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.
Res Gestae Exception: Admissibility of Spontaneous Statements in Philippine Homicide Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the res gestae exception to admit a victim's spontaneous statement identifying his assailant in a homicide case.
When Authority Restrains Defining Arbitrary Detention IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that mere employees cannot be held liable for illegal recruitment absent proof of knowledge and active participation.
When Agents Exceed Authority Understanding Reimbursement Rights IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on agency, reimbursement rights, and the limits of an agent's authority under civil law.
Liability Beyond Corporate Veil: Solidary Obligations in Loan Agreements
When officers sign loan documents personally, they become solidarily liable with the corporation. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Airline Liability: The Ticket-Issuing Carrier Responsible for Your Entire Journey
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: ticket-issuing airlines are principals in contracts of carriage and liable for the acts of partner carriers on any segment.
Judicial Overreach Approving Bail Outside Jurisdictional Boundaries 2
Supreme Court clarifies venue, exhaustion of administrative remedies, and limits on injunctions in environmental cases.
Dishonored Obligations When A Lawyers Debt Becomes A Disciplinary Matter
When a lawyer's unpaid debt and worthless checks become grounds for suspension—a look at Lao v. Medel.
Age Limits and Security of Tenure: Navigating Employment Rights in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how age limits in service contracts interact with security of tenure and constructive dismissal claims.
Compulsory vs Permissive Counterclaims: When Court Fees Are Not Required in Loan Disputes
Learn when a counterclaim in a loan dispute is compulsory and exempt from docket fees, based on a 2003 Supreme Court ruling.
Defining Common Carriers When A Limited Clientele Doesnt Equal Private Carriage
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a shipping firm with a limited clientele can still be a common carrier under the Civil Code.
Treachery in Robbery With Homicide: Supreme Court Clarifies Aggravating Circumstances
The Supreme Court clarifies that treachery can aggravate robbery with homicide when the victim is killed treacherously, affecting penalty imposition.
Extension of Lease Agreements: Lessees' Rights in Cases of Partial Dispossession
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lessees' right to lease extension when partially dispossessed, explained in plain language.
Dying Declarations and Juvenile Offenders: Defining Justice in Rape with Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape-with-homicide conviction based on a dying declaration but spares a 15-year-old from death.
Treachery Defined: How Sudden Attack Establishes Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains treachery as sudden, unexpected attack and clarifies rules on unlicensed firearms, penalties, and damages in murder cases.
Child Witness Testimony in Murder Cases: When a Child's Word Can Convict
When can an eight-year-old's testimony convict in murder cases? The Supreme Court explains the rules on child witness credibility.
Conspiracy Unmasked When Silence Implies Guilt IN Murder AND Kidnapping Cases
The Supreme Court explains how circumstantial evidence and silence can establish conspiracy in murder and kidnapping cases.
Right to Information: Accused Cannot Be Convicted of a Crime Not Clearly Charged
The Supreme Court reinstates a rape case, ruling an information need only state the essential elements, not every detail.
Waiver of Publication in Foreclosure Sales: Protecting Public Interest Over Private Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules parties cannot waive publication requirements in extrajudicial foreclosure sales under Act No. 3135.
Flight as Evidence of Guilt in Philippine Criminal Cases: People v. Lobrigas
When does running away or escaping detention prove guilt? The Supreme Court explains the legal weight of flight in criminal cases.
Regular Employment Status and the Limits of Prior Judgments in Labor Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a prior money claim judgment bars a later case for confirmation of regular employment status.
Duty to Act: Estoppel in Questioning Credit Account Statements
When silence on a credit statement binds a debtor. The Supreme Court explains estoppel, litis pendentia, and the burden of proof.
Indispensable Parties in Mortgage Annulment Cases: Insights from China Banking Corp. v. Oliver
When is a mortgagor indispensable in an annulment of mortgage case? The Supreme Court clarifies in China Banking Corp. v. Oliver.
Certifying Non-Forum Shopping: The Personal Signature Requirement in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies that a certificate of non-forum shopping must be personally signed by the party, not just counsel, or the case faces dismissal.
Defining Jurisdiction When Specific Performance Claims Outweigh Monetary Demands In Contract Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies RTC jurisdiction over breach of contract cases where specific performance is the main action, not the monetary claim.