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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Double Titling in the Philippines: How to Protect Your Property Rights
Learn how Philippine courts handle double titling disputes and what property owners can do to protect their rights and avoid legal conflicts.
Illegal Dismissal vs. Voluntary Resignation: Proving Your Case in the Philippines
When is a resignation not voluntary? Learn how Philippine courts distinguish illegal dismissal from resignation and who bears the burden of proof.
Freedom of Expression vs Obscenity: The Limits of Local Ordinances in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when courts may review local anti-obscenity ordinances and why facial challenges face strict limits.
How Permanent Protection Orders Affect Spousal and Child Support in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how permanent protection orders under RA 9262 affect spousal and child support, even after marriage nullity.
Reconveyance of Land: Protecting Property Rights From Fraudulent Titles in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts protect landowners from government taking without just compensation, and the rules on reconveyance of fraudulently titled property.
Income Tax vs. Stock Transaction Tax: Tax Exemptions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that stock transaction tax is a percentage tax, not income tax, limiting exemptions under the NIRC.
Conversion to Islam Does Not Shield You from Bigamy Charges in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that converting to Islam does not automatically exempt a person from bigamy charges under Philippine law.
Deception and Exploitation: Defining Human Trafficking in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms a trafficking conviction, clarifying how fraud, deception, and vulnerability define the crime under RA 9208.
Dacion en Pago: How to Properly Extinguish Loan Obligations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains how dacion en pago works, when loan obligations are extinguished, and the pitfalls lenders must avoid.
Navigating Medical Negligence in the Philippines: Understanding Liability and Damages
Learn how Philippine courts determine medical negligence liability and damages, and what patients must prove in malpractice claims.
Theft vs. Estafa in the Philippines: Key Distinctions and the Horca Case
Theft and estafa differ in possession and deceit. The Horca ruling shows why the distinction matters and how acquittal can still leave civil liability.
When Can a Mother Challenge Child Legitimacy in the Philippines? The Ordoña Ruling
A mother cannot collaterally attack her child's legitimacy under Philippine law. The Supreme Court's Ordoña ruling explains why.
Understanding Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriage Annulment: A Guide
A guide to psychological incapacity as a ground for marriage nullity in the Philippines, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in De Silva v. De Silva.
The 240-Day Rule Protecting Seafarers' Rights to Full Disability Benefits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 120/240-day rule for seafarers' disability claims, explaining when full permanent total disability benefits are due.
Labor-Only Contracting in the Philippines: Employer Responsibilities and Employee Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor is a labor-only contractor, making the principal the real employer with full liability.
Understanding Judicial Reconstitution of Torrens Titles in the Philippines: Key Insights From a Landmark Case
Learn how Philippine courts handle judicial reconstitution of lost or destroyed Torrens titles, with insights from a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Psychological Incapacity as Annulment Ground in the Philippines After Tan-Andal
Understand psychological incapacity as an annulment ground under Article 36, Family Code, as clarified by Tan-Andal and applied in Halog v. Halog.
Spousal Consent and Conjugal Property: When a Sale Without Permission Is Void
Learn when a spouse can sell conjugal property without consent in the Philippines, and why such sales are void under the Family Code.
DNA Evidence and Presumption of Legitimacy: Filiation Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled DNA evidence can establish filiation despite the presumption of legitimacy, prioritizing the child's best interests.
Airline Liability for Lost Luggage in the Philippines: The KLM v. Tiongco Case
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on airline liability for lost luggage, damages, and bad faith in KLM v. Tiongco.
Employee Dismissal in the Philippines: Due Process and Substantial Evidence Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers must prove just cause with substantial evidence and follow procedural due process when dismissing employees.
Social Media Ethics for Judges: Lessons from the Atillo Case
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's Facebook photos clarifies the ethical boundaries judges face when using social media in the Philippines.
Spousal Liability for Debts in the Philippines: The Zapanta Case Explained
When can one spouse be held liable for the other's debts? The Supreme Court's ruling in Zapanta v. Rustan clarifies the rules on family property liability.
Cockfighting Regulations in the Philippines: The Bonghanoy Ruling on PD 449
The Supreme Court's Bonghanoy ruling clarifies when cockfighting events for tourists and balikbayans may be held outside licensed cockpits under PD 449.