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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Simulated Contracts in the Philippines: Intent, Validity, and the Valerio Case
Learn how Philippine courts decide simulated contracts by examining party intent, absolute vs. relative simulation, and the Valerio ruling.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Deadlines and Remedies in Philippine Administrative Cases
Learn the difference between certiorari and appeal in administrative cases, and why missing the 15-day appeal deadline is fatal.
Lost in Translation: Why Accurate Publication Is Key to Philippine Naturalization
The Supreme Court denies naturalization where the notice of hearing omitted the applicant's witnesses' names—publication must be complete and accurate.
Gocc Labor Disputes: Jurisdiction and Corporate Veil in Illegal Dismissal Cases
Learn how Philippine courts decide illegal dismissal cases involving voluntary resignation, burden of proof, and corporate liability.
Navigating Libel in the Philippines: Defamation, Privileged Communication, and Free Speech
Understand Philippine libel law through a landmark case—what defamation requires, when privileged communication applies, and the penalties involved.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: Key Differences and Employer Responsibilities in Philippine Labor
Learn the key differences between voluntary resignation and illegal dismissal in Philippine labor law, and what employers must do to avoid liability.
Lost Land Title? Why Notifying Neighbors Is Non-Negotiable: A Philippine Case Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failing to prove notice to adjoining owners voids a judicial reconstitution of a lost land title.
Protecting Your Inheritance: Co-Ownership and Prescription in Philippine Property Law
Learn how Philippine law protects co-owners from prescription and laches, and the rules on legal redemption when a co-heir sells property.
Second Marriages and SSS Death Benefits: Why Court Decisions Matter
The Supreme Court rules on whether the SSS can disregard a court declaration of presumptive death when awarding death benefits.
When Duty Turns Deadly: Justifiable Force and Homicide in Philippine Law
A police officer shot a man during a routine check. The Supreme Court explains when self-defense and performance of duty fail.
Construction Defects and Warranty Periods: Know Your Rights and Liabilities After Project Completion
Learn when a contractor's liability for construction defects ends under Philippine law, and what a one-year warranty period really means.
When Does A Workplace Aggravate A Pre-Existing Condition Understanding Employees Compensation
The Supreme Court clarifies when workplace conditions aggravate pre-existing illnesses and how this affects employees' compensation claims in the Philippines.
Quasi-Delict Damages and Court Jurisdiction: Filing in the Right Philippine Court
Learn how Philippine courts determine jurisdiction in quasi-delict damage claims, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Iniego v. Purganan.
When Can Courts Halt Government Infrastructure Projects? The Hernandez Ruling
The Supreme Court explains when courts may issue injunctions against government infrastructure projects despite PD 1818.
Graft IN Public Office When Issuing A Writ OF Execution Becomes A Crime IN THE Philippines
Employee Dismissal: Gross Negligence and Loss of Trust in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when gross negligence and loss of trust justify employee dismissal, and when they do not.
Proving Work-Related Illness in the Philippines: When Is Diabetes Compensable
Diabetes is not automatically compensable under Philippine law. A Supreme Court ruling shows what proof claimants must present.
Office Rules Matter When Tardiness Isnt Absenteeism In Philippine Courts
Supreme Court clarifies that an administrative circular on habitual absenteeism cannot be used to discipline mere tardiness. Learn the distinction.
Correcting Election Errors: Ensuring the True Will of the Electorate Prevails
When a canvassing mistake changes an election result, the Comelec may correct it even after proclamation. Learn the rule from Suliguin v. Comelec.
Default Doesn't Mean Victory: Why Plaintiffs Still Need Evidence in Philippine Courts
A default order doesn't guarantee a win. Philippine courts still require plaintiffs to prove their case by preponderance of evidence.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: High Court Clarifies Social Media Evidence and Penalties
Supreme Court affirms conviction for online psychological abuse under RA 9262, sets guidelines on proving social media authorship, and raises penalty for ICT use.
Lawyer Fined for Shouting at Court Staff and Defying IBP Orders
Supreme Court imposes fines on lawyer for disrespecting court personnel and disobeying IBP directives, reinforcing ethical standards for attorneys.
Power Back On: Your Rights to Electricity Reconnection in the Philippines
When can a power company cut your electricity, and can you get it restored? A Supreme Court ruling clarifies your rights.
Unmasking Fraud in Property Deals: Supreme Court Clarifies Burden of Proof
The Supreme Court clarifies that fraud in property sales must be proven with clear evidence, not bare allegations.