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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Untimely Appeal: How Attorney Negligence Can Doom Your Case
Learn how attorney negligence in filing an appeal can doom your case, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability.
When the Secretary of Labor May Award Higher Wages Than a Union MOA
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether the Labor Secretary can grant wage increases higher than a union's memorandum of agreement.
Unauthorized Absences and the Limits of Disciplinary Action: Protecting Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on PLDT v. Teves clarifies when unauthorized absences justify dismissal and when they do not.
Immorality in the Workplace: When Personal Conduct Leads to Professional Consequences
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a government employee's extramarital affair constituted disgraceful and immoral conduct, even after resignation.
When Self-Defense Fails: Unlawful Aggression and Treachery in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a claim of self-defense failed and how treachery qualified a killing as murder.
Unjust Enrichment in Construction Disputes: Establishing Legal Grounds for Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unjust enrichment claims in construction disputes, explaining legal grounds, burden of proof, and practical guidance.
When a Single Act of Negligence Is Not Enough: Illegal Dismissal and Separation Pay
A Supreme Court ruling explains why one isolated act of negligence may not justify dismissal, and when separation pay is due.
Foreshore Land vs Private Property: Clarifying Ownership Rights in Coastal Areas
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on possession, prescription, and jurisdiction in disputes over untitled coastal and ancestral lands.
VAT Refund Denials Strict Compliance With Invoicing Rules Upheld
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on VAT refund claims, emphasizing strict compliance with invoicing and substantiation requirements.
Possession vs Ownership: When Land Status Determines Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how land classification as public domain affects possessory rights and estoppel claims.
Surety Bonds Solidary Liability Despite Contract Rescission
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on surety bonds: rescission of the principal contract does not automatically release the surety from liability.
Continuing Suretyship Scope and Enforceability in Loan Renewals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a continuing suretyship covers renewed credit facilities and subsequent loan availments.
Solidary Liability of Recruitment Agencies: Protecting Overseas Filipino Workers' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recruitment agencies' solidary liability with foreign principals for OFW claims, explained in plain language.
Corporate Merger vs Separate Entities: Protecting Creditor Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on invalid mergers, separate corporate personalities, and creditor rights in execution sales.
Change Orders Without Written Consent: Contractual Obligations in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on change orders, written consent, and contractual obligations in construction disputes under Article 1724.
Joint and Solidary Liability of Recruitment Agencies for OFW Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recruitment agencies' joint liability with foreign principals for overseas workers' money claims.
Navigating Appeals When Questions of Fact and Law Intertwine in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts handle appeals involving mixed questions of fact and law, based on a 2010 Supreme Court ruling.
Ensuring Corporate Authority in Legal Actions: The Importance of Board Resolutions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ejectment jurisdiction, board resolutions, and why corporate authority matters in lawsuits.
Unlawful Detainer Jurisdiction: How Complaint Allegations Determine Ejectment Cases
Learn how complaint allegations, not defenses, determine jurisdiction in unlawful detainer cases, based on a 2010 Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Judicial Efficiency: The Duty of Judges to Decide Cases Promptly and the Consequences of Delay
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a judge's duty to decide cases within reglementary periods, and the administrative penalties for undue delay.
Breach of Trust Dismissal for Mismanaging Court Funds in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling shows why clerks of court face dismissal for mishandling judiciary funds, with lessons for all accountable officers.
Docket Fees Are Mandatory: GSIS Must Pay for Permissive Counterclaims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: even government agencies like GSIS must pay docket fees for permissive counterclaims or lose jurisdiction over them.
Construction Defects Contractors Liability and Owners Rights Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contractor liability for construction defects, waterproofing failures, and owner rights under construction contracts.
Illegal Strike Consequences and Employee Rights: Lessons from Alcantara v. Court of Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when strikes become illegal, who faces termination, and what reinstatement rights employees retain.