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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Annulment of Judgment in the Philippines: Strict Rules on Extrinsic Fraud and Lack of Jurisdiction
Philippine Supreme Court explains the strict requirements for annulment of judgment, limited to extrinsic fraud or lack of jurisdiction.
Electricity Disconnection Due Process and Utility Company Obligations in the Philippines
Learn the Supreme Court's rules on electricity disconnection, due process, and utility obligations under R.A. 7832 in the Philippines.
Maintaining Decorum: Ethical Standards for Court Employees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court reprimands a process server for discourtesy toward a superior, reaffirming strict ethical standards for all court personnel in the Philippines.
Chain OF Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence AND Ensuring Fair Trials IN THE Philippines 3
Sabbatical Leave and Abuse of Rights: Understanding Employer Discretion in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that sabbatical leave is a privilege, not a right, and explains when employer discretion amounts to abuse of rights.
Tax Sales and Due Process: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax sales, due process, and property rights protection for landowners and buyers.
Breach of Trust in Employment: Requisites for Valid Dismissal in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when breach of trust justifies dismissal and what due process requires in Philippine labor law.
Co-Ownership and Unauthorized Sales: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court handles co-owned property disputes, redemption rights, and unauthorized sales in this Philippine civil law case analysis.
Priority of Registered Adverse Claims Over Subsequent Mortgages: Protecting Land Rights in the Philippines
Learn how a registered adverse claim protects land rights against subsequent mortgages, and why prior registration prevails under Philippine property law.
From Grave to Slight: Oral Defamation and Free Speech in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when insulting words rise to grave or slight oral defamation, balancing free speech with protecting reputation.
Probationary Employment: Standards for Regularization and Dismissal Explained
Learn the rules on probationary employment in the Philippines—what standards employers must set and when dismissal is valid.
Breach of Trust: How Familial Rape Impacts Justice in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on victim's credible testimony, rejecting sweetheart defense and clarifying force requirement.
Constructive Dismissal vs Abandonment: Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the line between constructive dismissal and abandonment, protecting security of tenure for security guards in the Philippines.
Abandonment vs Illegal Dismissal: Protecting Security Guards' Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies abandonment vs illegal dismissal in labor-only contracting cases involving security guards and agency-hired workers.
Rescission Rights When A Compromise Agreement Fails to Protect Labor Rights in the Philippines
When can workers rescind a compromise agreement? The Supreme Court clarifies rights under Article 2041 of the Civil Code.
Finality Prevails: Understanding the Limits of Annulment of Judgment in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when annulment of judgment is available, distinguishing lack of jurisdiction from errors in exercising jurisdiction.
Open Space vs Private Property: Resolving Subdivision Land Disputes in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling on when subdivision open spaces remain private property, and the limits of homeowners' claims over them.
Breach of Trust When Employee Disloyalty Justifies Termination in the Philippines
When does employee disloyalty justify termination? The Supreme Court explains breach of trust doctrine in Philippine labor law.
Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Stealth Attacks in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder cases, ruling that killing a sleeping victim with a bolo qualifies as treachery.
Temporary Layoffs in the Philippines: When Financial Stability Claims Fail Legal Scrutiny
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when temporary layoffs are illegal, requiring employers to prove good faith and dire business exigency.
Limits of a General Power of Attorney Authority to Sell Real Property in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a general power of attorney does not authorize an agent to sell real property without a special power of attorney.
Compensation and Delay: When Debts Cannot Offset Judgments in the Philippines
Philippine Trust Co. v. Roxas explains when legal compensation fails—unliquidated debts, waiver, and late defenses at execution stage.
Service of Summons on Corporations: Strict Compliance Required in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that service of summons on corporations requires strict compliance with Rule 14, Section 11, listing only specific officers.
Torrens Title vs Mortgage Resolving Property Possession Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on which Torrens title prevails when property claims overlap, tracing validity to the mother title.