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 "May" Means Optional: Advance Payments in Property Sales
Supreme Court ruling on whether a buyer's advance payment obligation in a property sale is mandatory or discretionary, and its effect on contract rescission.
Habeas Corpus and Drug Offenses: Ensuring Fair Application of Penalties
A look at how the Supreme Court used habeas corpus to correct an excessive penalty for a minor drug offense.
Deadline for Landowners Appealing Land Valuation Decisions Under Agrarian Reform
Philippine Veterans Bank case clarifies the 15-day deadline for landowners to challenge DAR land valuation decisions before Special Agrarian Courts.
Dismissal Without Malicious Prosecution: Why Probable Cause Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a dismissed criminal case does not automatically mean malicious prosecution. Learn the legal distinction.
Electrocution and Liability: Negligence and Damages in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on electric cooperative liability for electrocution, negligence, and damages under Philippine law.
Store Owner Liability for Customer Safety: Lessons from the Jarco Marketing Case
When a defective store fixture injures a customer, who pays? The Jarco case clarifies premises liability and negligence rules in the Philippines.
Fake Lawyer Defense: When an Impostor Can Void a Criminal Conviction in the Philippines
Convictions can be overturned when the accused was represented by a non-lawyer. Learn the rules and how to verify counsel credentials.
Securing Shareholder Rights: Preliminary Injunctions in Philippine Corporate Disputes
Understand when Philippine courts grant preliminary injunctions in corporate disputes, using the Ortañez-Enderes case as a guide to shareholder rights.
Wrong Court Wrong Verdict: Why Jurisdiction Matters in Philippine Criminal Cases
A conviction by a court without jurisdiction is void. Learn from Pangilinan v. Court of Appeals why the right court matters.
Invalid Government Appointments: How Unpublished Decrees Affect Public Servants' Rights
Supreme Court ruling on how unpublished presidential decrees create no valid offices, and why automatic absorption of employees is unconstitutional.
Reformation of Contracts in the Philippines: Navigating Unforeseen Events and Economic Shifts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contract reformation, fortuitous events, and extraordinary inflation in lease agreements. Learn key legal principles.
Judicial Rank vs Salary Grade: Understanding Position Classification in the Philippine Judiciary
The Supreme Court explains why equal salary grades do not mean equal judicial rank, clarifying position classification in the Court of Appeals.
When a Bouncing Check Isn't Estafa: Checks as Loan Security in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when postdated checks given as loan security, not payment, cannot result in estafa conviction.
Privity of Contract in the Philippines: Why Third Parties Are Not Bound by Your Agreement
Learn how privity of contract protects banks and third parties from obligations they never agreed to, explained through the Villalon case.
Notice of Dishonor Under BP 22: Why Actual Receipt Matters in Bouncing Check Cases
Under BP 22, a bounced check issuer can only be convicted if properly notified of dishonor. The Betty King case shows why actual notice is crucial.
Ejectment and Your Business: Understanding Privity to Avoid Surprises
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a business can be bound by an ejectment case even if not named as a party-defendant.
Valid Substituted Service: How Philippine Courts Can Serve Summons Without Personal Delivery
Learn when substituted service of summons is valid in Philippine courts, what the sheriff's return must show, and how to challenge a default order.
Filing Fees in Philippine Election Protests: Jurisdictional Rules and Timelines
Philippine election protest filing fees are jurisdictional. Late payment does not cure defects. Learn the rules and deadlines.
Reconstitution of Burned Court Records: When Late Filing Is Not Fatal
Supreme Court clarifies that failure to file for reconstitution of burned court records within six months does not automatically bar the remedy.
Selling a Homestead Too Soon in the Philippines Can Cost You Everything
Philippine law bars selling homestead land within five years of the patent. Learn the rule and its consequences.
NLRC Appeal Bond Rules: Why Missing the Deadline Kills Your Labor Appeal
Learn why failing to post the NLRC appeal bond on time can dismiss your labor appeal, and how the DORELCO case shapes the rules.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Notice and Hearing Requirements in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on due process in employee dismissal, appeal bonds, and finality of labor arbiter decisions.
Simulated Sales in Philippine Property Law: Intent, Foreign Ownership, and the Blanco v. Quasha Precedent
Learn how Philippine courts determine simulated sales, why intent matters, and the key lessons from Blanco v. Quasha on property transactions.
Palpable Mistakes in Stipulations: Correcting Factual Errors in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts may correct factual errors in stipulations when made through palpable mistake, as shown in Atlas Consolidated Mining v. CIR.