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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Security Deposits in Lease Agreements: Clarifying Lessee and Sub-Lessee Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when security deposits must be returned and what lessors must prove to withhold them.
Interest on Loans and the Necessity of Written Agreements for Enforceability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sales, good faith, and why written contracts matter for property and loan enforceability.
Respectful Advocacy Limits on Attorney Language in Legal Filings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer discipline for abusive language in pleadings, citing Canons 8 and 11 of the CPR.
Novation in Property Sales: When a Deed of Absolute Sale Supersedes a Conditional Sale
Explaining when a later deed of absolute sale novates or supersedes an earlier conditional sale, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Consequences of Misconduct and Abandonment of Duty
The Supreme Court affirms that the Ombudsman can impose penalties directly, and that dishonesty by accountable officers warrants dismissal from service.
When Can a Prosecutor Dismiss Cases Without Ombudsman Approval? Soriano v. Marcelo
The Supreme Court clarifies when city prosecutors may dismiss cases against public officers without Ombudsman approval, and what constitutes grave abuse of discretion.
OFW Illegal Dismissal Claims and Forged Documents: Key Lessons from G & M Philippines v. Cuambot
The Supreme Court explains how forged payslips and resignation letters affect OFW illegal dismissal claims, and why doubts are resolved in favor of labor.
Who's the Boss? Determining Employer Liability in Labor-Only Contracting
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a principal employer becomes solidarily liable with a labor-only contractor for workers' claims.
Protecting the People's Vote: Timeliness of Election Protests and Failure of Election Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the 30-day period for election appeals, failure of election grounds, and the importance of raising issues promptly.
Spanish Titles and Stare Decisis: Santiago v. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority
The Supreme Court reaffirmed that Spanish titles can no longer prove land ownership, and that final judgments bind even those who did not appeal.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: When Valuation Should Be Made
Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation for agrarian reform lands is valued at payment time, not at taking.
When Is a Company Cook a Regular Employee? A Philippine Labor Law Guide
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a company cook is a regular employee, not a domestic helper, and the rules on illegal dismissal.
Mining Contract Transfers: When New Laws Don't Apply Retroactively
Supreme Court ruling on FTAA transfers, presidential approval requirements, and the non-retroactive application of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
Commingling and Certification Elections: Navigating Union Affiliations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when commingling of rank-and-file and supervisory union officers bars separate certification elections.
Spanish Titles vs Torrens System: What Landowners Must Know After SBMA Ruling
A 2006 Supreme Court ruling confirms Spanish-era titles are no longer valid proof of land ownership in the Philippines. Here's what it means for property claims.
Accountability Confirmed: Public Officials Liable for Missing Funds Despite Internal Audits
Supreme Court affirms conviction of municipal treasurer for malversation despite internal audit showing no shortage, clarifying COA's exclusive audit authority.
Premature Campaigning: Defining Candidate Status Before the Election Period
The Supreme Court clarifies when a candidate is deemed to have campaigned prematurely and the rules on disqualification cases filed before elections.
Perfected Contract of Sale: The Decisive Role of Clear Agreement on Price
A "suggested indicative price" is not a definite price. The Supreme Court explains when a contract of sale is perfected.
Co-Owner's Sale of Undivided Share: When a Second Sale Is Void
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on co-ownership, double sale, and reconveyance actions. Learn the rules on land titles and fraud.
Dereliction of Duty: Forfeiture of Benefits for Negligent Court Personnel
Learn how the Supreme Court penalizes court personnel for dereliction of duty, including forfeiture of benefits and dismissal from service.
Piercing the Corporate Veil in Fraudulent Asset Transfers: Labor Claims in the Philippines
When can labor arbiters pierce the corporate veil to enforce judgments? Learn from the Supreme Court's ruling in Jang Lim v. CA.
Divorce Abroad and Remarrying in the Philippines After a Spouse's Foreign Naturalization
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on divorce abroad, foreign naturalization, and remarriage in the Philippines under the Family Code.
Property Transfers in Common-Law Relationships: Navigating Legal Restrictions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property transfers to common-law spouses, void sales, and conjugal property rules explained.
Lease Extension Balancing Landlord Rights and Tenant Long-Term Occupancy
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may extend a lease under Article 1687 and how to compute reasonable rent after expiration.