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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Prolonged Suspension Equals Constructive Dismissal: Security Guard Rights Under Philippine Labor Law
When a security guard's preventive suspension lasts beyond 30 days without pay, it becomes constructive dismissal entitling the worker to reinstatement and backwages.
Double Sale in the Philippines: How Good Faith and Prior Knowledge Decide Property Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sale: a second buyer who registers first but knows of the first sale acts in bad faith and loses.
When Is a Misplaced Vote Valid? The Neighborhood Rule in Philippine Election Law
Philippine election law on stray votes and the neighborhood rule, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Velasco v. COMELEC.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Why You Can’t Skip Government Processes in Land Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling shows why skipping administrative appeals in land disputes can be fatal to a case, barring court action entirely.
Decoding Stray Votes: How Philippine Courts Validate Ballots With Misplaced Candidate Names
The Supreme Court explains the "neighborhood rule" for misplaced votes in barangay elections, and where the line is drawn.
Missed Your Appeal Deadline? The Supreme Court’s Firm Stance on Appeal Periods
The Supreme Court explains why filing a motion for extension of time to appeal is not allowed and why missing the 15-day period is fatal.
Administrative Power in the Philippines: Data Protection for Public Interest
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on FPA's proprietary data protection under P.D. 1144, upholding administrative power for public interest.
When a Lawyer Takes Fees but Does Nothing: Disbarment Lessons from Small v. Banares
A lawyer who takes a client's money but files no case and ignores demands faces suspension. Learn the rules on attorney accountability.
Attorney Accountability: When a Lawyer Fails to Deliver Legal Services
A lawyer who takes a client's money but fails to file cases faces suspension and must return the full amount with interest.
Motion to Dismiss Denied: Why Courts Must Adhere to Procedural Rules in Philippine Litigation
Learn why the Supreme Court strictly enforces the 15-day appeal period under Rule 41, and what happens when a motion for extension is filed.
Laches Is Not a Shield for Fraud: Protecting Your Land Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: laches cannot defeat claims over void or forged land deeds. Know your rights.
Upholding Electoral Integrity: Failure of Elections and Hold-Over Principles in Barangay Governance
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on failure of elections, void proclamations, and hold-over principles under RA 9164 in barangay governance.
Dismissed for Unpaid Fees: Understanding Docket Fee Requirements in Philippine Courts
Learn why Philippine courts dismiss cases for unpaid docket fees, the legal basis, and how to avoid procedural pitfalls.
Reopening Criminal Cases in the Philippines: The Hearing Requirement Under Rule 119
When can a Philippine court reopen a criminal case before judgment? The rules require a hearing—and the Supreme Court has enforced that requirement.
Employer-Employee Relationship for Foreign Nationals: The Pacific Consultants Case
Learn how Philippine courts determine employer-employee relationships for foreign nationals seconded to local subsidiaries, based on the Pacific Consultants ruling.
Disbarment Cases in the Philippines: Why Evidence Is Key to Proving Misconduct
Learn how Philippine disbarment cases turn on solid evidence, using the Adasa v. Abalos ruling to explain proof standards.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When a Parent Company Can Be Liable for Its Subsidiary's Debts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a parent company and its subsidiary can be treated as one employer for labor liability.
When an Accused Is Arraigned: DOJ Review of Prosecutor’s Ruling Barred
Philippine Supreme Court rules on DOJ Circular No. 70: arraignment bars the Secretary of Justice from reviewing a prosecutor’s resolution.
Right of Way and Fair Compensation: When Attorney's Fees and Exemplary Damages Are Not Warranted
The Supreme Court clarifies when attorney's fees and exemplary damages may be awarded, reversing an award against Petron Corporation in a property dispute.
VAT Exemption for PAGCOR Transactions: What Acesite Means for Philippine Businesses
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that services to PAGCOR are zero-rated VAT, sparing suppliers from paying the 10% tax.
Reconveyance of Land Titles: Protecting Homesteaders From Fraudulent Land Grabs
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reconveyance of land titles obtained through fraud, protecting homesteaders' rights against deceptive schemes.
Deadline Is King: Perfecting Your Real Property Tax Appeal in the Philippines
Learn why filing a motion for reconsideration with the assessor won't stop the 60-day clock for appealing to the Local Board of Assessment Appeals.
Fighting Corruption Why Government Contracts Must BE Above Board
Why PAGCOR's tax exemption in Acesite v. CIR shields contractors from VAT—and what this means for government procurement transparency.
Bank Closures Under RA 7653: Why a Report Suffices Without Full Examination
Supreme Court clarifies that under RA 7653, the BSP Monetary Board may close a bank based on a department head's report, not a full examination.