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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Gross Negligence of Counsel: When It Nullifies a Judgment in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a lawyer's gross negligence can void a judgment, and why final judgments protect innocent buyers.
Security of Tenure vs Presidential Prerogative Reinstatement After Acquittal
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on project employee security of tenure, illegal dismissal, and back wages in SODECO v. NLRC.
Illegal Dismissal: Proving Regular Employment and Due Process in Termination
Learn how the Supreme Court protects employees from illegal dismissal when employers fail to prove just cause and observe due process.
Probationary Employment in Philippine Schools: Contract Terms and Termination Rights
Understand probationary employment rules in Philippine schools, including contract terms, termination rights, and recent Supreme Court guidance.
Habitual Absenteeism of Government Employees: Penalties and Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
Habitual absenteeism is a grave offense for Philippine government employees. Learn the rules, penalties, and key lessons from a landmark Supreme Court case.
Eyewitness Testimony and Reasonable Doubt: When Identification Fails in Philippine Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court acquits in People v. Galera, showing how shaky eyewitness identification and inconsistent testimony create reasonable doubt.
Compromise Agreements and Judicial Enforcement: When Courts Can Compel Compliance
Learn when Philippine courts can compel compliance with compromise agreements, using the 1997 De Leon case as a guide.
Overriding Commissions After Retirement: Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether employees can claim commissions earned before retirement but paid after. Learn the rules.
Perfecting Appeals and Timelines in Philippine Labor Cases: The PAL v. Brillantes Guide
Learn how the Supreme Court resolved PAL v. Brillantes, balancing strict appeal timelines, labor law, and equitable justice.
Project Employee vs Regular Employee: Security of Tenure Under Philippine Labor Law
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes project from regular employees and protects workers' security of tenure under Article 280 of the Labor Code.
Strikes and Return-to-Work Orders: Balancing Labor Rights and Employer Interests in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strikes, return-to-work orders, and the delicate balance between labor rights and employer interests.
Conditional vs. Absolute Sale: How Philippine Courts Determine True Property Ownership
Philippine courts look beyond contract labels to determine if a sale is absolute or conditional. Learn the key rules from a landmark Supreme Court case.
Rape Conviction: Slightest Penetration Suffices; Escape Injuries Count
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that slight penetration consummates rape, and injuries from escaping the assault are chargeable to the rapist.
Perfecting Land Titles: Vested Rights and Corporate Land Ownership in the Philippines
Understand how the Supreme Court ruled on vested rights, corporate acquisition of public lands, and the limits of land ownership claims.
Rescinding a Contract to Sell in the Philippines: When Is a Notarial Act Required?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when Republic Act No. 6552's notarial requirement applies to rescinding a contract to sell real property.
Contract to Sell Rescission: When Installment Buyer Protections Do Not Apply
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when Republic Act 6552 protections do not apply and how contract to sell rescission works under Civil Code.
Unmasking True Ownership: Implied Trusts and the Limits of Good Faith in Property Transfers
When a brother buys land but titles it in another's name, an implied trust arises. The Supreme Court explains when good faith buyers cannot defeat the true owner.
Employee vs Independent Contractor: Key Factors in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the control test distinguishing employees from independent contractors in labor disputes.
Res Judicata: How Prior Judgments Impact Future Claims in Philippine Courts
Learn how the doctrine of res judicata bars relitigating settled issues, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on final judgments.
Reasonable Doubt and Acquittal: When Lack of Evidence Overcomes Presumption of Innocence
In People v. Vasquez, the Supreme Court acquitted two brothers of murder, ruling that weak prosecution evidence and physical evidence cannot overcome reasonable doubt.
Lost Luggage Liability of Common Carriers in the Philippines: The Sarkies Tours Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies common carrier liability for lost passenger luggage, including moral and exemplary damages under the Civil Code.
Employers Bad Faith Actions Employee Rights AND Remedies IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine law protects employees and passengers from employer bad faith, with remedies and damages explained in plain language.
Warrantless Searches and Seizures: Protecting Your Rights in the Philippines
When can police search without a warrant? The Supreme Court explains the limits of warrantless searches and the exclusionary rule.
Enforcing Compromise Agreements: A Judge’s Duty and Potential Liability
A judge who vacillates in enforcing a final compromise agreement may face administrative liability. Learn the rules from a Philippine Supreme Court case.