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 Damages and Court Jurisdiction: Filing in the Right Philippine Court
Learn how Philippine courts determine jurisdiction in quasi-delict damage claims, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Iniego v. Purganan.
Proving Work-Related Illness in the Philippines: When Is Diabetes Compensable
Diabetes is not automatically compensable under Philippine law. A Supreme Court ruling shows what proof claimants must present.
Default Doesn't Mean Victory: Why Plaintiffs Still Need Evidence in Philippine Courts
A default order doesn't guarantee a win. Philippine courts still require plaintiffs to prove their case by preponderance of evidence.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: High Court Clarifies Social Media Evidence and Penalties
Supreme Court affirms conviction for online psychological abuse under RA 9262, sets guidelines on proving social media authorship, and raises penalty for ICT use.
Power Back On: Your Rights to Electricity Reconnection in the Philippines
When can a power company cut your electricity, and can you get it restored? A Supreme Court ruling clarifies your rights.
Foreclosure on Multiple Properties: Mortgage Indivisibility and Writ of Possession in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law handles foreclosure of multiple mortgaged properties in different locations and the rules on writ of possession.
Habeas Corpus and Mootness: When Release Ends a Petition in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a detainee's release renders a habeas corpus petition moot, with practical guidance.
Attorney Accountability Understanding Lawyer Negligence AND Upholding Client Trust IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for gross negligence, explaining counsel's duties of fidelity, diligence, and proper withdrawal under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Good Faith as a Defense in Philippine Election Offenses: The Garcia Case
When can good faith excuse an election officer's error? The Garcia ruling explains intent in vote canvassing offenses under RA 6646.
Res Judicata in Philippine Land Expropriation When Prior Judgments Bar Reversion Claims
Explaining when prior final judgments bar reversion claims in expropriation cases, citing Republic v. Yu (G.R. No. 157557).
Maintaining Decorum: Why Respectful Language Is Non-Negotiable for Lawyers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court's Molina v. Pacific Plans ruling clarifies how a manager's disrespectful conduct and disloyalty can justify dismissal under Philippine labor law.
Navigating DOLE Inspections: Employer Rights and Compliance in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies employer rights and obligations during DOLE labor inspections, emphasizing compliance, due process, and the Regional Director's jurisdiction.
Attempted vs. Consummated Rape in the Philippines: The Penetration Rule in People v. Miranda
Philippine law once required penile penetration for consummated rape. People v. Miranda shows why digital penetration meant attempted rape—and a lesser penalty.
Real Property Tax Exemption for Telecoms: Understanding Franchise Rights in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on Bayantel's real property tax exemption under its legislative franchise, and what this means for telecom companies.
Mayor's Authority to Sign Contracts: Local Government Powers Under Philippine Law
Learn when a city mayor can validly sign contracts for the local government, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on market stall leases.
Prescription Periods in Philippine Anti-Graft Cases: When Does the Clock Really Start
Learn how Philippine courts determine when the prescriptive period for anti-graft offenses begins, based on recent Supreme Court rulings.
Lease Renewal in the Philippines: What "Upon Agreement" Really Means
A lease "renewable upon agreement" requires mutual consent—no automatic renewal. Learn the rules from Josefa v. San Buenaventura.
Forged Deeds and Property Rights: Protecting Your Land Title in the Philippines
A forged deed cannot transfer ownership. Learn how Philippine courts protect registered landowners from fraudulent sales.
Demurrage in Philippine Shipping: Consignee Duties and Avoiding Penalties
Philippine law holds consignees liable for demurrage when cargo is not claimed promptly. Learn the rules and practical steps to avoid penalties.
Tax Declaration vs. Deed of Sale: Proving Land Ownership in the Philippines
A tax declaration annotation is not proof of land ownership. Learn what documents legally establish title under Philippine law.
Unreliable Eyewitness Testimony: Rabanal v. People and Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court's ruling in Rabanal v. People shows how inconsistent eyewitness testimony and contradicting physical evidence can lead to acquittal.
SSS Death Benefits: Proving Spousal and Child Dependency in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on SSS death benefit claims, focusing on proving dependency for spouses and legitimacy for children.
Stock Trading Risks: Broker and Investor Duties in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when brokers and investors are liable for unpaid stock trades and how the pari delicto rule applies.
Extradition and Due Process: Bail Cancellation Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when bail in extradition cases can be cancelled, and the due process rights of prospective extraditees.