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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Equitable Mortgage vs Sale with Right to Repurchase: Protecting Borrowers in Property Deals
When is a "sale with right to repurchase" actually an equitable mortgage? The Supreme Court explains the legal tests protecting vulnerable borrowers.
Compromise Agreements and Illegitimate Filiation: When Courts Nullify Judgments
When can a court decision be nullified? Learn from a landmark case on compromise agreements, illegitimate filiation, and extrinsic fraud.
Third-Party Complaints: When Can a Defendant Implead Another Party?
Learn when Philippine courts allow third-party complaints and why a mere business connection between transactions is not enough.
Untangling Land Titles, Prescription, and the Rights of Heirs in Property Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when heirs can recover property sold without their consent, and how prescription applies to constructive trusts.
Insurance Policy Interpretation: Earthquake Shock Coverage Limited to Specified Properties
Supreme Court rules earthquake shock coverage under an insurance policy extends only to properties specifically listed and premium-paid, not all insured items.
Service Incentive Leave: Who Are Field Personnel and When Claims Prescribe
Supreme Court clarifies who qualifies as field personnel for service incentive leave and when the 3-year prescriptive period for claims begins.
Union Busting Disguised as Redundancy: Protecting Workers' Right to Organize
When can a company's "redundancy" program be struck down as illegal dismissal and unfair labor practice? The Supreme Court explains.
Due Process in Motion Hearings: When a Judgment Cannot Bind a Non-Party
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that courts cannot bind non-parties to judgments, even in motion hearings, without due process.
Counsel's Negligence Is Not Excusable: Land Bank's Duty of Diligence in Legal Matters
SC rules counsel's heavy workload is not excusable negligence; procedural rules bind even government agencies like Land Bank.
When Redundancy Becomes Illegal Dismissal: Lessons from Lopez Sugar Corporation
The Supreme Court clarifies when a redundancy program is a valid management prerogative and when it becomes an illegal dismissal.
Unlawful Detainer: Actual Possession vs. Representation in Ejectment Suits
Learn when an ejectment suit must target the actual occupant versus the lessee they represent, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Notice of Lis Pendens: When a Contract to Sell Justifies Annotation on Title
Learn when a notice of lis pendens may be annotated on a property title, even in a contract to sell dispute, based on Romero v. Court of Appeals.
Quitclaims and Continued Employment: Can Post-Termination Actions Revoke Redundancy?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when quitclaims are valid and whether post-termination tasks revoke a redundancy dismissal.
Vehicular Homicide vs. Murder: Intent and the Use of a Motor Vehicle
When does a fatal vehicular incident become murder? The Mallari case shows how intent and the use of a motor vehicle elevate the crime.
Governor vs Vice-Governor: Who Approves Sanggunian Purchases and Appointments?
Supreme Court clarifies the dividing line between a governor's executive control and a vice-governor's authority over Sangguniang Panlalawigan operations.
Protecting Employee Benefits THE Indefeasibility OF Rice Subsidies Under THE Salary Standardization LAW
Rice Allowance and the Salary Standardization Law: The LWUA-COA Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court explains when government employees may keep allowances like rice subsidies under the Salary Standardization Law.
When Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Due Diligence in Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's failure to act diligently on an appeal binds the client, and what counts as notice of a decision.
Reinstatement Prevails: An Employee's Right to Their Former Position After Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that illegally dismissed employees have a right to reinstatement to their former position, not just separation pay.
Substantial Compliance and Legal Representation: Justice Prevails Over Technicalities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on substantial compliance in ejectment cases, month-to-month leases, and the balance between procedural rules and substantive justice.
Perfecting Appeals in Labor Cases: The Strict Rule on Posting an Appeal Bond
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling that an employer's failure to post an appeal bond on time is fatal to an appeal, even if other requirements were met.
Real Property TAX Penalties Illegal Overcharges AND Taxpayer Protection Under THE Real Property TAX Code
IBP Dues: Why Non-Practicing Lawyers Must Still Pay Membership Fees
The Supreme Court rules that IBP membership dues are mandatory for all lawyers, regardless of active practice status.
Perfecting Appeals in Labor Cases: The Indispensable Role of Appeal Bonds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why posting an appeal bond on time is mandatory for perfecting an employer's appeal from a Labor Arbiter decision.