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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Liquidation Court Jurisdiction Over Claims Against Insolvent Banks in the Philippines
When a bank is placed under liquidation, all claims against it—including annulment and damages suits—must be filed with the liquidation court.
Preliminary Injunctions in the Philippines: Preserving Status Quo in Property Disputes
Learn when Philippine courts issue preliminary injunctions to preserve status quo, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Maunlad Homes v. Union Bank.
Buy-Bust Operations: Legality of Drug Sales and Possession in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on buy-bust operations, illegal drug sales, and possession under Philippine law.
Conjugal Property Rights in the Philippines: Protecting Assets From Spousal Debt
Learn how Philippine courts treat conjugal property when one spouse incurs personal debt, and what the Imani v. Metrobank ruling means for creditors and families.
Unfair Labor Practices: The Duty to Bargain Collectively in the Philippines
When does an employer's refusal to negotiate become an unfair labor practice? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on the duty to bargain collectively.
Co-Ownership in the Philippines: Inheritance and Property Rights Explained
Understand co-ownership in Philippine inheritance law, including property rights, partition rules, and how courts resolve disputes among co-owners.
Right of First Refusal in Lease Agreements and Property Sales in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lessee's right of first refusal when leased property is sold, explained in plain language.
Land Title Registration in the Philippines: Proving Alienability and Possession
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to register land title under PD 1529, emphasizing proof of alienability and possession since 1945.
Warrantless Arrests in the Philippines: When Are They Legal?
The Supreme Court explains when warrantless arrests are legal in the Philippines, using a drug case to illustrate the rules.
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.
When Can Employees Be Fired for Participating in a Strike in the Philippines
Philippine law protects rank-and-file strikers from dismissal for mere participation in an illegal strike, but union officers face stricter liability.
Corporate Officers vs Employees: Who Hears Dismissal Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate officer's removal is an intra-corporate dispute, not an illegal dismissal case for labor tribunals.
Invoicing Requirements Strict Compliance for VAT Refund Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court denies VAT refund for failure to comply with invoicing requirements under the NIRC and applicable regulations.
Consolidation of Cases Ensuring Judicial Economy and Preventing Conflicting Decisions
Learn how the Supreme Court applies the doctrine of primary administrative jurisdiction in corporate rehabilitation cases through Nestle Philippines v. Uniwide Sales.
Upholding Judicial Integrity Balancing Free Speech AND Respect FOR THE Courts IN THE Philippines
Tolerance Ends Unlawful Detainer Actions and Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when tolerated possession becomes unlawful detainer, and how property owners can recover possession.
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.
Anti-Terrorism Act: Balancing National Security and Constitutional Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court upheld the Human Security Act but set strict rules on who can challenge anti-terrorism laws in court.
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.
When Outsourcing Obscures Employment: Labor-Only Contracting in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor is merely a labor-only contractor, making the principal the true employer. Learn the rules.
Retrenchment in the Philippines: Balancing Business Needs and Employee Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on valid retrenchment, including fair selection criteria and the 30-day notice requirement to DOLE.
Breach OF Trust Examining THE Legal Implications OF Parental Rape IN THE Philippines
A father convicted of simple rape despite charges of qualified rape; the Court explains why minority and relationship must both be proven.
Untimely Appeal, Solidary Liability in Joint Ventures, and the Cost of Procedural Lapses
A Supreme Court ruling on the perils of an untimely appeal, solidary liability in joint ventures, and the high cost of procedural lapses in the Philippines.
Stop and Frisk in the Philippines: When Suspicion Justifies a Warrantless Search
The Supreme Court explains when a stop-and-frisk search is valid, the limits of police suspicion, and the penalty for possessing small amounts of shabu.