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.
Quasi-Delict Liability After a Vehicular Accident: Lessons from Laza v. Standard Insurance
The Supreme Court clarifies when a driver is negligent in a collision, the rules on vicarious liability, and what it takes to overturn factual findings on appeal.
Attempted Rape with Homicide: Circumstantial Evidence and the Cabornay Case
The Supreme Court affirms that circumstantial evidence can convict in attempted rape with homicide, clarifying the standards under Philippine law.
When a Notarized Deed of Sale Fails: Consent Is Key in Philippine Property Transfers
A notarized deed does not guarantee a valid sale. The Supreme Court explains why genuine consent is essential in property transactions.
Unfair Competition as a Continuing Offense: What the Petron v. Yao Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies when selling counterfeit goods is a continuing offense, affecting jurisdiction and prosecution strategy.
Substantial Evidence in Administrative Cases: The Mahinay Case Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in the Mahinay case clarifies the substantial evidence standard in administrative cases against public servants.
Understanding the Timely Filing of Appeals: A Crucial Lesson From Philippine Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the 30-day appeal period in tax disputes, using a land dispute analogy to explain finality and jurisdiction.
Indispensable Parties in Labor Cases: Lessons from TESDA v. Abragar
Learn why impleading all indispensable parties is critical in labor disputes, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in TESDA v. Abragar.
The President’s Power to Withdraw from Treaties: What the Supreme Court Ruled
The Supreme Court clarified the limits of the President’s power to withdraw from international treaties. Learn the rules from the Rome Statute case.
Understanding Void Marriages: The Impact of Simulated Unions on Legal Validity in the Philippines
A simulated marriage used as a front for benefits is void ab initio. The Supreme Court explains why in Ado-an-Morimoto v. Morimoto.
Lessee Reimbursement for Improvements: The Bermon Marketing Case
Learn when lessees can claim reimbursement for improvements under Article 1678 and how contract terms can waive that right.
LIVE'S vs LEVI'S: Supreme Court Rules on Trademark Confusion and Cancellation
The Supreme Court cancelled the LIVE'S trademark registration, ruling it confusingly similar to LEVI'S under the Dominancy Test.
Suffrage Safeguards: Upholding Election Integrity Through Specificity and Evidence in Electoral Protests
The PET dismissed Marcos Jr.'s 2016 VP election protest, affirming Robredo's victory and underscoring the strict rules on specificity and evidence in election contests.
Supreme Court: Direct Petitions to SC Violate Hierarchy of Courts Rule
SC dismisses Palafox petition for bypassing Court of Appeals, reaffirming strict rule on hierarchy of courts in Philippine litigation.
One-Year Prescription Period for Insurance Claims: The Alpha Plus Ruling
Learn how the Supreme Court's Alpha Plus ruling clarifies the one-year prescription period for insurance claims and why timing matters.
Mortgagee in Good Faith in the Philippines: What Jimenez v. Jimenez, Jr. Means for Property Owners
Learn how the mortgagee in good faith doctrine protects lenders and foreclosure buyers in the Philippines, explained through the Jimenez case.
When Can Police Impound Your Vehicle: Unlawful Seizure Explained
Learn when police can legally impound a vehicle in the Philippines and when seizure becomes unlawful, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Proving Tolerance in Unlawful Detainer: A Landmark Lesson from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proving tolerance in unlawful detainer cases. Learn the key evidence rules for ejectment disputes.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Falsifying the PDS and CSC Jurisdiction Over Exam Anomalies
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal for dishonesty when a police applicant cheats on exams and lies in the Personal Data Sheet.
Understanding Freeze Orders Protecting Assets AND Upholding DUE Process IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts issue freeze orders to protect assets and why due process remains essential in asset preservation cases.
Determining Employee Status: The Fine Line Between Employment and Partnership in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when workers are employees, not partners, and the legal consequences for dismissal in the Philippines.
Judicial Clemency in the Philippines: Lessons from the Ong Case
The Supreme Court partly grants former Sandiganbayan Justice Ong's plea for judicial clemency, restoring benefits and lifting reemployment ban.
The Fiduciary Duty of Banks in Loan Accounting: A Guide to Metrobank v. Cruz
The Supreme Court affirms that banks owe clients a fiduciary duty to keep accurate loan records and render full accounting, beyond any internal retention policy.
Theft by Misappropriation of Found Property: What Philippine Law Requires
Philippine law punishes keeping found property as theft. Learn the finder's duties and key lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Navigating the Fine Line: Gross Inexcusable Negligence in Public Office
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public officer's acts amount to gross inexcusable negligence under the Anti-Graft Law, using a sequestered corporation case.