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.
Obstruction of Justice and the Lawyer's Duty: De Leon v. Luis
A lawyer's failure to report a client with a standing warrant is not obstruction of justice absent clear intent to harbor or conceal.
Understanding Refund Obligations for Illegally Disbursed Government Benefits in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government employees must refund disallowed benefits, applying the Madera rules on return.
Ultra Vires Acts and Contract Validity: The SSS Loan Case Explained
When government agencies exceed their powers, contracts may be void. The Supreme Court explains ultra vires acts and their impact on Philippine contracts.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Timelines, Medical Assessments, and the Risk of Abandoning Treatment
When a seafarer abandons medical treatment before the 120-day assessment period ends, disability claims may fail. Understand the rules.
Understanding Liability for Just Compensation in Philippine Expropriation Cases: Insights from a Landmark Ruli
When government corporations take over assets, who pays just compensation? The Supreme Court clarifies liability rules in expropriation cases.
Intellectual Disability in Rape Cases: What the Supreme Court Requires
The Supreme Court clarifies when intellectual disability must be proven by clinical evidence in rape prosecutions, and why it matters.
Navigating Public Office Integrity: Misconduct and Government Contracts
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public official's dealings with interested parties in government contracts amount to grave misconduct, not just simple misconduct.
Unlawful Detainer and Property Rights: Possession vs Ownership in Philippine Law
Understand the key difference between possession and ownership in unlawful detainer cases, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Contract Termination and Reimbursement Rights in Joint Ventures: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies when possession can be recovered in unlawful detainer, and the limits of reimbursement claims in void contracts.
Cable TV Franchise Tax: What the New Vision Ruling Means for Operators
The Supreme Court ruled that NTC-issued certificates of authority are administrative franchises subject to local franchise tax under the Local Government Code.
Land Reclassification and Zoning Ordinances Prevail Over CARP Coverage
When a local government reclassifies land as non-agricultural before June 15, 1988, and the HLURB ratifies it, the property may be exempt from agrarian reform coverage.
Understanding Employee Dismissal for Serious Misconduct in the Philippines: Key Legal Insights
Learn how Philippine courts decide illegal dismissal cases involving serious misconduct, corporate liability, and piercing the corporate veil.
Understanding Intent and Chain of Custody in Drug Possession Cases Lessons From a Landmark Philippine Ruling
The Supreme Court acquits a maintenance head of qualified theft, clarifying how intent to gain and possession must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Estoppel in Mortgage Foreclosures: Protecting Borrowers From Unfair Actions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on co-owner rights in recovery of possession, clarifying when partition is not required before filing ejectment actions.
Clear Contract Terms and Enforcement in Business Agreements: IP E-Game Ventures v. Tan
The Supreme Court affirms that clear contract terms bind parties, and unsubstantiated claims of modification cannot defeat written agreements.
Understanding Vessel Forfeiture THE Impact OF Charter Agreements ON Illegal Importation IN THE Philippines
Actual Malice in Libel Cases Against Public Figures: Daquer v. People Explained
When can a public official sue for libel? The Supreme Court clarifies the actual malice rule in Daquer v. People.
Understanding Corporate Veil Piercing Protecting Employee Rights IN THE Philippines
When can a company be held liable for acts of its retirement fund? The Supreme Court explains corporate veil piercing in employee loan disputes.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: Material Concealment and Work-Related Illnesses
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's non-disclosure of a medical condition bars disability claims, and when a heart ailment is compensable under the POEA-SEC.
Understanding Arbitration Awards: Finality and Limited Judicial Review in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts treat arbitration awards—why finality matters, the limits of judicial review, and key takeaways for parties.
When Foreclosure Is Valid Despite Pending Labor Case: HSBC v. Galang
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lender may foreclose despite a pending illegal dismissal case, applying debtor-creditor rules.
Easements vs. Taking: Just Compensation for Transmission Line Expropriation
When does an easement of right of way become a taking requiring full just compensation? The Supreme Court clarifies in this landmark case.
Company Practice and Holiday Pay: Lessons from Nippon Paint Philippines v. NIPPEA
When does a two-year payroll grant become a company practice employers cannot withdraw? The Supreme Court explains in Nippon Paint.
Psychological Incapacity Under Philippine Law: Insights From Puyat v. Puyat
The Supreme Court clarifies psychological incapacity, collusion, and child support in nullity cases under Article 36 of the Family Code.