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.
Sole Testimony of a Rape Victim: The Hofileña Case and Philippine Jurisprudence
Philippine jurisprudence holds that the sole, credible testimony of a rape victim can sustain a conviction. Learn the rules from People v. Hofileña.
Verbal Contracts in the Philippines: Why Written Agreements Win in Court
Verbal contracts are valid in the Philippines but hard to prove. Learn from Romago v. Court of Appeals why written agreements prevail.
Laches vs. Torrens Title: Why Delay Can Cost You Your Land in the Philippines
A Torrens title is strong but not absolute—unreasonable delay in asserting ownership can lead to losing the property to laches.
Correcting Manifest Errors in Election Returns: The Angelia Case
How COMELEC can correct obvious tallying errors in election returns even after proclamation, and why due process still matters.
Can Foreigners Own Land in the Philippines? Donation vs. Inheritance Rules
Philippine law bars foreigners from owning land except by inheritance. Learn why a quitclaim deed to an American son failed as a donation.
Written Authority Required for Real Estate Agents: The City-Lite Realty Rule
Under Article 1874 of the Civil Code, an agent selling land must have written authority; otherwise, the sale is void. Learn the rules.
When Can an Employer Terminate an OFW Due to Illness? The Medical Certificate Rule
Philippine law requires a medical certificate from a competent public health authority before an employer can validly terminate an OFW due to illness.
Who Pays for an Illegal Strike? National Union Liability Under Philippine Law
When a local union stages an illegal strike, can the national union be held liable for damages? The Supreme Court clarifies agency and responsibility.
Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: When Presence Means Guilt
Under Philippine law, conspiracy makes every participant equally liable for a crime, even without inflicting the fatal blow. People v. Gallo explains how.
Forcible Abduction with Rape: Why "Sweetheart" Status Does Not Equal Consent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that romantic relationships never imply consent to sexual acts, especially when force or abduction is involved.
Piece-Rate Workers Can Be Regular Employees: The Lambo v. NLRC Ruling
How the Supreme Court ruled that piece-rate tailors are regular employees entitled to full labor rights under Philippine law.
Execution Pending Appeal in the Philippines: When Can a Judgment Be Enforced Immediately?
Learn when Philippine courts may allow execution pending appeal, the good reasons required, and the safeguards protecting a losing party's right to appeal.
Mechanic’s Lien in the Philippines: What Auto Repair Shops Must Know
Understand the mechanic's lien under Philippine law, its legal basis, and how the Supreme Court protects repair shops' right to payment.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: When Consent Does Not Matter (People v. Motos)
Philippine law treats sex with a child under 12 as statutory rape—consent is legally impossible. Learn the rules and penalties.
Homestead Redemption After Foreclosure: The 5-Year Right Under the Public Land Act
Homesteaders have a five-year right to repurchase foreclosed land under the Public Land Act, even after a bank consolidates title.
Legal Interest in Philippine Judgments: Simple vs. Compound Interest Explained
Philippine courts apply simple legal interest on monetary judgments unless compound interest is explicitly stipulated. Learn the rules from David vs. Court of Appeals.
Lis Pendens and Due Diligence: Why Philippine Property Buyers Must Investigate Title Defects
Learn how the lis pendens rule and the Po Lam case show why Philippine property buyers must go beyond a title check to avoid costly legal disputes.
Nationwide Reach of Replevin Writs: Jurisdiction and Enforcement in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts can enforce replevin writs nationwide. Learn how jurisdiction is determined and what it means for creditors and debtors.
Equitable Mortgage vs. Pacto de Retro Sale: When a "Sale" Is Really a Loan
Philippine courts look beyond contract labels. Learn how Articles 1602 and 1603 protect borrowers from disguised loans and unfair foreclosure.
Suing a Deceased Person in the Philippines: Estate Claims and Legal Personality Rules
Can you sue a deceased person's estate in the Philippines? Learn the legal personality rules and proper probate procedure for collecting debts from an estate.
Fishermen Are Not Field Personnel: Service Incentive Leave for Sea-Based Workers
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that supervised fishermen are not "field personnel" and are entitled to service incentive leave under Philippine law.
Fishpond Ownership in the Philippines: When BFAR Jurisdiction Overrides Court Decisions
Philippine courts cannot declare private ownership over public land designated for fishponds—only BFAR holds that authority. Learn the rules.
Witness Credibility in Philippine Courts: Why Family Ties Don't Discredit Testimony
Philippine courts weigh witness credibility by quality, not family ties. A landmark case clarifies evidence rules, paraffin tests, and damages.
Torrens Title vs. Fraud: Protecting Land Ownership in the Philippines
Learn how the Torrens system protects land ownership in the Philippines and why proving fraud requires clear and convincing evidence, based on a landmark Supreme Court case.