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.
When Election Returns Override Ballots in Philippine Election Protests
Philippine Supreme Court explains when election returns may be used instead of ballots in determining election protest winners.
Good Faith Prevails: Protecting Innocent Purchasers in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on innocent purchasers for value, good faith, and extinguishment of claims in property disputes.
When an Alien Executive Is a Regular Employee, Not a Corporate Officer: The WPP v. Galera Lesson
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between a corporate officer and a regular employee, and the consequences of working without an alien employment permit.
Mortgage Validity and Writ of Possession: Upholding Contracts Absent Vitiated Consent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on writ of possession in foreclosure, contract validity, and consolidation of cases explained in plain language.
Deceptive Promises in Overseas Job Scams: Illegal Recruitment and Estafa
Supreme Court ruling explains when fake overseas job promises constitute both illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa.
Spousal Consent in Conjugal Property Disposition Under the Family Code
The Supreme Court explains why a spouse cannot sell conjugal property without the other's written consent, and what buyers must verify.
Lifting Sequestration Orders Protecting Assets From Mismanagement
When can a sequestration order be lifted for mismanagement? The Supreme Court explains the limits in YKR Corporation v. Sandiganbayan.
Reassignment and RATA: When Government Employees Keep Their Allowance
The Supreme Court clarifies when a reassigned local government employee may continue receiving RATA, balancing administrative authority with employee rights.
Understanding Reasonable Doubt and Guilty Pleas in Philippine Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on guilty pleas, territorial jurisdiction, and conviction based on evidence rather than plea alone.
Warsaw Convention Limits Philippine Courts' Jurisdiction Over International Air Travel Claims
Philippine courts lack jurisdiction over claims arising from international flights under the Warsaw Convention, as shown in Lhuillier v. British Airways.
Breach of Contract vs Forbearance: Clarifying Interest Rate Applications in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when forbearance interest applies versus breach of contract damages, and how courts compute legal interest on monetary awards.
Right of First Refusal in Lease Agreements: What Lessees Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that right of first refusal in lease contracts survives expiration and binds the lessor to offer the property first.
Attorney Suspended Two Years for Misconduct and Disrespect to the Court
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for violating the Lawyer's Oath, the Code of Professional Responsibility, and for disrespecting court processes.
From Double Murder to Arson: How Intent Shapes Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when setting fire to a house is murder or arson, and why intent determines the crime.
Superior Registered Title Prevails Protecting Prior Land Rights Despite Subsequent Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an earlier registered title beats later buyers, even innocent purchasers for value.
Confessions to Barangay Peacekeepers Without Counsel Are Inadmissible Evidence
The Supreme Court rules that uncounselled confessions to bantay bayan members are inadmissible in evidence, but a rape conviction can still stand on other proof.
Attorney Suspended Two Years for Facilitating Cooperative Takeover and Baseless Suits
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for violating the Lawyer's Oath and Code of Professional Responsibility in a cooperative board takeover.
Right of First Refusal Protects Lessees Over Third-Party Buyers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how a lessee's right of first refusal can override a sale to a third party, even a government entity.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape with Homicide: The Unbroken Chain of Guilt
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict in rape with homicide, and the penalties and damages that follow.
Deemed Approved Leave: What Happens When Government Agencies Ignore Leave Applications
When government agencies fail to act on leave applications within five working days, the leave is deemed approved. Learn the rules and protections.
When Court Personnel Face Misconduct: The Bengson Case on Private Dealings
Court employees must uphold integrity even in private deals. The Bengson case shows when misconduct applies.
Valid Summons Substituted Service Permissible FOR Filipinos Temporarily Abroad
Substituted service of summons is valid for Philippine residents temporarily abroad, per the Supreme Court in Palma v. Galvez.
Res Judicata and Final Judgments: What Torres v. Medina Means for Litigants
The Supreme Court explains when a final judgment bars a new lawsuit, using a foreclosure dispute to illustrate res judicata's elements and limits.
When Local Officials Break Procurement Rules: Lessons From Sison v. People
A mayor's conviction for skipping public bidding shows how courts review local procurement and graft cases under Philippine law.