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.
Breach of Public Trust: Why Appearances Matter in Philippine Civil Service
The Supreme Court's ruling in Republic v. Sandiganbayan clarifies how public officers can be held liable for breach of public trust, even through corporate vehicles.
Lost Land Title Petitions: Court Limits, Due Diligence, and Protecting Property Rights
Learn how Philippine courts handle petitions for new owner's duplicate titles, including jurisdictional limits, due diligence duties, and key lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Navigating Right of Way Disputes in the Philippines: When Convenience Doesn't Equal Necessity
Philippine law on easements of right of way requires real necessity, not mere convenience. Learn from the Dichoso v. Marcos case.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When Philippine Employers Can Validly Dismiss Employees
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal and who counts as managerial staff.
Managerial Employees and Overtime Pay in the Philippines: The Clientlogic Case
Who counts as a managerial employee exempt from overtime pay? The Supreme Court's Clientlogic ruling clarifies the test.
Partnership vs. Loan in the Philippines: Profit-Sharing Terms Still Bind
Philippine courts look beyond contract labels to determine if a deal is a partnership or loan—but agreed profit-sharing terms remain enforceable either way.
Forged Deeds and Disputed Titles: How Philippine Courts Determine Land Ownership
A Supreme Court ruling explains how courts resolve land ownership disputes when a deed of sale is alleged to be forged.
Just Compensation in Land Reform: Ensuring Fair Value for Agricultural Landowners in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation is computed for agricultural landowners under CARP, including DAR formula rules and compensable areas.
Positive Identification Beyond Eyewitnesses: How Philippine Courts Use Circumstantial Evidence in Murder Cases
Philippine courts can convict on circumstantial evidence alone. Learn how positive identification works beyond eyewitness testimony in murder cases.
Implied Trust in Mortgage Contracts: When the Named Mortgagee Is Not the Real Lender
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a mortgage contract's named mortgagee may be held as a mere trustee for the true lender under an implied trust.
Implied Trusts in Philippine Mortgages: Protecting the True Lender
When a mortgage names one person but another funds the loan, Philippine courts may impose an implied trust to protect the true lender.
Loan Interest Rate Adjustments Understanding Banks Rights AND Borrowers Obligations IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on implied trusts in mortgage contracts, parol evidence, and borrower protections.
Bigamy in the Philippines: When a Second Marriage Is Void From the Start
Philippine law voids any second marriage contracted while a prior civil marriage subsists. Learn the rules, limits of Muslim divorce, and who may sue.
SSS Death Benefits: Does Legal Separation Bar a Spouse’s Claim?
Legal marriage alone does not guarantee SSS death benefits—surviving spouses must prove actual dependency, especially after separation.
Credible Testimony Prevails Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Medical Evidence
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on victim's credible testimony, ruling medical evidence of penetration is not indispensable.
Dominancy Test Prevails in Philippine Trademark Infringement Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that the dominancy test governs trademark infringement, focusing on dominant features rather than overall differences.
Protecting Press Freedom Understanding Libel and Fair Reporting in Philippine Media Law
Explore the boundaries of libel and fair reporting in Philippine media law through the Supreme Court's ruling in Angeles v. Gaite.
When Prohibition Fails: Understanding the Limits of Extraordinary Writs in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when certiorari may be used despite a pending information, and how fair reporting protects the press from libel.
When Does DARAB Have Jurisdiction Over Agrarian Disputes? The Bagongahasa Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies DARAB's jurisdiction over CLOA cancellation cases, emphasizing the need for an agrarian dispute involving tenancy relations.
Can Landowners Force Water Disconnection for Informal Settlers? Supreme Court Says No
The Supreme Court ruled landowners cannot compel water utilities to disconnect services to informal settlers, balancing property rights with essential services.
Exclusive Franchises and Public Utilities: Constitutional Limits in the Philippines
The Supreme Court struck down Section 47 of PD 198 as unconstitutional, reaffirming that exclusive franchises for public utilities are prohibited by the Constitution.
Upholding Legal Ethics Attorneys Must Respect THE LAW AND Legal Processes
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on co-ownership, Torrens titles, and partition actions in Lacbayan v. Samoy.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: Understanding Consent and Legal Implications in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how moral ascendancy replaces force in incestuous rape, and clarifies the applicable law and damages.
Sheriff’s Duties, Integrity, and Procedure in Executing Writs of Execution
A sheriff’s duty to execute a writ is ministerial; demanding money without court approval is grave misconduct. Learn the rules.