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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Declaration of Presumptive Death: A Summary Proceeding, Not a Special Proceeding
Supreme Court clarifies that a petition to declare a spouse presumptively dead under the Family Code is a summary proceeding, not a special proceeding requiring a record on appeal.
Possession by Tolerance: When Using Another's Land Becomes Unlawful
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when tolerated use of another's land becomes unlawful detainer, and which court has jurisdiction over the case.
Termination vs Rescission: Lease Contract Disputes and Penalties in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the legal difference between terminating and rescinding a lease contract, and when penalties apply.
Dismissal Upheld: Dishonest Acts Justify Termination Despite Retraction
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that an employee's dishonest act—demanding money for a service—is serious misconduct justifying dismissal, even if the complainant later retracts.
Compromise Agreements After Final Judgment: Party Autonomy in Labor Cases
The Supreme Court explains when workers may validly waive a final labor judgment through compromise, and what makes such waivers binding.
Clear Contract Terms Prevail Over Subjective Intent in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sugar quedans clarifies written agreements, damages proof, and interest rules in contract disputes.
When Financial Statements Don't Tell the Whole Story: Retrenchment Must Be Justified by Clear Evidence of Loss
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that financial statements alone don't justify retrenchment. Employers must prove substantial, actual losses with convincing evidence.
Commercial Lease vs Residential Tenancy: Right of First Refusal Under Urban Land Reform
When does a long-term lessee get a right of first refusal? The Supreme Court clarifies PD 1517's limits.
Certiorari Remedy When Land Bank Questions Just Compensation Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies when Land Bank may use certiorari to question execution of agrarian just compensation awards.
Jurisdiction in Property Cases: Why Assessed Value Determines the Court
The Supreme Court clarifies that assessed value, not market value, determines which court has jurisdiction over property possession cases.
Court Clerk Dismissed for Misappropriating Judiciary Funds: Lessons on Fiduciary Duty
Supreme Court dismisses court clerk for misappropriating P171,450 in judiciary funds, underscoring strict accountability for court personnel.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Misappropriating Judiciary Funds: Sollesta v. Mission
Supreme Court dismisses a clerk of court for converting P171,450 in judiciary funds, ruling restitution does not erase administrative liability.
Demolition Orders and Property Rights: Balancing Possession and Due Process in Unlawful Detainer Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on demolition orders in unlawful detainer cases, protecting property rights and due process.
Trust Betrayed Balancing Employee Rights AND Employer Prerogatives IN Dismissal Cases
A columnist's dismissal raises the appeal bond rule in labor cases. The Supreme Court clarifies when strict compliance may be relaxed.
Water Rights and Timely Protests: Preserving Order in Water Resource Allocation
The Supreme Court rules that belated protests to water permit applications cannot defeat rights already granted under the Water Code.
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.
Regular vs Seasonal Employment: Rights of Sugar Plantation Workers
Supreme Court clarifies when seasonal sugar workers become regular employees entitled to security of tenure and full labor rights.
Court Clerk Dismissed for Misappropriating P171,450 in Judiciary and Trust Funds
Supreme Court dismisses court clerk who misappropriated P171,450 in judiciary and trust funds, ruling restitution does not erase administrative liability.
Spanish Titles vs Torrens System: Resolving Land Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies why Spanish titles can't defeat Torrens titles after PD 892, and who may file quieting of title actions.
Abandonment of Tenancy Affirming Land Rights Based on Continuous Cultivation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that continuous cultivation and possession can establish land rights, even without formal title.
Witness Credibility vs Forensic Evidence: When Supreme Court Defers to Trial Court Findings
Philippine Supreme Court explains why witness credibility often outweighs forensic gaps in criminal convictions, citing Siccuan v. People.
Verbal Promises vs Corporate Authority: Enforceability of Employment Benefits in the Philippines
When can a verbal promise by a corporate officer bind the company? The Supreme Court explains the limits of corporate authority over employment benefits.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: Independent Assessment Before Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on administrative due process: disciplining authorities must independently assess facts and law before imposing dismissal.
Lawyer Disbarred for Filling Up Blank Checks Held as Loan Collateral
Supreme Court indefinitely suspends lawyer who filled blank checks beyond agreed amounts after loan was paid, then filed baseless criminal cases.