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.
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.
Jurisdiction vs Exercise of Jurisdiction: Upholding Court Authority Despite Procedural Errors
The Supreme Court clarifies that jurisdiction over labor cases persists despite procedural lapses, and rules on retirement age, CBA benefits, and tax refund claims.
Conspiracy and Overt Acts in Bouncing Check Cases: Ladonga v. People
When can a non-signatory spouse be liable for bouncing checks? The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy rules under B.P. 22.
When Can a Corporate President Bind the Corporation? Lessons from Inter-Asia v. Asia Industries
A corporate president can bind the corporation even without board authority under apparent authority. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court case.
Optional Retirement Rights and Labor Tribunals' Limits in Illegal Dismissal Cases
Supreme Court clarifies optional retirement requires explicit employee consent, and labor tribunals lack jurisdiction over tax refund claims.
Death Penalty Moratorium: The Supreme Court's Stance on Legislative Influence and Execution
The Supreme Court rules that pending bills in Congress cannot justify staying death sentences, reaffirming the constitutionality of the death penalty.
When Silence Speaks: Delayed Reporting, Statutory Rape, and the Pursuit of Justice
Exploring how delayed reporting affects statutory rape cases, the credibility of victims, and the pursuit of justice under Philippine law.
Jurisdictional Challenge Too Late: Estoppel Bars Belated Attacks on DARAB Authority
A party who actively participates in DARAB proceedings cannot belatedly challenge jurisdiction on appeal. The Supreme Court explains estoppel by laches.
Unlawful Arrest Evidence Obtained From Illegal Search Deemed Inadmissible
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that evidence from a warrantless search is inadmissible when the preceding warrantless arrest was unlawful.
Pre-Trial Orders Control Your Case: The Tiu v. Middleton Rule on Witness Exclusion
Pre-trial orders bind trial proceedings. Learn from Tiu v. Middleton why unnamed witnesses may still testify and how to protect your case.
Collective Liability and Conspiracy in Criminal Actions: People v. Aquino
When does mere presence or participation in a transaction amount to criminal conspiracy? The Supreme Court clarifies in People v. Aquino.
Unreliable Witness Identification When Does It Impact A Criminal Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when witness identification and conspiracy evidence fail to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Pacto de Retro Sales in the Philippines: When a Land Sale Is Not an Equitable Mortgage
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a pacto de retro sale stands as a true sale, not an equitable mortgage.
When Family Ties Meet Election Law: Disqualification for Acts of Terrorism
A spouse can be disqualified from office for election terrorism committed by her husband when the acts enhance her candidacy.
Apparent Authority in Corporate Contracts: When a President's Actions Bind a Philippine Company
The Supreme Court explains when a corporate president's contracts bind the company, even without board approval, under the doctrine of apparent authority.
Counterclaims After Complaint Dismissal: Philippine Rules Explained
Learn when counterclaims survive dismissal of the main complaint under Philippine civil procedure, based on the Fletcher Challenge case.
Jurisdiction Over Foreign Corporations: When Philippine Courts Can Hear Your Case
Philippine courts cannot assert jurisdiction over foreign corporations not doing business in the country, even in collection suits involving local parties.
Lease Abandonment and Tenant Rights: The Paterno v. Court of Appeals Case
The Supreme Court's ruling in Paterno v. Court of Appeals clarifies when a tenant's departure amounts to lease abandonment and what it means for landlords and occupants.