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.
When a Bouncing Check Isn't Estafa: Checks as Loan Security in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when postdated checks given as loan security, not payment, cannot result in estafa conviction.
Notice of Dishonor Under BP 22: Why Actual Receipt Matters in Bouncing Check Cases
Under BP 22, a bounced check issuer can only be convicted if properly notified of dishonor. The Betty King case shows why actual notice is crucial.
Beneficial Ownership VS Legal Title Understanding Trust Relationships IN Philippine LAW
A look at how Philippine courts distinguish beneficial ownership from legal title in trust relationships, using a landmark case on employee dismissal and quitclaims.
Execution Pending Appeal in Philippine Courts: When "Good Reasons" Are Not Enough
Philippine courts rarely allow execution of judgments pending appeal. Learn the strict "good reasons" rule from Maceda v. DBP.
Implied Trusts and Foreign Ownership: The Yap Heirs Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when implied trusts over Philippine land fail, and why constitutional restrictions on foreign ownership bar recovery.
Retroactive Application of Laws: How Courts Ensure Fair Justice When Laws Change
Philippine courts apply laws prospectively, but exceptions exist. This article explains retroactivity principles through a 1999 rape case.
When Can an Appellate Court Remand an Ejectment Case? Key Rules
Explains when RTCs may remand ejectment appeals for further evidence, and when remand is improper under Section 21(d).
Victim Testimony in Rape Cases: People v. Rebose and Philippine Jurisprudence
Philippine courts can convict in rape cases based solely on credible victim testimony, even without medical evidence. Learn the rules from People v. Rebose.
Navigating Mining Tax Refunds in the Philippines: Understanding R.A. 1435 and Its Limits
Philex Mining v. CIR clarifies that the 25% mining tax refund under R.A. 1435 is based on old rates, not actual taxes paid.
Retirement Pay Law Retroactivity: When RA 7641 Does Not Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Retirement Pay Law applies retroactively—and when it does not—in J.V. Angeles Construction v. NLRC.
Employer Liability in Philippine Vehicular Accidents: Due Diligence and Negligence Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability for driver negligence in vehicular accidents, covering due diligence and contributory negligence defenses.
Conditional Land Donations in the Philippines: Reversion Rights and Valid Sales
When a conditional land donation fails, when can the donor validly sell the property? The Supreme Court explains reversion rights.
Refiling a Dismissed Case in the Philippines: When a Technical Dismissal Is Not Final
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a procedural dismissal is without prejudice, allowing a case to be refiled.
When a Bookkeeper Counts as an Agent for Summons in Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when service of summons on a bookkeeper is valid in labor cases, conferring jurisdiction on the Labor Arbiter.
Lumber vs. Timber: What Illegal Logging Laws Mean for Your Business
The Supreme Court ruled that lumber is timber under Philippine forestry law. Know what documents you need to avoid illegal possession charges.
Justice Delayed Rights Denied Understanding Judicial Delay AND Injunction Bonds IN Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies venue rules in labor cases, prioritizing worker convenience and substantial justice over technicalities.
Philippine Labor Law: Workplace Venue Not Always Mandatory for Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: NLRC venue rules are permissive, not mandatory. Worker convenience and substantial justice can override workplace location.
Voluntary Resignation and Bonus Entitlement: What Philippine Employees Should Know
Learn when resigned employees lose their right to CBA bonuses under Philippine law, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Equitable Mortgage vs. Pacto de Retro Sale: When a "Sale" Is Really a Loan
Philippine law presumes certain "sales with right to repurchase" are equitable mortgages, protecting borrowers from unfair lending arrangements.
Confessions and Constitutional Rights: Safeguarding the Accused in Custodial Investigations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on inadmissible uncounselled confessions and the constitutional rights of persons under custodial investigation.
The Duty to Prosecute Appeals: Why Inaction Can Get Your Appeal Dismissed in the Philippines
Philippine law requires appellants to actively prosecute their appeals. Learn why waiting for court notices can lead to dismissal.
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.
Quantum Meruit: When a Contractor Can Recover Payment Without a Formal Contract
Philippine Supreme Court explains when contractors can recover payment on a quantum meruit basis even without a written contract.
Contract Validity and Enforceability: Lessons from Roblett v. Court of Appeals
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling on contract validity, authority to sign, and estoppel in Philippine obligations law.