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 Contracting Turns Into Employment: Defining the True Employer
Learn how Philippine courts determine the real employer in contracting arrangements and what this means for liability in illegal dismissal cases.
Family Code Interpretation Limits on Family Member Definition in Legal Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies Article 213 of the Family Code: mothers keep custody of children under seven unless compelling reasons exist.
Withdrawal of Information vs Dismissal: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court clarifies when a motion to withdraw information is final, and how prosecutors must weigh both sides in preliminary investigation.
Laches and Land Disputes: When Delaying a Claim Can Cost You Ownership in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains how laches—unreasonable delay in asserting a claim—can bar recovery of titled property, even for legal heirs.
Balancing Rights When Subpoena Powers Clash With Speedy Trial Rights In Bouncing Check Cases
The Supreme Court rules on when a subpoena duces tecum in BP 22 cases becomes a fishing expedition that violates speedy trial rights.
Balancing Justice AND Procedure When Courts CAN Relax Rules FOR Fairness
Philippine Supreme Court explains when procedural rules may be relaxed to serve substantial justice, using a forum-shopping case as example.
Jurisdiction in Unfair Competition Cases: RTC vs MTC Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that Regional Trial Courts, not Metropolitan Trial Courts, have jurisdiction over unfair competition cases under the Intellectual Property Code.
Tax Refunds and Fairness: Upholding Taxpayer Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court reminds the BIR and tax courts that technicalities should not defeat a taxpayer's valid claim for refund.
Due Process in Employment Termination: Balancing Employer Authority and Employee Rights in Dismissal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the two-notice rule and hearing requirement in dismissal cases, and the nominal damages for procedural lapses.
Retrenchment and Due Process: Balancing Business Needs and Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies retrenchment rules, due process, and damages in Clarion Printing House v. NLRC.
Substantial Compliance With Material Dates Rule in Certiorari Petitions
SC relaxes Rule 46 material dates requirement when petition shows substantial compliance, remands case for merits determination.
Corporate Assets and Execution: Exemptions for Juridical Entities in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why corporations cannot claim execution exemptions meant for natural persons.
Substantial Compliance Prevails: Justice Over Strict Procedural Rules in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court rules substantial compliance with procedural requirements may excuse technical lapses, ensuring cases are decided on merits.
Judicial Overreach: Contempt Powers, Due Process, and the Limits of a Judge's Discretion
A judge's contempt power has limits. Learn how the Supreme Court disciplined a judge for denying a lawyer's right to post bond.
Moral Turpitude and Public Service: How a Criminal Conviction Affects Government Employees
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a B.P. 22 conviction means dismissal for government employees, even with probation.
Attorney Accountability Understanding Lawyer Neglect of Duty in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer neglect of duty, abandonment of clients, and the ethical obligations of attorneys.
When Loss of Trust Can Lead to Termination: Employee Rights Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal, loss of trust, and due process in employee termination cases.
Judge Fined for Gross Ignorance of the Law in Preliminary Investigation
The Supreme Court fined a municipal judge P10,000 for skipping the required preliminary investigation steps and misreading the rules on bail and arrest warrants.
Due Process in Labor Dismissals: The Two-Notice Rule and the Burden of Proving Just Cause
The Supreme Court reaffirms that dismissal without proper notice and hearing is illegal, and employers bear the burden of proving just cause.
Venue Stipulations in Contracts: Limits on Exclusive Venue Clauses
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when exclusive venue stipulations in contracts apply, and when they cannot restrict access to courts.
Lost Chance to Repurchase: Understanding Time Limits in Property Sales with Right of Repurchase
The Supreme Court ruled that a vendor's right to repurchase property must be exercised within four years from the time the condition triggering it occurs.
Contract of Sale vs Piece of Work: Subcontractor Rights Under Article 1729
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a supply agreement is a piece of work, giving subcontractors direct claims against project owners.
Accrual of Action: Demand as the Starting Point for Prescription in Debt Recovery
When does the prescriptive period for collecting a debt begin? The Supreme Court clarifies that demand, not maturity, starts the clock.
Counsel’s Negligence Reopens Criminal Appeals for Fair Representation
When a lawyer abandons a client’s appeal, the Supreme Court may reopen the case to protect the accused’s right to counsel.