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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Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: When Can You Skip the Bureaucracy and Go to Court
Philippine Supreme Court explains the doctrine of exhaustion of administrative remedies and its exceptions, using a GSIS dismissal case as an example.
Dismissal of Appeals: Why Following Court Rules Matters
Learn why the Supreme Court dismissed a petition for review from the Secretary of Justice's resolution, and the importance of following proper court procedures.
Executive Privilege vs Legislative Oversight: Defining the Limits of Presidential Power
The Supreme Court struck down E.O. 464's blanket ban on executive officials appearing before Congress, clarifying the proper scope of executive privilege in legislative inquiries.
Preventive Suspension of Public Officials: When Does It Apply
The Supreme Court explains when courts must order preventive suspension of public officials under the Anti-Graft law, and its limits.
Non-Retroactivity of BIR Rulings: The Benguet Case and Taxpayer Protection
Learn how the Supreme Court protects taxpayers from retroactive BIR rulings, based on the landmark Benguet Corporation case.
Due Process at Sea: Seafarers' Rights Against Illegal Dismissal in Philippine Law
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on due process and loss of trust in dismissing confidential employees under Philippine law.
Who Is in Delay in Reciprocal Obligations? Philippine Contract of Sale Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when delay begins in reciprocal obligations under a contract of sale, and why mutual default cancels out.
Burden of Proof in Philippine Contract Law: Why Evidence Matters in Usage-Based Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Skippers United Pacific v. NLRC clarifies employer burden of proof in seafarer dismissal cases and evidentiary standards.
Judicial Accountability: The 90-Day Rule and Why Judges Cannot Blame Court Staff
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges that the 90-day decision period is mandatory, and blaming staff will not excuse delay.
Real Party-in-Interest and CIAC Jurisdiction in Construction Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies indispensable parties and CIAC jurisdiction in construction arbitration, using the Heritage Park case as a guide.
Philippine Guaranty Law: Sureties Liable Even Without Dishonor Protest
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that guarantors and sureties remain liable on discounted export bills even without a formal protest of dishonor.
Judges Cannot Blame Staff for Delayed Decisions: Supreme Court Ruling on Court Records
The Supreme Court held that a judge cannot pass the blame to court staff for delays in deciding cases, affirming that docket management is ultimately the judge's duty.
Liability for Flood Damage: Private vs Public Drainage Systems
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lessor is liable for flood damage—distinguishing private drainage maintenance from public sewer responsibility.
Breach of Trust: Understanding Estafa and Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court defines estafa by misappropriation under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code and what it means for your liability.
Easement of Right of Way: Balancing Access and Property Rights in Subdivision Developments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies temporary easement rules for subdivision access, distinguishing preliminary injunctions from permanent rights of way.
Fixed-Term vs Regular Employment: Know Your Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when fixed-term employment contracts are valid and when they violate the security of tenure of regular employees.
Disbarment for Conflicting Interests and Misleading Use of Judicial Title
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer P155,000 for disrespecting courts and defying IBP orders in A.C. No. 11508.
Dismissal for Habitual Tardiness: Upholding Efficiency and Public Trust in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court dismisses a repeat offender for habitual tardiness, affirming that public office is a public trust demanding strict observance of working hours.
Upholding Integrity: Dishonest Declarations Lead to Dismissal in Public Office
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality after an extramarital affair, showing that private misconduct has public consequences.
Dismissal of Case for Absence at Pre-Trial: When It's Not Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a plaintiff's absence at pre-trial does not justify dismissal of the case for failure to prosecute.
Quieting of Title: Imprescriptible for Owners in Continuous Possession
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: actions to quiet title are imprescriptible when the plaintiff remains in actual possession of the property.
When One Case Is Enough: Res Judicata and Splitting a Cause of Action in Property Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling explains why filing separate cases for the same property dispute is barred by res judicata and the rule against splitting a cause of action.
Res Judicata and Forum Shopping: When a Prior Ruling Bars a Second Case
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a prior ruling bars another case, and what constitutes forum shopping.
Certiorari as an Improper Substitute for Appeal: Jurisdictional Errors in Philippine Law
When can a party use certiorari instead of appeal? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of Rule 65 remedies.