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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Pre-Incorporation Contracts and Personal Liability: Lessons from Hao v. Galang
When does a corporate officer become personally liable for pre-incorporation contracts? The Supreme Court clarifies agency rules in Hao v. Galang.
Burden of Proof in Labor Disputes: Employer's Duty to Prove Wage Payments
In FLB Construction v. Trinidad, the Supreme Court reaffirms that employers bear the burden of proving wage payments in labor disputes.
Tenant's Right to Redeem Land Under LBP Financing and Agrarian Justice
The Supreme Court clarifies that tenant-farmers may redeem land without upfront cash payment when LBP finances the redemption under agrarian law.
Due Process in Local Tax Assessments: Lessons from the National Power Corporation Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that local governments must observe due process in tax assessments, as shown in the National Power Corporation case.
Understanding Judicial Reconstitution of Torrens Titles in the Philippines: Key Insights From a Landmark Case
Learn how Philippine courts handle judicial reconstitution of lost or destroyed Torrens titles, with insights from a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Due Process in Foreclosure: Banks Must Personally Notify Mortgagors
The Supreme Court now requires banks to personally notify mortgagors before extrajudicial foreclosure, reversing decades of precedent under Act No. 3135.
Reconveyance of Property Under Implied Trust and the 10-Year Prescription Period
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period runs for reconveyance based on implied trust and the effect of default orders.
Navigating Property Title Disputes Lessons From A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A disbarment case reveals key lessons on property titling, attorney's fees, and client-lawyer duties under Philippine law.
Robbery vs. Direct Bribery: What the Remolano Case Teaches About Due Process
The Supreme Court's Remolano ruling clarifies when extortion is robbery or bribery—and why accurate criminal charges are essential to due process.
Defective Vehicle Refund and Manufacturer Liability Under the Consumer Act
Supreme Court ruling clarifies consumer refund rights for defective vehicles and manufacturer liability under RA 7394, with administrative fines reinstated.
DNA Evidence and Presumption of Legitimacy: Filiation Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled DNA evidence can establish filiation despite the presumption of legitimacy, prioritizing the child's best interests.
Can Heirs Challenge a Sale of Conjugal Property Made Without Spousal Consent?
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a sale of conjugal property without spousal consent is voidable, and who may challenge it.
Lawyer Suspended for Using Colleague's Name Without Consent in Court Filings
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for forging colleague's signature and using his name in a civil case without authorization.
Gross Immorality and Disbarment: When a Lawyer's Personal Conduct Crosses the Line
When does a lawyer's private relationship become gross immorality warranting disbarment? The Supreme Court explains in Hosoya v. Contado.
Corporate Governance and Compensation: Lessons from the LBP Subsidiaries COA Ruling
The Supreme Court affirms COA's disallowance of P5.13M in benefits paid to LBP subsidiary board members, clarifying corporate governance rules.
PCSO Benefits Disallowed: Upholding Fiscal Responsibility in Government-Owned Corporations
The Supreme Court affirms COA's disallowance of unauthorized benefits paid to LBP subsidiary board members, clarifying rules on double compensation and corporate governance.
Dual Citizenship and Lawyer Discipline: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Case
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies when lawyers may hold dual citizenship and the ethical duties that remain.
Supreme Court Upholds Mandatory SOCE Filing Deadline, Balances Rule of Law with Equity
The Supreme Court ruled COMELEC gravely abused discretion in extending the SOCE filing deadline, but applied the operative fact doctrine.
Airline Liability for Lost Luggage in the Philippines: The KLM v. Tiongco Case
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on airline liability for lost luggage, damages, and bad faith in KLM v. Tiongco.
Employee Dismissal in the Philippines: Due Process and Substantial Evidence Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers must prove just cause with substantial evidence and follow procedural due process when dismissing employees.
Redundancy in Philippine Employment: When a Valid Termination Becomes Illegal Dismissal
Learn when redundancy is valid in Philippine labor law, and how the Supreme Court protects employees from illegal dismissal disguised as redundancy.
Social Media Ethics for Judges: Lessons from the Atillo Case
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's Facebook photos clarifies the ethical boundaries judges face when using social media in the Philippines.
Attorney's Fees in Property Disputes: Lessons from the Supreme Court's Aquino v. Domingo Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies how lawyers may recover contingent fees in agrarian property cases when no written contract exists.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Delayed Reporting: Protecting Minors and Upholding Justice
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on a credible child victim's testimony, despite a five-year delay in reporting and minor inconsistencies.