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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Justice Delayed IS Justice Denied Understanding Undue Delay IN Philippine Ejectment Cases
A Philippine judge was fined for undue delay in an ejectment case. Here's what the Supreme Court's ruling means for litigants.
Rent-a-Car Liability in the Philippines: When Is the Owner Liable for Lessee’s Negligence?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when rent-a-car companies are liable for lessee negligence under quasi-delict and vicarious liability rules.
Limits of NLRC Injunction Power in Illegal Dismissal Cases: Philippine Airlines v. NLRC
The Supreme Court clarifies that the NLRC cannot issue injunctions in illegal dismissal cases without a pending case before the labor arbiter.
Tuition Fee Hikes and Wage Increases: Employee Rights in Philippine Schools
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on how tuition fee increases relate to mandatory wage hikes for school employees under Philippine law.
Fair Certification Elections Ensuring Workers Rights To Self Organization IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how tuition fee increases interact with wage orders and the 70% employee share under RA 6728.
Seafarer Transfers Understanding Crewmember Rights AND Employer Prerogatives IN Vessel Assignments
Learn how the Supreme Court balanced crewmember rights and employer prerogatives in vessel transfer assignments for Filipino seafarers.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: Why Lawyers Face Suspension for Filing Multiple Cases
Learn how forum shopping in the Philippines can lead to lawyer suspension, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Benguet Electric Cooperative vs. Atty. Flores.
Attorney Ethics: Navigating Conflicts of Interest in the Philippines
A lawyer cannot represent conflicting interests, even in good faith. The Supreme Court explains the rule and its penalties.
When Can the LRA Refuse to Issue a Decree of Registration? Mandamus Limits Explained
The Supreme Court explains when the Land Registration Authority may validly refuse to issue a decree of registration and why mandamus cannot compel it.
Navigating NLRC Appeals: Why Proof of Receipt and Timeliness Are Critical
Learn how the Supreme Court resolved a labor appeal dismissed for being late, and why proving the exact date of receipt matters.
Undue Injury in Philippine Anti-Graft Law: Why Actual Damage Is Crucial
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Llorente v. Sandiganbayan that in graft cases.
Dismissal by Sandiganbayan: Proper Legal Remedy and Mootness in Philippine Courts
Learn when a Sandiganbayan dismissal is appealable via Rule 45, not certiorari, and when cases become moot.
Upholding Integrity: Why Government Employee Absenteeism and Dishonesty Lead to Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how habitual absenteeism and dishonesty by a court employee warranted dismissal from service with forfeiture of benefits.
Fixed vs Percentage Docket Fees: Annulment of Real Estate Contracts Qualifies for Fixed Fees
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when annulment of real estate contracts warrants fixed docket fees rather than percentage-based fees.
Unshaken Testimony: How Philippine Courts Determine Eyewitness Credibility in Criminal Cases
Learn how Philippine courts assess eyewitness credibility in criminal cases, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on murder.
The High Cost of Negligence: Why Banks Must Exercise Due Diligence in Mortgage Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on GSIS v. Salonga clarifies that banks and lending institutions cannot claim good faith by merely relying on titles.
Philippine Labor Law: Workplace Venue Not Always Mandatory for Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: NLRC venue rules are permissive, not mandatory. Worker convenience and substantial justice can override workplace location.
Justice Delayed Rights Denied Understanding Judicial Delay AND Injunction Bonds IN Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies venue rules in labor cases, prioritizing worker convenience and substantial justice over technicalities.
When AWOL Is Not Grounds for Dismissal: Philippine Labor Law Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains when absence without leave (AWOL) is not valid grounds for dismissal, and what employers must prove.
Estate Settlement and Guardianship: Why Venue and Proper Petition Matter in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies venue rules, proper petitions, and standing in Philippine estate settlement and guardianship proceedings.
Court Personnel Misconduct and Judicial Abuse: Lessons from a 1998 Administrative Case
A 1998 Supreme Court ruling shows how court personnel misconduct and judicial abuse of contempt power undermine public trust in the judiciary.
Time Is of the Essence: Understanding the Prescription Period for Illegal Dismissal Claims in the Philippines
When does the 4-year prescriptive period for illegal dismissal start? The Supreme Court clarifies in Mendoza v. NLRC.
Breach of Trust and Conflict of Interest: Attorney Suspended for Unethical Conduct in Estate Settlement
A CPA-lawyer's suspension for breach of trust, conflict of interest, and unethical conduct in settling a client's estate.
Valid Contracts for Future Property in the Philippines: Insights from Mananzala v. Court of Appeals
Learn when a contract to sell future property is valid under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Mananzala v. Court of Appeals.