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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When an Affidavit of Quitclaim Isn't Enough: Donation Requirements in Property Transfers
A quitclaim affidavit transferring real property may be treated as a donation. Learn the formal requirements to make it valid under Philippine law.
Reconveyance Actions and Good Faith: Clarifying Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains res judicata and good faith in reconveyance actions, protecting banks that rely on court-issued titles.
Navigating Appeals: Jurisdictional Errors and Lost Rights in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on res judicata, indispensable parties, and mortgagee good faith in property disputes.
Jurisdiction Over Arbitral Awards: The Role of Regional Trial Courts in PCHC Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that PCHC rules cannot vest RTCs with jurisdiction to review arbitral awards; proper remedies explained.
Protecting Children How Courts Decide Statutory Rape Cases Despite Unclear Dates
Learn how Philippine courts handle statutory rape cases when the exact date of the offense is uncertain, based on established legal principles.
Judicial Accountability: Consequences of Failing to Comply With Court Orders
Supreme Court clarifies that judges who ignore Court directives face administrative sanctions, even if underlying complaints lack merit.
Res Judicata and Good-Faith Purchasers: Protecting Land Titles in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts balance Torrens title protection with reconveyance actions, prescription periods, and good-faith purchaser defenses.
Retrenchment Balancing Employer Rights AND Employee Protection During Economic Downturns
The Supreme Court clarifies when retrenchment is valid, what criteria employers may use, and what employees can expect during economic downturns.
Senate Authority vs Individual Rights: Defining Limits of Legislative Inquiries in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of Senate inquiry powers in Dela Paz v. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, balancing legislative authority with individual rights.
Failure to Prosecute: When Dismissal Is Too Severe a Sanction
Explaining when courts may relax procedural rules on failure to prosecute, based on a 2009 Supreme Court ruling.
Contracting OUT AND Unfair Labor Practice Protecting Workers Rights TO Self Organization
Enforcing Final Judgments: Accounting for Unlawful Rental Collection After Foreclosure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that final judgments may be executed even if the exact amount is unstated, allowing courts to conduct hearings for accounting.
Upholding Contingent Attorneys Fees When ARE They Enforceable
When are contingent attorney's fees enforceable in Philippine labor cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules in Masmud v. NLRC.
Construction Disputes THE Role OF Independent Experts IN Resolving Deductive Cost Disagreements
Labor-Only Contracting: When a Principal Becomes the True Employer
Supreme Court ruling on labor-only contracting and when a principal becomes the true employer of contractual workers.
Bouncing Checks AND Broken Promises When IS A Debt A Crime
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Disciplining Court Employees for Unprofessional Behavior
The Supreme Court reminds court employees that courtesy and self-restraint are duties of public service, disciplining two sheriffs for verbal abuse of a litigant.
Upholding Jurisdictional Limits THE Finality OF Reconstitution Proceedings AND Title Cancellations
Importation vs Transshipment: When Seized Goods Cannot Be Released Under Bond
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when transshipment claims fail and seized goods cannot be released under bond due to fraud.
Defining the Employer: Coca-Cola's Control Over Contracted Salesmen
When is a contractor a labor-only contractor? The Supreme Court clarifies employer liability and control over contracted salesmen.
Double Jeopardy and Police Accountability: When Amending an Information Is Allowed
Explaining when an amended criminal information does not trigger double jeopardy, through a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on police killings.
Judicial Misconduct and Substantial Evidence in Administrative Cases
A judge was suspended for soliciting P100,000 to fix cases. The Supreme Court explains the substantial evidence standard in administrative cases.
When Courts Can Deny a Prosecutor's Motion to Withdraw Information
Learn when Philippine courts may deny a prosecutor's motion to withdraw a criminal information and why certiorari is barred in summary procedure cases.
Certiorari and Summary Procedure: When Dismissal for Failure to Prosecute Is Too Harsh
A look at when Philippine courts may relax procedural rules on dismissal for failure to prosecute, based on a 2009 Supreme Court ruling.