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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Dismissal Upheld Despite Prior Termination When Dishonesty Charges Become Moot
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on project employment, labor-only contracting, and due process in illegal dismissal cases.
Taxpayer Standing to Challenge Government Spending: Jumamil v. Cafe
The Supreme Court clarifies when taxpayers may challenge local government spending and the limits of declaratory relief in Jumamil v. Cafe.
Implied Lease Renewal vs. Contractual Obligations: Rivera v. Roman
When does continued possession after a lease expires create an implied renewal? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules in Rivera v. Roman.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: When a Deed of Sale Is Really a Loan Security
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a deed of absolute sale is actually an equitable mortgage protecting borrowers from predatory lending.
Good Faith and Due Diligence When Lawyers Rely on Official Records
When can a lawyer rely on official receipts without facing disciplinary action? The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Contract TO Sell VS Contract OF Sale Sacobia Hills Development Corp ON Rescission
Accountability Confirmed Malversation Conviction Upheld Despite Claims OF Incomplete Audit
Protecting Trademarks: The Balance Between Brand Identity and Business Operations
The Supreme Court clarifies when preliminary injunctions may issue in trademark cases, balancing brand protection against business disruption.
Estate Mortgage Invalidity Securing Court Approval FOR Estate Property Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why estate property mortgages require court approval under Rule 89, with practical guidance.
When a Response to a Request for Admission Is Not Required: DBP v. Canadalla-Go
The Supreme Court clarifies when a party need not respond to a request for admission and when an unsworn response may be excused.
Bank Negligence and the Duty of Care in Handling Depositor Accounts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on banks' fiduciary duty and liability for unauthorized withdrawals from depositor accounts.
Equitable Reduction of Penalties When Courts Can Adjust Contractual Damages in the Philippines
Philippine courts can reduce contractual penalties and liquidated damages when they are unconscionable or when the obligation was partly performed.
Judicial Accountability: The Price of Disregarding Court Directives
When a judge ignores orders from the Office of the Court Administrator, the Supreme Court steps in. This case shows why compliance matters.
Supreme Court Upholds VAT Refund Law for Foreign Tourists Against Equal Protection Challenge
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the VAT refund law for non-resident foreign tourists, ruling that the classification rests on substantial distinctions.
Large-Scale Illegal Recruitment: When Conspiracy and Acts of Participation Establish Guilt
The Supreme Court explains when a person who did not collect fees can still be liable for large-scale illegal recruitment through conspiracy.
Closure of Business Units: Employer Prerogative vs Employee Protection in the Philippines
Philippine law balances an employer's right to close business units against workers' security of tenure, with rules on retrenchment and closure.
Writ of Possession: Ex Parte Nature and Independence From Mortgage Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a writ of possession is issued ex parte and why it can stand even while a case questioning the mortgage is still on appeal.
Urban Land Reform: Right of First Refusal in Priority Development Areas
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tenants' right of first refusal under P.D. 1517 in urban land reform zones.
The Five-Day Rule: When a Party Is Considered Notified in Legal Proceedings
Learn the five-day rule on registered mail service in Philippine courts, when notice is deemed complete, and how it affects appeals and petitions for relief.
Due Process in Forfeiture Cases: Spouses' Right to Preliminary Investigation
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on forfeiture proceedings, spouses' due process rights, and preliminary investigation requirements under RA 1379.
Breach of Contract: When Failure to Deliver Justifies Rescission and Damages
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a party's substantial breach of a reciprocal contract entitles the injured party to rescind and claim damages.
Torrens Title in the Philippines: Direct vs Collateral Attacks in Property Disputes
Understand the difference between direct and collateral attacks on Torrens titles in Philippine property law, and how courts treat ownership challenges.
Prompt Transcription: Upholding Efficiency in Court Proceedings and Timely Access to Justice
A Supreme Court decision reminds court stenographers of the 20-day deadline to transcribe notes, highlighting how delays can obstruct access to justice.
Safeguarding Electoral Due Process: HRET Authority to Review COMELEC Actions
The Supreme Court affirms the HRET's power to disregard void COMELEC resolutions that violate a candidate's right to due process.