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 Redundancy Becomes Illegal Dismissal: Lessons from Lopez Sugar Corporation
The Supreme Court clarifies when a redundancy program is a valid management prerogative and when it becomes an illegal dismissal.
Service Incentive Leave: Who Are Field Personnel and When Claims Prescribe
Supreme Court clarifies who qualifies as field personnel for service incentive leave and when the 3-year prescriptive period for claims begins.
Unlawful Detainer: Actual Possession vs. Representation in Ejectment Suits
Learn when an ejectment suit must target the actual occupant versus the lessee they represent, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Insurance Policy Interpretation: Earthquake Shock Coverage Limited to Specified Properties
Supreme Court rules earthquake shock coverage under an insurance policy extends only to properties specifically listed and premium-paid, not all insured items.
Union Busting Disguised as Redundancy: Protecting Workers' Right to Organize
When can a company's "redundancy" program be struck down as illegal dismissal and unfair labor practice? The Supreme Court explains.
Due Process in Motion Hearings: When a Judgment Cannot Bind a Non-Party
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that courts cannot bind non-parties to judgments, even in motion hearings, without due process.
Untangling Land Titles, Prescription, and the Rights of Heirs in Property Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when heirs can recover property sold without their consent, and how prescription applies to constructive trusts.
Quitclaims and Continued Employment: Can Post-Termination Actions Revoke Redundancy?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when quitclaims are valid and whether post-termination tasks revoke a redundancy dismissal.
Governor vs Vice-Governor: Who Approves Sanggunian Purchases and Appointments?
Supreme Court clarifies the dividing line between a governor's executive control and a vice-governor's authority over Sangguniang Panlalawigan operations.
Rice Allowance and the Salary Standardization Law: The LWUA-COA Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court explains when government employees may keep allowances like rice subsidies under the Salary Standardization Law.
Perfecting Appeals in Labor Cases: The Strict Rule on Posting an Appeal Bond
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling that an employer's failure to post an appeal bond on time is fatal to an appeal, even if other requirements were met.
Reinstatement Prevails: An Employee's Right to Their Former Position After Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that illegally dismissed employees have a right to reinstatement to their former position, not just separation pay.
When Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Due Diligence in Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's failure to act diligently on an appeal binds the client, and what counts as notice of a decision.
Perfecting Appeals in Labor Cases: The Indispensable Role of Appeal Bonds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why posting an appeal bond on time is mandatory for perfecting an employer's appeal from a Labor Arbiter decision.
IBP Dues: Why Non-Practicing Lawyers Must Still Pay Membership Fees
The Supreme Court rules that IBP membership dues are mandatory for all lawyers, regardless of active practice status.
Substantial Compliance and Legal Representation: Justice Prevails Over Technicalities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on substantial compliance in ejectment cases, month-to-month leases, and the balance between procedural rules and substantive justice.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Constructive Dismissal: Demotion and Altered Work Conditions as Illegal Termination
When a demotion and altered work schedule make continued employment unreasonable, it amounts to constructive dismissal, entitling workers to backwages and reinstatement.
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.