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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Breach of Trust and Employee Dismissal: When Is It Justified in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee dismissal for breach of trust is justified, and why procedural rules yield to substantial justice in labor cases.
Termination vs Rescission: Lease Contract Disputes and Penalties in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the legal difference between terminating and rescinding a lease contract, and when penalties apply.
Spanish Titles vs Torrens System: Resolving Land Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies why Spanish titles can't defeat Torrens titles after PD 892, and who may file quieting of title actions.
Verbal Promises vs Corporate Authority: Enforceability of Employment Benefits in the Philippines
When can a verbal promise by a corporate officer bind the company? The Supreme Court explains the limits of corporate authority over employment benefits.
Strikes and Notice Requirements: Upholding Labor Law Compliance in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that unions must strictly comply with the 24-hour notice requirement for strike votes, or the strike becomes illegal.
Retrenchment vs Retirement: Employee Rights and Quitclaims in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when retrenched employees may claim retirement benefits and when quitclaims bar further claims.
Ombudsman's Discretion Prevails: Challenging Prosecutorial Decisions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's broad discretion in prosecutorial decisions, clarifying limits on challenging dismissals of motions to quash.
When a Land Sale Contract Is Voidable: Illiteracy, Fraud, and Equitable Mortgage in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a deed of absolute sale is actually an equitable mortgage, protecting illiterate landowners from fraud.
Land Disputes: Homestead Rights vs. Agrarian Reform in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when homestead lands fall under agrarian reform, and why courts cannot simply eject tenant-farmers.
Retrenchment Rigor: Proving Losses to Justify Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on F.F. Marine v. NLRC clarifies the strict evidentiary burden employers face when retrenching workers due to business losses.
Upholding Procedural Rules A Guide TO Appealing Court Decisions IN THE Philippines
Learn how to properly appeal court decisions in the Philippines and avoid dismissal due to procedural defects.
Police Misconduct Due Process: Navigating Administrative Dismissals in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court handles police misconduct cases, due process in administrative dismissals, and jurisdiction under RA 6975.
Sheriffs Duty Enforcing Money Judgments AND Protecting Debtors Rights IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine sheriffs must balance enforcing money judgments with protecting debtors' rights, including proper procedures and remedies.
Church Authority vs Civil Courts: Defining the Boundaries of Religious Freedom in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules civil courts cannot interfere in church expulsions, upholding religious freedom and ecclesiastical autonomy.
Habeas Corpus A Limited Remedy FOR Violations OF Speedy Trial Rights IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that habeas corpus is not the proper remedy to enforce speedy trial rights, explaining available legal options.
Civil Liability After Acquittal: Investment Fraud and Due Diligence in the Philippines
When does an acquittal in estafa still leave room for civil liability? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on damages, conspiracy, and investor due diligence.
Breach of Trust as Just Cause for Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when loss of trust and confidence justifies employee dismissal under Article 282 of the Labor Code.
Upholding Judicial Efficiency Sanctions FOR Delayed Case Resolution IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court fined two RTC judges for gross inefficiency, reaffirming the mandatory 90-day period for deciding cases.
Retrenchment and Due Process: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Protection in Economic Downturns
The Supreme Court clarifies retrenchment rules under the Labor Code, including notice requirements and separation pay, in Cajucom v. TPI Philippines.
Loss of Trust and Due Process: Employer Liability for Dismissal Violations in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust justifies dismissing a managerial employee and what damages apply when procedural due process is breached.
Equitable Mortgage vs Pacto de Retro Sale: Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains the difference between equitable mortgage and pacto de retro sale, and why mortgagees cannot simply consolidate ownership.
Judicial Overreach Limits on Notarial Authority of Judges in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies limits on judges' notarial authority under Circular No. 1-90, penalizing unauthorized notarization of private documents.
Union Office Access Reconciling Labor Disputes AND Property Rights IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when union office disputes belong to labor tribunals or regular courts, balancing labor law and property rights.
Sheriff's Duty: Court Approval Required for Execution Expenses in the Philippines
The Supreme Court fined a sheriff for demanding P10,000 directly from a judgment creditor without court approval, clarifying the proper procedure under Rule 141.