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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Timely Notice IS KEY Understanding Carrier Liability IN Damaged Goods Claims Under THE Code OF Commerce
When cargo arrives damaged, the clock starts ticking. Learn how Article 366 of the Code of Commerce can bar a claim entirely if notice is late.
Can a Foreign Corporation Sue for Unfair Competition in the Philippines?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a foreign corporation not doing business locally can pursue unfair competition claims.
Sublease Rent Claims: Why Lessors Must Sue the Lessee First
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that lessors cannot directly sue sublessees for unpaid rent without first obtaining judgment against the lessee.
Contract of Sale vs Piece of Work: Subcontractor Rights Under Article 1729
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a supply agreement is a piece of work, giving subcontractors direct claims against project owners.
Agent Liability in Insurance Contracts: The Pandiman Philippines Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an insurance agent can be held liable for claims, and who bears responsibility for overseas workers' death benefits.
Res Judicata: The Bar Against Relitigating Claims in Philippine Courts
Understand the doctrine of res judicata in Philippine courts, its requirements, and practical implications for litigants and lawyers.
Upholding Workers Rights THE Limits OF Quitclaims IN Philippine Labor LAW
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when quitclaims and waivers signed by employees are invalid and cannot bar recovery of labor standard claims.
Service Incentive Leave: Who Are Field Personnel and When Claims Prescribe
Supreme Court clarifies who qualifies as field personnel for service incentive leave and when the 3-year prescriptive period for claims begins.
Quitclaims and Continued Employment: Can Post-Termination Actions Revoke Redundancy?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when quitclaims are valid and whether post-termination tasks revoke a redundancy dismissal.
Appeal Bonds in Labor Disputes: Ensuring Workers' Claims Are Secured
Learn how appeal bonds protect workers' monetary claims in labor disputes, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seasonal employment.
Tax Refunds Timing and Proof of Entitlement Under Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts decide tax refund claims, focusing on prescriptive periods, documentary evidence, and the burden of proving entitlement.
Retrenchment vs Retirement: What Philippine Employees Must Know Before Signing Quitclaims
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when retrenched employees may claim retirement benefits and why signed quitclaims can bar further claims.
Retrenchment vs Retirement: Employee Rights and Quitclaims in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when retrenched employees may claim retirement benefits and when quitclaims bar further claims.
Balancing the 60-Day Rule With Public Health: PhilHealth Claims and Timely Reimbursements
The Supreme Court ruled that PhilHealth's strict 60-day filing rule must yield to public health goals, allowing late claims from accredited hospitals.
Dismissal Due to Business Losses: Substantiate Claims With Financial Records
Philippine law requires employers to prove business losses with audited financial statements before dismissing workers for retrenchment or closure.
Danzas v. Daguman: When Retrenchment and Closure Are Used to Disguise Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court ruled that an employer claiming retrenchment or closure must prove it with audited financial statements — and that quitclaims signed on false premises do not bind workers.
Compulsory Counterclaims: No Certificate of Non-Forum Shopping Required
The Supreme Court clarifies that compulsory counterclaims need no certificate of non-forum shopping, as they are not initiatory pleadings.
Dismissal of Appeal for Late Appellant's Brief: Timely Filing Is Mandatory
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of an appeal for failure to file the appellant's brief on time, rejecting claims of excusable neglect.
Permissive Joinder of Parties and the Totality Rule in Vehicular Accident Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court applied permissive joinder and the totality rule in determining jurisdiction for vehicular accident claims.
Ejectment Suits MTC Jurisdiction Prevails Despite Ownership Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that MTC retains jurisdiction over ejectment cases even when defendants raise ownership or agrarian reform claims.
Due Process and the Duties of Counsel: Lessons from Palanca v. Guides
A 2005 Supreme Court ruling shows how the negligence of a lawyer binds the client, and how accepting payments without protest can waive a seller's claims.
Tenancy Rights vs Land Reclassification: Lessons from Esparagera v. J.Y. Realty
A quitclaim can end tenancy claims even if land classification is disputed. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Estate Claims and Heir Liability: Filing Requirements and Partition Validity
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified Rule 16 on motion to dismiss resolution, estate claims, and heir liability in Lu Ym v. Nabua.
Void Marriages and Property Rights: Ownership in Cohabitation After Bigamous Marriage
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property ownership when a marriage is void due to bigamy. Learn the rules on co-ownership and creditor claims.