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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Doing Business in the Philippines: When Selling to a Filipino Buyer Requires a License
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a foreign corporation's sales to a local buyer constitute
When Can an Employer Claim Loss of Confidence as Grounds for Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of confidence justifies dismissal and bars separation pay for trusted employees guilty of misconduct.
Untimely Appeal Understanding Finality of NLRC Decisions in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed NLRC finality on retrenchment rulings and why untimely appeals fail in Philippine labor cases.
When Is Dismissal Justified for Employee Misconduct in the Philippines
Philippine law on employee misconduct: when dismissal is justified, what constitutes serious misconduct, and the due process requirements employers must follow.
Judicial Delay: A Judge's Duty to Decide Cases Promptly in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court reprimands judge for three-year delay in deciding a case, underscoring the 90-day rule and judicial accountability.
Passion Provocation and Criminal Liability: Understanding Homicide in the Philippines
When does anger mitigate a killing? The Supreme Court explains passion or obfuscation, treachery, and homicide in People v. Valles.
Perfected Contract of Sale: Key Elements and Legal Implications in the Philippines
Learn the essential elements of a perfected contract of sale in the Philippines, including the requirement of a definite price, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
When is a deed of sale actually an equitable mortgage? The Supreme Court explains the legal presumption protecting property owners.
Conjugal Property vs Separate Property: Protecting Your Assets in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish conjugal from separate property, and why registration alone does not prove ownership during marriage.
Attorney's Fees in the Philippines: Quantum Meruit and Retainer Agreements Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers recover fees by quantum meruit and how retainer agreements govern attorney's compensation.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: Proving Unlawful Aggression and Justifiable Force
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense succeeds in Philippine criminal law—and why it failed in People v. Cahindo.
Doing Business in the Philippines: Jurisdiction Over Foreign Corporations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a foreign corporation is had been the exclusive dealer of BMW vehicles and products in the Philippines. In 1967, Hahn executed a "Deed of Assignment with Specia
Pilotage Rates IN THE Philippines When CAN THE PPA Deviate From Executive Orders
Land Ownership Disputes: How Government Reservations Affect Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how government reservations like national parks affect land ownership rights in the Philippines, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Lis Pendens in the Philippines: Preventing Multiple Lawsuits and Wasted Resources
Learn how lis pendens works in the Philippines to prevent multiple lawsuits, protect property rights, and avoid wasted judicial resources.
DARAB Jurisdiction Explained: Filing Agrarian Disputes in the Philippines
Learn where to file agrarian disputes in the Philippines—DARAB vs. PARAD jurisdiction clarified under R.A. 6657 and the DARAB rules.
Marijuana Possession and the Retroactive Application of Favorable Criminal Laws in the Philippines
Explaining when procedural laws apply retroactively, using the Subido v. Sandiganbayan ruling on jurisdiction and vested rights.
Psychological Incapacity as Grounds for Annulment in the Philippines
Explore how Philippine courts apply psychological incapacity in annulment cases, using the landmark Chi Ming Tsoi ruling.
Conspiracy and Credibility: Understanding Murder Convictions in the Philippines
How the Supreme Court affirmed murder convictions based on conspiracy and the credibility of a young eyewitness in People v. Magallano.
Encroachment Disputes: Property Rights and Ejectment in the Philippines
When a neighbor's house encroaches on your land, can you file ejectment? The Supreme Court explains your rights and remedies.
Bail After Conviction: Can You Be Released Pending Appeal in the Philippines?
Learn when bail is allowed after conviction in the Philippines, especially when the charge is capital but the conviction is for a lesser offense.
Unlawful Detainer Understanding Finality OF Judgment AND Timeliness OF Appeals IN THE Philippines
Foreclosure Sale Remedies in the Philippines: Act 3135 Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the remedy to set aside a foreclosure sale under Act 3135, and when courts may relax procedural rules.
How to Contest a Foreclosure Sale in the Philippines: A Guide from GSIS v. Court of Appeals
Learn how to contest a foreclosure sale in the Philippines, including the remedy under Act No. 3135, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in GSIS v. Court of Appeals.