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.
Voluntary Confessions and Custodial Rights: Lessons from People v. Bacor
The Supreme Court clarifies when an extrajudicial confession is admissible, the role of counsel, and what makes a valid waiver of rights.
Valid Confession in Philippine Law: When Your Words Can Be Used Against You
Learn when a confession is valid and admissible in Philippine courts, and how constitutional rights during custodial investigation protect accused persons.
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.
Grave Slander in the Philippines: Lessons from Artajos v. Court of Appeals
Learn how Philippine law punishes grave slander, the elements prosecutors must prove, and key lessons from the Supreme Court's Artajos ruling.
Rear-End Collision Liability in the Philippines: Negligence and Proximate Cause
Philippine courts presume the rear driver at fault in rear-end collisions. Learn the rules on negligence and proximate cause from Raynera v. Hiceta.
Retroactive Registration: How Late Filings Can Validate Labor Union Petitions in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when late union registration can retroactively validate a certification election petition under labor law.
Understanding Contracts of Sale vs Contracts to Sell in Philippine Property Law
Learn the key differences between contracts of sale and contracts to sell under Philippine law, and why the distinction matters for property buyers and sellers.
Lost Your Appeal Understanding Certiorari AND Final Judgments IN Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts treat petitions for review on certiorari, final judgments, and due process in administrative proceedings.
Land Ownership in the Philippines: Why Possession Isn't Always Nine Tenths of the Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when lengthy possession of public land cannot ripen into private ownership, and why free patents prevail.
Legal Interest Rates in the Philippines: When Does 6% vs 12% Apply
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when 6% or 12% legal interest applies—loans and forbearance versus other obligations. Learn the rules.
Probation Revocation in the Philippines: Why Non-Compliance with Court Orders Can Lead to Imprisonment
Probation is a privilege, not a right. Learn how ignoring court orders can lead to revocation and imprisonment in the Philippines.
When Is a Sheriff Liable for Wrongful Execution? The De Guzman Rule
Philippine law shields sheriffs who execute judgments in good faith and with an indemnity bond. Learn the rules on wrongful execution and third-party claims.
When a Confirmed Flight Doesn't Extend Ticket Validity: Cervantes v. PAL
Learn from Cervantes v. PAL: confirming a flight does not extend a ticket's validity, and agents cannot bind the airline beyond their authority.
Docket Fees Matter: Ensuring Court Jurisdiction in Philippine Civil Cases
Learn how timely filing and docket fees affect court jurisdiction in Philippine civil cases, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Demata v. Court of Appeals.
Child Support Cannot Be Waived: Res Judicata in Philippine Family Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a child's right to support cannot be renounced or barred by a prior dismissal, citing Civil Code Articles 301 and 2035.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Choosing the Right Remedy in Philippine Courts
Learn when to file certiorari versus appeal in Philippine courts, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Asian Trading Corporation v. Court of Appeals.
Limits of Quo Warranto: Why Judgments Don't Automatically Bind Successors in Public Office
A quo warranto judgment binds only the parties. A successor who was not named cannot be ousted by execution, as Mendoza v. Allas shows.
Torrens Title vs. Acquisitive Prescription: Why Registered Land Prevails in the Philippines
A Torrens title defeats claims of ownership by long possession. Learn the Ramos v. Bautista ruling and how to protect registered land.
Tenancy Disputes and Jurisdiction: Courts vs. Agrarian Reform Boards
Understanding when courts or DARAB have jurisdiction over agrarian disputes, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Prescription Periods in Philippine Property Disputes Involving Constructive Trusts
When does a claim for reconveyance based on a constructive trust prescribe? The Supreme Court clarifies the 10-year rule.
Protecting Your Inheritance: Co-Ownership and the Right of Legal Redemption in Philippine Property Law
Learn how Philippine law protects heirs from fraudulent property dispositions and when actions for reconveyance may still be filed.
Partition Without Prior Estate Settlement: Heirs' Rights Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on heirs' right to demand partition of inherited co-owned property without prior estate settlement proceedings.
When Posting Bail Means You Consent to Court Jurisdiction: Key Insights for the Accused
Posting bail can waive objections to a court's jurisdiction, even if the arrest warrant was invalid. Learn the rules from a Philippine Supreme Court case.
Missed Appeal Deadlines in the Philippines: Strict Rules, Rare Exceptions
Philippine courts strictly enforce the 15-day appeal period. Missing it can end a case, with only truly exceptional circumstances excusing delay.