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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Demand Is Key to Rescission Rights in Philippine Contract Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that demand is essential before rescission or foreclosure rights can be exercised under contract law.
Compromise After Judgment Navigating Redemption Rights IN Agrarian Disputes
Can a Bank Lower the Retirement Age? Lessons from Obusan v. PNB
The Supreme Court explains when a company retirement plan can set a lower compulsory retirement age than the Labor Code's 65-year default.
Indeterminate Sentence Law Clarifying Penalties for Drug Possession
Supreme Court clarifies how the Indeterminate Sentence Law applies to drug possession penalties under RA 9165.
Double Jeopardy and Grave Abuse of Discretion: Safeguarding the Accused From Retrial
The Supreme Court explains when an acquittal is final and when grave abuse of discretion allows exception to the double jeopardy rule.
BUY Bust Operations AND Warrantless Arrests Safeguarding Rights IN Drug Cases
Upholding Compromise Agreements: When Can a Party Avoid Their Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies when compromise agreements bind parties, and when courts may reduce unconscionable interest rates.
NON Diminution OF Benefits Established Company Practice Prevails IN 13th Month PAY Computation
Upholding Guilt IN Illegal Recruitment THE Importance OF Admission AND Witness Testimony
Liability for Negligence: Contractual vs Extra-Contractual Obligations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when negligence gives rise to contractual liability versus quasi-delict, using a damaged cargo case as example.
Contractor and Subcontractor Liability for Negligence in Cargo Handling
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on liability of contractors and subcontractors for negligence of employees in cargo delivery operations.
Dismissal for Forum Shopping: Preventing Redundant Lawsuits
Forum shopping rules apply only to judicial cases, not administrative complaints, as the Supreme Court clarifies in Ombudsman v. Rodriguez.
Reorganization and Demotion: Protecting Employee Rights in Government Restructuring
Learn when a government reorganization results in illegal demotion and how the Supreme Court protects employee rights in restructuring.
Finality of Dismissal: Understanding Res Judicata in Employment Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a dismissal becomes final and how res judicata bars relitigation of settled employment disputes.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Integrity of Evidence Is Key
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why the chain of custody of seized drugs matters and when minor lapses will not acquit an accused.
Upholding Judicial Impartiality: Bias and Abuse of Authority in Philippine Courts
A judge's manifest bias and abuse of authority draw administrative sanctions, even after dismissal from the bench.
Judicial Impartiality When Haste Undermines Justice in the Philippines
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Padua on drug buy-bust operations, chain of custody, and the limits of judicial haste.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Evidence Integrity Matters
The Supreme Court explains what prosecutors must prove to establish an unbroken chain of custody in drug cases under RA 9165.
Dishonesty at Work: Employees’ Duty and Employers’ Right to Terminate
When can an employer validly dismiss an employee for dishonesty? The Supreme Court explains in Maribago Bluewater v. Dual.
Navigating Government Procurement: The Imperative of Protest Compliance in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on LRA v. Lanting Security clarifies mandatory protest rules under R.A. 9184 before courts can act.
Unfulfilled Promises Foreclosure Rights AND THE Persistence of Original Obligations IN Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a new promise to pay does not extinguish an original loan and mortgage obligation.
Appeal Dismissed: Failure to Post Appeal Bond Is Jurisdictional Defect in Labor Cases
Learn why failing to post an appeal bond in labor cases is a jurisdictional defect that can cost you your appeal.
Solicitation and Ethical Boundaries: Disciplinary Action Against Atty. Tolentino
Court personnel soliciting money from litigants faces severe penalties. Learn from the Caliwag case on ethical boundaries.
Parental Privilege vs. Right to Testify: Scope in Philippine Law
When can a parent refuse to testify? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of parental and filial privilege in Philippine law.