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.
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Compulsory vs. Permissive Counterclaims: What Philippine Litigants Must Know
Learn the difference between compulsory and permissive counterclaims in Philippine courts, including docket fees, forum shopping, and the Alba v. Malapajo ruling.
Piercing the Corporate Veil Has Limits in Estate Proceedings: Mayor v. Tiu
The Supreme Court clarifies that probate courts cannot pierce the corporate veil to seize a corporation's assets as part of a decedent's estate.
When Courts Err on Indigent Status: The Pangcatan Ruling on Filing Fees
The Supreme Court clarifies when a trial court's mistake on indigent litigant status affects jurisdiction over a case.
Rule 45 Petitions: When the Supreme Court Will Not Review Factual Findings
The Supreme Court explains why factual findings of lower courts bind it, limiting Rule 45 review to questions of law.
Proving Loss of Earning Capacity: Admissibility of Evidence in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts prove loss of earning capacity, and why unobjected documentary evidence can establish damages for a deceased's unrealized income.
NTC Primary Jurisdiction Over Access Charges in Interconnection Agreements
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that the NTC has primary jurisdiction over access charges in interconnection agreements, and why courts must defer.
Appeal Bonds and Due Process in Labor Dismissal Cases: Key Lessons from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies when defective appeal bonds may be excused and how courts may rule on unassigned errors in illegal dismissal cases.
Trademark Disputes: Unfair Competition and Prejudicial Questions in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when civil trademark cases can suspend criminal prosecutions and how courts review prosecutorial findings on probable cause.
NTC Primary Jurisdiction Over Access Charge Disputes: PT&T v. Smart Communications
When do courts yield to the NTC on telecom access charge disputes? The Supreme Court clarifies the doctrine of primary jurisdiction.
Finality of Judgment vs Probable Cause: Balancing Justice in Trademark Infringement Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that a final judgment quashing search warrants binds courts, but probable cause for prosecution may still stand.
Work-Related Illness and Causation in Seafarer Disability Claims: Key Lessons
Learn how Philippine courts decide seafarer disability claims, focusing on work-related illness, causation, and the POEA standard of proof.
Possession of Illegal Drugs: How Philippine Courts Prove Intent Beyond Reasonable Doubt
In Luy v. People, the Supreme Court explains how intent to possess illegal drugs is proved, and why mere denial rarely defeats a charge under R.A. 9165.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Evaluating Testimony and Circumstantial Evidence
How Philippine courts weigh a rape victim's testimony and circumstantial evidence, based on People v. Rusco (G.R. No. 212157).
When Courts Can't Enjoin EPIRA: Limits of Judicial Authority on Injunctions
Supreme Court rules RTCs cannot enjoin EPIRA implementation—only the High Court may issue such injunctions, even in declaratory relief cases.
Ensuring Chain of Custody: Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts treat lapses in Section 21 drug evidence rules and why preserving the chain of custody remains decisive in drug cases.
Ejectment Actions: Distinguishing Forcible Entry From Unlawful Detainer in Property Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish forcible entry from unlawful detainer, and why the complaint's allegations determine jurisdiction in ejectment cases.
Barangay Boundary Disputes: Why the Sanggunian, Not Courts, Resolves Them First
The Supreme Court clarifies that barangay boundary disputes must first be settled by the sanggunian, not the RTC, under the Local Government Code.
Specific Denial: How Philippine Courts Determine Liability in Contractual Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies when a third-party complaint may be denied and how contractual liability for delivering clean title is determined.
Amending Pleadings: When Courts Should Grant Leave to File Amended Complaints
Explore when Philippine courts should allow amended pleadings, based on a Supreme Court ruling on a bank foreclosure case.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim Testimony and the Anti-Rape Law in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court affirms robbery with rape conviction, underscoring the weight of credible victim testimony and the application of anti-rape laws.
Deficiency Claims After Foreclosure: Banks' Rights and Limits on Penalties
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that banks may collect deficiency after extrajudicial foreclosure, but courts can reduce excessive penalty charges.
Unconscionable Penalties: Reassessing Loan Obligations in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may reduce penalty charges and attorney's fees in deficiency claims after foreclosure.
Recognizing Foreign Divorce in the Philippines: Proving the Alien Spouse’s National Law
Philippine courts require proof of both the foreign divorce decree and the alien spouse's national law. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court case.
Default Judgment in Philippine Civil Cases: Why Timely Answers and Remedies Matter
Understand when Philippine courts may declare a party in default, the requirements, and the remedies available before a default judgment becomes final.