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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Attorneys Fees Upholding A Lawyers Right TO Payment Despite Contract Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on attorney's fees, contract termination, and a lawyer's right to compensation for services rendered.
Recanted Testimony and Witness Credibility: Resolving Conflicting Accounts in Philippine Courts
How Philippine courts weigh witness credibility, recanted testimony, and treachery in murder cases, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Accountability Beyond Authority Illegal Recruitment Despite Agency Affiliation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal recruitment liability for unregistered agency representatives, with practical compliance guidance.
Age Verification in Rape Cases: Protecting Children and Ensuring Fair Trials
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on age verification in rape cases, balancing child protection with the accused's right to a fair trial.
Illegal Dismissal: Employer's Burden of Proof and Due Process in Termination Cases
Learn the Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, the employer's burden of proof, and due process requirements in employee termination cases.
Illegal Dismissal: Employers Must Prove Just Cause AND Due Process Before Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that employers must prove both just cause and procedural due process to avoid liability for illegal dismissal.
Co-Ownership and Good Faith: Property Rights Lessons from Tala Realty vs. Banco Filipino
A Supreme Court ruling on lease contracts, good faith, and the limits of property rights under Philippine law.
Surety Bonds and Legal Interest: When Default Makes a Surety Pay More Than the Bond
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a defaulting surety must pay 12% legal interest on top of the bond amount.
Surety's Liability for Interest Beyond Bond Limit on Delayed Payment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a surety can be held liable for interest exceeding the bond's face value when payment is delayed.
Debt Recovery Without Specific Claim: Equity and Unjust Enrichment in Arroyo v. Taduran
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recovering debt even without a specific prayer in the complaint, citing equity and unjust enrichment principles.
Rescission Rights: When a Buyer's Failure to Pay Lets the Seller Cancel
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a seller may rescind a contract to sell, how installment payments are applied, and why a memorandum is not required for due process.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Misconduct and Accountability in the Philippine Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling on judge and clerk misconduct underscores the strict standards of propriety required of all court personnel.
In Pari Delicto: When Both Parties Are at Fault, Neither Can Sue in Construction Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on in pari delicto in construction contracts where both parties knowingly violated the law, barring recovery.
Treachery Defined: How Sudden Attacks Affect Murder Convictions in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a sudden attack qualifies as treachery in murder cases, and when it does not.
Imperfect Self-Defense and the Line Between Homicide and Murder in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on treachery, evident premeditation, and when killing is murder rather than homicide.
Protecting Subdivision Lot Buyers: The Need for HLURB Approval in Mortgage Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a developer's mortgage over subdivision lots is void without HLURB approval, and what this means for lot buyers and banks.
Rape Conviction and the Importance of Properly Alleging Relationship in Qualified Rape Cases
A Supreme Court ruling shows why the death penalty cannot rest on a victim's age or kinship with the offender unless both are alleged in the Information.
Reconveyance Actions and Prescription: Heirs of Pomposa Saludares v. Court of Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when reconveyance actions prescribe and why registered owners can keep indefeasible titles after 10 years.
Confessions and Counsel: Protecting Rights During Custodial Investigation
A Supreme Court ruling shows why a confession obtained without truly effective counsel is inadmissible, and what this means for suspects and police.
Accidental Injury vs Intent: Reassessing Guilt in Assault Cases in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when accidental injury in a struggle negates intent to kill, reducing criminal liability.
Tenant Redemption Rights and Land Bank Certification Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a Land Bank certification suffices for tenant redemption under R.A. 3844, and when it fails.
Strict Compliance With Bill of Lading Clauses Upholding Carrier Protection in Cargo Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict compliance with bill of lading notice requirements in cargo damage claims against carriers.
Self Defense Under Scrutiny: Proving Imminent Danger in Philippine Law
When can self-defense be successfully invoked in the Philippines? Learn the legal requirements and burden of proof from a Supreme Court ruling.
Voluntary Confession Mitigates Parricide: Reclusion Perpetua Instead of Death
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how voluntary confession of guilt mitigates parricide, reducing the penalty from death to reclusion perpetua.