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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Judge Fined for Delayed Decision in Carnapping Case: Duty to Decide Promptly
Supreme Court fines judge P2,000 for undue delay in deciding a carnapping case, stressing judges must decide cases promptly or seek extensions.
Separation Pay After Valid Dismissal: When Philippine Law Allows It
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when separation pay may be granted to a validly dismissed employee for gross neglect of duty.
Project Employees Still Enjoy Security of Tenure: Lessons from Saberola v. Suarez
Project employees have security of tenure too. Employers must prove just cause and observe due process before termination, or face liability.
Seafarer’s Illegal Dismissal: Due Process and the Ship’s Logbook in Maritime Cases
The Supreme Court ruled a seafarer’s dismissal illegal for lack of just cause and due process, highlighting the logbook’s evidentiary value.
Voluntary Appearance Cures Defective Summons: Dole Philippines v. Quilala
When does a defective summons stop mattering? The Supreme Court explains the rule on voluntary appearance in Dole Philippines v. Quilala.
Surety Bonds Insurers Remain Liable Despite Importers Unpaid Duties
Supreme Court rules surety bond issuers remain liable for unpaid customs duties even if goods were withdrawn without payment.
Pactum Commissorium Protecting Debtors From Unfair Foreclosure
The Supreme Court voided a dacion en pago that let a creditor automatically take mortgaged land, reaffirming the Philippine ban on pactum commissorium.
Buy-Bust Operations and Warrantless Arrests: Safeguarding Individual Rights in Drug Cases
A look at how the Supreme Court treats buy-bust operations as valid warrantless arrests under Philippine drug law, and what this means for accused persons.
Seafarers Disability Incorrectly Filed Appeal Doesnt Forfeit Benefits DUE TO Illness Contracted During Employment
Contingent Attorneys Fees Defining Benefit IN Legal Agreements
Learn how the Supreme Court interpreted contingent attorney's fees in contracts, and what benefit means for lawyers and clients.
Challenging Forgery Claims: Upholding the Authenticity of Notarized Documents in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts treat forgery claims against notarized documents and why clear, convincing evidence is required to overcome their presumption of regularity.
Validity of Foreclosure Sale Timing Under Act 3135 Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether an extrajudicial foreclosure auction must last the full 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. period under Act 3135.
Docket Fees and Jurisdiction: The Impact of Unspecified Claims in Philippine Courts
How failing to specify claim amounts in a complaint affects docket fees and court jurisdiction, explained through a 2008 Supreme Court ruling.
Lost Titles and Land Rights: Reissuing Owner's Duplicate Certificates for Agrarian Reform Compensation
Learn when courts can order reissuance of lost owner's duplicate titles under P.D. 1529, and how this affects agrarian reform compensation claims.
Breach of Contract: When Incomplete Construction Doesn't Warrant Full Payment
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when a contractor's incomplete work bars recovery of the full contract price in construction disputes.
Quieting Title Undocumented Promises VS Registered Titles IN Land Disputes
Illegal Dismissal of Security Guards: When a Verbal "Don't Report" Is Not Enough
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal of security guards, burden of proof, and the two-notice rule.
Injunctions in Ejectment Cases: Balancing Property Rights and Public Service
When can an ejectment judgment be stayed? City of Naga v. Asuncion shows how courts balance property rights against disruption of public services.
Motion Denied: Strict Enforcement of Notice Requirements in Lifting Property Levies
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on quieting title, property levies, and the strict enforcement of redemption periods after execution sales.
Possession Rights When CAN A Bank Eject A Buyer After Foreclosure
Equitable Mortgage VS Absolute Sale Protecting Vulnerable Parties IN Property Transactions
Learn how Philippine courts protect vulnerable parties in property deals, distinguishing equitable mortgages from absolute sales to prevent exploitation.
Habitual Tardiness and Falsification of Time Records: Ethical Standards in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court dismisses a court utility worker for habitual tardiness and falsifying time cards, underscoring strict ethical standards for judiciary employees.
Large Scale Illegal Recruitment: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Learn how Philippine courts convict illegal recruiters in large scale, the elements of the crime, and the penalties under the Labor Code.
Defective Informations in Rape Cases: When Procedural Lapses Do Not Defeat Convictions
Learn when defective informations in rape cases do not invalidate convictions, and how procedural lapses can be cured under Philippine law.