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.
Partnership Disputes: When a Deed of Sale Is Simulated and Fiduciary Duties Endure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on simulated deeds of sale in partnership disputes, fiduciary duties, and bad faith withholding of funds.
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.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: When Can You Skip It
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may excuse failure to exhaust administrative remedies, and why premature court actions get dismissed.
Redeemable Preferred Shares: When Can a Corporation Refuse Redemption? Philippine Law Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a corporation may refuse to redeem preferred shares, and why stockholders cannot compel redemption.
Extended Leases Balancing Equity AND Contractual Obligations IN Property LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on extending lease terms beyond contract expiry, balancing equity and contractual freedom in property law.
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.
Ejectment of Possessors by Tolerance: Guardians, Wills, and Unlawful Detainer
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a guardian may eject possessors by tolerance, and why an unprobated will does not defeat an unlawful detainer suit.
Retroactive Application of Penalties: When Can Criminal Sentences Be Reduced
Philippine Supreme Court explains when reduced criminal penalties apply retroactively, using a drug case as an example.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Intimidation and the Weight of Positive Identification
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape convictions despite lack of struggle or medical certificate, ruling intimidation and positive identification suffice.
Mixed Union Membership When Supervisors Cant Join Rank AND File Unions IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a union mixing rank-and-file and supervisory employees cannot file for certification election.
Rape Conviction Upheld: The Power of Intimidation and Victim Testimony
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape convictions based on credible victim testimony, intimidation by scythe, and rejection of alibi defenses.
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.
When Witness Inconsistency Undermines a Murder Conviction in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when minor witness inconsistencies do not destroy a rape conviction and how credibility is assessed.
Mistake in Contracts: When Can a Sale Be Annulled?
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a mistake in the object of a sale can invalidate consent and allow annulment of the contract.
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.
Voluntary Appearance and Jurisdiction: What Filing Pleadings Means in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court explains how voluntary appearance in court can cure defective summons and establish jurisdiction over a person.
Supervisory Neglect: When a Clerk of Court Answers for a Subordinate's Nonfeasance
Philippine Supreme Court holds clerks of court liable for failing to supervise subordinates, explaining the duty of periodic monitoring.
Rape Conviction: Why Delay in Filing Does Not Always Equal Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a rape victim's delayed complaint can still be credible and lead to conviction.
Continuing Surety Agreements Can Validly Cover Future Debts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that continuing surety agreements validly secure future debts, even if no principal obligation exists at signing.
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
When Are Insurance Claim Agents Liable for Foreign Principals' Debts in the Philippines?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when local claim agents of foreign insurers can be held personally liable for policy obligations.
Good Faith in Redundancy Termination: When Hidden Motives Are Not Proven
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when redundancy dismissal is valid and good faith presumed, and when damages may be awarded.
When Can an Employer Claim Loss of Confidence as Grounds for Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of confidence justifies dismissal and bars separation pay for trusted employees guilty of misconduct.