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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Perfecting Labor Appeals: Can a Real Estate Bond Substitute for Cash or Surety?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a real estate bond can perfect an employer's appeal to the NLRC under Article 223 of the Labor Code.
Judicial Ethics: When a Judge's Actions Lead to Forfeiture of Retirement Benefits
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a judge's misconduct can result in losing all retirement benefits, even after retirement.
Ejectment Suits: When Can a Landowner Reclaim Property From Someone Living There
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a landowner can eject occupants by tolerance, and the legal limits of guardians' authority.
Shared Guilt Establishing Conspiracy in Robbery With Homicide Under Philippine Law
When does a getaway accomplice become liable for murder? Philippine law on conspiracy in robbery with homicide explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
When Can a Company Lay Off Employees? Understanding Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine law on employee layoffs explained: valid dismissal requires just cause and due process. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
Laches and Prescription in Property Disputes: What the Supreme Court Said
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when laches and prescription can dismiss a property case, and why these defenses need full trial.
Obeying Orders: Understanding Criminal Liability for Public Officials in the Philippines
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies the Ombudsman's power to investigate and prosecute public officials, explaining how criminal liability attaches.
Mortgage Foreclosure Surplus: Mortgagor Rights to Excess Bid Proceeds in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mortgagor rights to surplus proceeds from extrajudicial foreclosure sales and writ of possession.
Marriage Annulment and Bigamy in the Philippines: Lessons from a Landmark Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a void marriage still requires judicial declaration before remarriage, and its impact on bigamy charges.
Positive Identification vs Alibi: Key Factors in Philippine Criminal Defense
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when alibi fails against positive identification, circumstantial evidence, and conspiracy in criminal cases.
Doing Business in the Philippines: When Selling to a Filipino Buyer Requires a License
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a foreign corporation's sales to a local buyer constitute
Laches in Philippine Property Law: How Delaying Your Claim Can Cost You
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling shows how laches can bar a registered owner from recovering property after unreasonable delay. Learn the rules.
Perfected Contract of Sale: Key Elements and Legal Implications in the Philippines
Learn the essential elements of a perfected contract of sale in the Philippines, including the requirement of a definite price, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Conspiracy and Murder: Understanding Shared Criminal Intent in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how dying declarations, eyewitness testimony, and treachery establish murder liability beyond reasonable doubt.
Land Ownership Disputes: How Government Reservations Affect Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how government reservations like national parks affect land ownership rights in the Philippines, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Lis Pendens and Contract Disputes: When a Pending Case Can Halt Another Suit
Learn when a pending case between the same parties can block a second lawsuit under the lis pendens rule, explained through a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Wage Disputes: Understanding Regional Director Jurisdiction in the Philippines
Explaining when DOLE Regional Directors can decide wage claims, based on the Supreme Court ruling in M. Ramirez Industries.
Contract Validity and Enforceability: Lessons from Roblett v. Court of Appeals
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling on contract validity, authority to sign, and estoppel in Philippine obligations law.
Understanding Contract Interpretation: When a Windmill Deal Includes a Deep Well
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when contract terms include extra work, and when a typhoon is not a fortuitous event.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Why Notice and Hearing Are Non-Negotiable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why employers must observe notice and hearing requirements before terminating employees, even with alleged just causes.
Evidence in Court: Why Presenting Evidence Properly Matters in Illegal Dismissal Cases
A Supreme Court ruling shows how evidence presentation and procedural rules shape outcomes in illegal dismissal disputes.
Homicide vs. Murder: How Philippine Courts Read Criminal Intent in an Information
A Supreme Court ruling explains when amending an information from homicide to murder is only a formal change, not a violation of the accused's rights.
Rape Conviction: The Importance of Victim Testimony and Circumstantial Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how credible victim testimony and circumstantial evidence can sustain a rape conviction.
Evidence Rules in Illegal Firearm Cases: Why Conviction Requires Proof of No License
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal possession of firearms explains why prosecutors must prove lack of license beyond reasonable doubt.