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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Diplomatic Immunity in the Philippines: Protecting International Organizations From Legal Suits
The Supreme Court explains how diplomatic immunity shields international organizations like the Asian Development Bank from local lawsuits, and why courts must respect it.
Custodial Investigation in the Philippines: Rights and the Admissibility of Confessions
An extrajudicial confession is worthless without proof of effective counsel, but the Supreme Court still affirmed a murder conviction on eyewitness evidence.
Project Employee vs Regular Employee: Termination Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains the difference between project and regular employees, and the rules on termination rights under the Labor Code.
Diplomatic Immunity in the Philippines: Scope and Limitations Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains diplomatic immunity scope for UN specialized agencies, its limits, and employee rights in Ebro v. NLRC.
Execution of Judgments: Timelines, Third-Party Claims, and Property Rights in the Philippines
Understand the five-year rule for executing judgments, third-party claims, and why a buyer's title can be upheld despite procedural delays.
Relief From Judgment: When Can You Reopen a Closed Case in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a final judgment may be reopened through relief from judgment under Rule 38, and when it cannot.
Retrenchment in the Philippines: Navigating Layoffs Legally
Understand the legal requirements for valid retrenchment in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Guerrero v. NLRC.
When Can Election Results Be Set Aside? Understanding Failure of Elections in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when election results may be set aside and what documents can prove the true will of the electorate.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Can You Justifiably Use Force?
Learn the legal requirements for self-defense in the Philippines, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on unlawful aggression and justifiable force.
Retrenchment in the Philippines: Requirements for Lawful Termination Due to Business Losses
The Supreme Court explains the strict requirements for valid retrenchment due to business losses and the penalties for failing to meet them.
When Does a Brawl Become Murder? Understanding Conspiracy and Homicide in the Philippines
Philippine law on conspiracy and homicide explained through a landmark Supreme Court case on robbery with homicide.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: How It Affects Search Warrants and Legal Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that forum shopping applies to search warrant applications, and seized property cannot be held indefinitely without criminal prosecution.
Implied Conspiracy When Collective Actions Lead to Criminal Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how implied conspiracy can hold multiple offenders liable for crimes committed during a collective action, using the Escalante massacre case.
When Can a Foreign Corporation Sue in the Philippines? The ITEC Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when unlicensed foreign corporations may sue in local courts, with estoppel and doing business rules explained.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Intent, Liability, and the Limits of Qualifying Circumstances
A Supreme Court ruling explains when treachery qualifies a killing as murder, and how conspiracy affects criminal liability in the Philippines.
Anti-Fencing Law in the Philippines: Possession and Legal Presumptions
The Anti-Fencing Law criminalizes dealing in stolen goods. Mere possession creates a presumption of fencing. Learn how to protect yourself.
When Can a Landlord Evict a Tenant in the Philippines: The Month-to-Month Lease Rule
Understand when a landlord may evict a tenant in the Philippines, including the month-to-month lease rule under Article 1687 of the Civil Code.
Paid-Up Capital vs Authorized Capital Stock: Wage Order Exemption Rules in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that wage order exemptions use paid-up capital, not authorized capital stock, in Central Textile Mills v. NWPC.
Lost Documents in Court: Proving Your Case With Secondary Evidence in the Philippines
When the original document is lost, Philippine rules allow secondary evidence. Learn the requirements from a Supreme Court case.
Quieting of Title in the Philippines: Proving Ownership and Possession
Learn how Philippine courts resolve quieting of title cases, what evidence matters, and why factual findings bind appellate review.
Ejectment Suits: How Ownership Disputes Affect Jurisdiction in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle ejectment cases when ownership is disputed, and why jurisdiction stays with the first-level court.
Excessive Bail in the Philippines: Limits and Your Rights Under the Rules of Court
A Supreme Court ruling explains when bail becomes excessive and what judges must consider. Learn your rights.
Buyer Beware Protecting Yourself From Land Title Fraud IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts view taxpayer suits and land transactions, and what this means for protecting property rights.
Understanding Locus Standi When Can You Sue Over Public Funds in the Philippines
Learn when Philippine courts allow taxpayer suits over public funds, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Anti-Graft League v. San Juan.