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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Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Salazar v. Philippine Duplicators Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies procedural due process in Salazar v. Philippine Duplicators, Inc., a landmark case on employee termination in the Philippines.
Preliminary Mandatory Injunction in Property Disputes: Protecting Prior Possessory Rights
Learn when Philippine courts issue preliminary mandatory injunctions in property disputes, and how prior lawful possession can be protected.
Missed Deadlines Dismiss Cases: Why Timely Filing Is Non-Negotiable in Philippine Courts
Learn from People v. Gabriel how the 60-day certiorari period is counted and why missed deadlines kill appeals.
Employer Liability for Security Guard Actions: Philippine Law Explained
When can a client be liable for a security guard's wrongful acts? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on employer liability in the Philippines.
Boundary Disputes in the Philippines: When Creeks Change Course, Ownership Stays Put
Philippine courts uphold original property boundaries even when creeks are diverted. Learn how Pang-oden v. Leonen protects land titles.
Unprobated Wills and Ejectment: Why Probate Is Required Before Claiming Property Rights in the Philippines
An unprobated will has no legal effect in Philippine courts. Learn why probate is mandatory before asserting inheritance rights in property disputes.
Proving Land Ownership in the Philippines: The June 12, 1945 Rule in Land Registration
Philippine land registration requires proof of possession since June 12, 1945. Learn the rules and the key case of Republic v. Carrasco.
Willful Failure to Pay Just Debts: Disciplinary Risks for Philippine Government Employees
Philippine public servants can face administrative discipline for willful failure to pay just debts, even after settlement. Learn the rules and risks.
Missed Your Pre-Trial? Understanding When Philippine Courts Grant a Second Chance
Philippine courts rarely grant second chances after a pre-trial is missed. Learn the rules on when motions may be reconsidered and the limits of court discretion.
Rescission Rights in Pacto de Retro Sales: When Can a Seller Reclaim Property
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seller can rescind a pacto de retro sale and reclaim property from a defaulting buyer.
Quashing an Information: Limits on Amendment and Filing New Charges in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a quashed information can be amended or refiled, explained in plain language.
Protecting Your Property: Why Notice Is Crucial in Philippine Tax Sales
Learn how the Supreme Court nullified a tax sale for lack of proper notice to the true owner, and what this means for property buyers and owners in the Philippines.
Psychological Incapacity Mere Marital Infidelity IS NOT Enough FOR Annulment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that psychological incapacity under Article 36 requires more than mere marital infidelity or irreconcilable differences.
Legislative Contempt Ends When Inquiry Ends: Roque v. House Quad Committee
Supreme Court clarifies that legislative contempt and detention orders lapse once the congressional inquiry terminates or Congress expires.
Government Incentives When Must Employees Repay Disallowed Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when government employees must refund disallowed incentive benefits, distinguishing good faith recipients from approving officers.
Squatters Rights in Ejectment Cases: Possession Disputes Between Informal Settlers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on squatters rights in ejectment cases—prior physical possession matters even between informal settlers on public land.
Sheriff's Duties in Execution Sales: Lessons from PNB Madecor v. Cachero
A sheriff's misconduct in an execution sale leads to dismissal. Learn the rules on levies, bids, and redemption.
DOLE Philippines v. Esteva: Labor-Only Contracting and Regular Employment Rights
Supreme Court ruling on labor-only contracting, regular employment, and employer liability in DOLE Philippines v. Esteva (G.R. No. 161115).
Perfecting Mining Rights: The Crucial Role of Timely Appeals and Procedural Compliance
Understand why timely appeals and strict procedural compliance are essential in perfecting mining rights under Philippine law.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: Supreme Court Upholds Right to Hearing for Court Personnel
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriff's administrative liability clarifies due process, procedural rights, and penalties for inefficiency, tardiness, and insubordination.
When a Motion to Inhibit Is Not Contempt: The Tabao Case on Judicial Restraint
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's motion to inhibit a judge crosses the line into contempt—and when it does not.
Torrens Title and Fraud: Protecting Land Ownership from Deceitful Transactions
The Supreme Court voided a Torrens title obtained through fraud, ruling that the principle of indefeasibility does not shield titles tainted by deceit.
Setting the Critical Date for Electric Rate Refunds in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a refund claim over utility charges is barred by prescription, and why the date of payment, not discovery, controls.
Court Sheriffs and the Cost of Delay: Lessons from Flores v. Gatcheco
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a sheriff's failure to execute a writ and obey court orders led to fines, forfeiture of benefits, and a bar on government re-employment.