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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Unconscionable? How the Supreme Court Upholds COA's Power to Claw Back Overpayments
The Supreme Court affirms the COA's power to disallow payments, recover overpayments, and hold contractors liable under the principle of quantum meruit.
Equitable Mortgage vs Pacto de Retro Sale: Philippine Real Estate Security Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a deed of sale with right to repurchase is actually an equitable mortgage, protecting borrowers from losing property.
Independent Contractor OR Employee Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Control Test IN Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the control test distinguishing independent contractors from employees in labor disputes, protecting worker rights.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Philippine Supreme Court Case Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, loss of trust and confidence, and the employer's burden of proof in termination cases.
Seafarer Death Benefits: Proving Work-Related Causation in Philippine Law
When can a seafarer's family claim death benefits? The Supreme Court explains the evidence needed to prove work-related causation.
Navigating Joint Obligations: How to Avoid Overpayment Pitfalls in Philippine Contracts
Learn how Philippine law treats joint obligations and how to avoid overpayment risks when dealing with multiple debtors or creditors.
Lost Your Land to Fraud? Understanding the 10-Year Deadline for Reconveyance in the Philippines
Learn the 10-year prescriptive period for filing reconveyance of fraudulently titled land in the Philippines and how courts apply the discovery rule.
Breach of Public Trust: Court Employees Held Accountable for Mismanagement of Judiciary Funds
The Supreme Court dismisses two MTC employees for grave misconduct and dishonesty over misappropriated judiciary funds, reaffirming that public office is a public trust.
Rescission of Real Estate Sales: Understanding Breach of Contract and Third Party Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who may sue for rescission of real estate contracts, real party in interest rule, and implied trusts under Article 1448.
Judicial Ethics and Procedural Rules: Lessons from Coca-Cola Bottlers v. Cabalo
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on strict compliance with procedural rules in certiorari petitions and the importance of judicial ethics in the Philippines.
Discretion in Government Bidding: When Courts Can Intervene
The Supreme Court explains the wide discretion of government agencies in bidding awards and the limits of judicial review.
Bouncing Checks and Lawyer Discipline: When Professional Ethics Extend Beyond Legal Practice
A lawyer who issues bouncing checks for his corporation can be disciplined. The Supreme Court explains why.
Procedural Compliance in Philippine Courts: Lessons from Coca Cola Bottlers v. Cabalo
Why strict compliance with procedural rules matters in Philippine litigation, as shown in Coca Cola Bottlers v. Cabalo.
Employee vs Stockholder Status: When Managers Are Still Employees Under Philippine Labor Law
Supreme Court clarifies when a manager who may also be a stockholder remains an employee entitled to labor law protections.
Upholding Court Orders: Administrative Liability for Judicial Delay in the Philippines
A look at how the Supreme Court penalizes judges for failing to decide cases within the 90-day constitutional period.
Sheriff Misconduct and Illegal Demolition: Upholding Due Process in Philippine Law
When can a sheriff demolish structures not named in a writ? The Supreme Court clarifies due process limits on demolition orders.
When Court Employees Err: Administrative Liability for Simple Neglect of Duty
A Supreme Court ruling on when a court employee's error amounts to simple neglect of duty, not dishonesty or gross ignorance.
Intervention in Philippine Courts: Why Legal Interest Is Non-Negotiable
The Supreme Court explains why a woman who married a man whose foreign divorce was void in the Philippines cannot intervene in his annulment case.
AWOL in Philippine Government Service: Understanding Absence Without Official Leave and Its Consequences
Learn what AWOL means in Philippine government service, the 30-day rule, and the consequences of dropping from the rolls.
The Limits of Judicial Discretion: Understanding Grave Abuse in Philippine Law
When is a judge's error "grave abuse of discretion"? The Supreme Court clarifies the doctrine and its limits in this 2006 ruling.
When Misconduct Means NO Separation PAY Understanding Employee Rights IN The Philippines
Philippine law on separation pay when an employee is dismissed for misconduct. Learn the rules and exceptions.
Protecting Marital Property: Why Proof of Acquisition During Marriage Matters in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that the conjugal presumption requires proof the property was acquired during the marriage. Learn the rules.
Clerk of Court's Duty: Why Proper Case Classification Matters in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a clerk's duty to classify cases correctly, and why the body of a pleading matters more than its caption.
Contract Termination and Forum Shopping: Lease Rights and Obligations Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on lease contract termination, subleasing without consent, and forum shopping in Riesenbeck v. Maceren.