consent: Contractual Obligations in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on change orders, written consent, and contractual obligations in construction disputes under Article 1724.
Seafarers Must Comply With Post-Employment Medical Exams or Forfeit Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules seafarers who skip mandatory post-employment medical exams within three days forfeit disability claims, even for mental health conditions.
Joint and Solidary Liability of Recruitment Agencies for OFW Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recruitment agencies' joint liability with foreign principals for overseas workers' money claims.
Tolerance Ends Unlawful Detainer Actions and Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when tolerated possession becomes unlawful detainer, and how property owners can recover possession.
Void Donations: Strict Compliance With Will Formalities for Mortis Causa Transfers
Donations mortis causa must follow will formalities or they are void. Learn from Echavez v. Dozen Construction.
Demotion vs Management Prerogative: Protecting Employees From Unjust Reassignments
When does a transfer become an illegal demotion? The Supreme Court clarifies limits on management prerogative in Coca-Cola Bottlers v. Del Villar.
Perjury Complaints and the DOJ Secretary's Discretion in Preliminary Investigations
Explains when the DOJ may dismiss a perjury complaint appeal and why constitutional due process rules for courts do not bind prosecutors.
Unlawful Detainer Jurisdiction: How Complaint Allegations Determine Ejectment Cases
Learn how complaint allegations, not defenses, determine jurisdiction in unlawful detainer cases, based on a 2010 Philippine Supreme Court ruling.