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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Navigating Expropriation: The Critical Role of Public Purpose in Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that expropriation requires a genuine public purpose, which landowners can challenge when projects are abandoned.
Correcting Birth Certificate Errors: Why Impleading Indispensable Parties Matters
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why correcting birth certificate errors requires impleading all affected parties under Rule 108.
Understanding Corporate Liability and Piercing the Corporate Veil in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court case explains when corporate officers can be held personally liable and when courts pierce the corporate veil.
Foreign Investment and Unfair Competition: Key Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the limits of judicial review over Board of Investments registration decisions and the meaning of unfair competition claims.
Understanding Consent and Force in Rape Cases: Insights from Philippine Supreme Court Rulings
A look at how Philippine courts evaluate force, threat, and intimidation in rape cases, and why the "sweetheart defense" rarely succeeds.
Early Retirement and Disability Claims: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A seafarer's disability claim fails for concealing pre-existing conditions in his PEME. Learn the legal rules and practical lessons.
Understanding Circumstantial Evidence in Robbery With Homicide Cases: Insights From Philippine Supreme Court R
Learn how Philippine courts treat circumstantial evidence in robbery with homicide cases, and what the Supreme Court requires for conviction.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When a Pre-Existing Condition Does Not Bar Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability benefits, work-relatedness, and pre-existing conditions under the POEA-SEC.
Administrative Liability in Public Procurement: Lessons from the PNP Helicopter Case
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when signing inspection reports in government procurement creates administrative liability for public officers.
Unlocking Retirement Benefits for Part-Time Workers: A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court confirms that part-time employees in the private sector are entitled to retirement benefits under Republic Act No. 7641.
Understanding Death Benefits in Seafarer Contracts: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when death benefits are payable under domestic seafarer contracts, and what heirs should do when a contract is silent.
Seafarer Death Benefits: The Burden of Proof and Contract Limits in Work-Related Illness Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer death benefits, contract interpretation, and burden of proof for work-related illness claims.
Understanding Illegal Dismissal When Production Quotas Cross the Line
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when imposing production quotas becomes illegal dismissal, citing bad faith and unattainable targets.
Rape Convictions and Victim Testimony: The Sweetheart Defense in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction, victim credibility, and why the sweetheart defense and alibi fail against clear testimony.
Contract of Sale vs Contract to Sell: When Ownership Transfers in Philippine Real Estate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between contract of sale and contract to sell, and when ownership actually transfers in real estate transactions.
Self-Defense and Defense of a Relative: Key Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A police officer shot two attackers to protect himself and his pregnant wife. The Supreme Court explains when self-defense and defense of a relative apply.
Valid Land Titles and Res Judicata: Key Lessons from a Philippine Property Dispute
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why tax declarations don't prove ownership and how res judicata bars relitigating property claims.
Understanding Estafa by Deceit: Key Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
Explore a landmark Philippine Supreme Court case on estafa by deceit, and the ethical duties it highlights for lawyers.
Understanding Incestuous Rape Standards and Victim Credibility in Philippine Courts
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies legal standards for incestuous rape and how courts assess victim credibility in such cases.
Balancing Employee Misconduct With Proportionate Penalties: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court
The Supreme Court ruled that dismissal was too harsh for an employee who took expired company products, emphasizing proportionate penalties.
Proving Inheritance The Burden OF Evidence IN Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to prove a certificate of title existed before reconstitution is granted.
When Sellers May Keep Partial Payments in a Failed Property Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a seller may keep partial payments as rentals after a failed contract to sell.
Notarizing a Document: When a Notary Public Is Not Liable for False Contents
Learn when a notary public is not liable for false statements in a notarized document, based on a 2020 Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Seafarer Rights in Maritime Employment: Illegal Dismissal and Prescription Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies seafarer illegal dismissal claims, prescription periods, and termination pay under POEA-SEC in Gallego v. Wallem Maritime.