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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Suspension of Payments in the Philippines: Who Can File and What Are the Limits
The Supreme Court clarifies that only corporations, partnerships, or associations—not individuals—may file for suspension of payments under PD 902-A.
Missed Deadline NOT Justice Denied When Excusable Negligence Saves A Labor Appeal IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when a late labor appeal may be excused due to honest mistake, and when separation pay replaces reinstatement.
Can an Employee Refuse to Work? Understanding Constructive Dismissal in the Philippines
Explore when refusing work is legal in the Philippines, focusing on constructive dismissal, employee rights, and employer obligations under labor law.
Project Employee vs Regular Employee: Understanding Employment Status in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between project employees and regular employees in construction work, and when repeated contracts may indicate regular employment.
Defense of a Relative in the Philippines: Proving Unlawful Aggression
Philippine law allows defense of a relative, but only if unlawful aggression is clearly proven. A Supreme Court case shows why.
Acquisitive Prescription of Land in the Philippines: When Possession Can Ripen Into Ownership
Philippine law on when long possession of land can ripen into ownership, and why forest lands can never be acquired by prescription.
Admissibility of Confessions: Protecting Rights During Custodial Investigation in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when a confession obtained without counsel during custodial investigation is inadmissible in evidence.
Understanding Amnesty vs Pardon in the Philippines: Key Differences and Implications
Learn the crucial differences between amnesty and pardon in Philippine law, their legal effects, and why the distinction matters for criminal cases.
Patent Infringement in the Philippines: Who Can Sue and Why a Patent Matters
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that only patent holders or their successors can sue for infringement, not mere first inventors.
Attorney Misconduct Handling Client Funds AND Upholding Ethical Standards IN THE Philippines
Warrantless Arrests in the Philippines: When Police Can Search Without a Warrant
Learn when Philippine police may arrest and search without a warrant, based on a Supreme Court ruling on drug transport.
Illegal Recruitment and Estafa in the Philippines: A Supreme Court Case Analysis
A 1998 Supreme Court ruling explains how illegal recruitment and estafa are charged and penalized separately in the Philippines.
Airline Liability for Lost Luggage: What Passengers Need to Know in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on airline liability for lost luggage, limited liability waivers, and third-party claims explained.
Kidnapping and Illegal Detention: Understanding the Elements and Penalties in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the distinction between serious and slight illegal detention, and the penalties for each under Philippine law.
Res Judicata in Philippine Law: How Prior Judgments Affect Future Claims
Learn how the doctrine of res judicata bars relitigation of decided cases and affects future legal claims in the Philippines.
Complex Crimes in the Philippines: Component Offenses and Illegal Detention Explained
A 1998 Supreme Court ruling explains when an accused charged with a complex crime can be convicted of a lesser included offense like slight illegal detention.
Litis Pendentia in the Philippines: Stopping Duplicate Lawsuits
Learn when Philippine courts dismiss duplicate lawsuits for litis pendentia, the requisites, and how to prevent splitting a cause of action.
Attorney Negligence Consequences of Missing Deadlines in Philippine Law
Learn how missed legal deadlines and attorney negligence affect cases in the Philippines, with insights from Supreme Court rulings on procedural rules.
When Can a Lawyer Be Disbarred in the Philippines? A Landmark Case on Misconduct
Learn when Philippine courts discipline lawyers for private misconduct, based on a 1998 Supreme Court ruling on a lawyer's bad checks.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Can You Legally Use Force?
Philippine law allows force only when unlawful aggression is real. Learn the three elements of self-defense and why claims often fail.
Unlawful Detainer in the Philippines: Protecting Property Rights Through Legal Action
Learn how Philippine courts protect property rights through lawful remedies, and why losing the right to appeal can have serious consequences.
Eminent Domain in the Philippines: Balancing Public Use and Private Property Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may expropriate private land for socialized housing, and the due process limits on eminent domain.
Preponderance of Evidence: Winning Your Civil Case in the Philippines
Learn how the preponderance of evidence standard works in Philippine civil cases, and why failing to meet it means losing your case.
Litis Pendentia and Res Judicata: Preventing Redundant Lawsuits in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts apply litis pendentia and res judicata to stop redundant lawsuits, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.