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.
Lis Pendens in the Philippines: When a Defendant Can Protect Property Rights
Learn when a defendant can register a notice of lis pendens in the Philippines, even without a registered title, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
SEC vs Stock Exchange: Who Decides Which Stocks Get Listed in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling clarifies the SEC's power to review stock exchange listing decisions and the limits of that authority.
The Right to Preliminary Investigation: A Shield for Liberty in Philippine Criminal Procedure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why a regular preliminary investigation is a substantive right, not a mere technicality, protecting the accused from arbitrary detention.
When Can a Stock Exchange Deny a Listing? The Puerto Azul Case Explained
The Supreme Court explains the limits of SEC power over stock exchange listing decisions and the business judgment rule.
Service of Summons: How to Ensure Valid Jurisdiction in Philippine Courts
Learn how defective substituted service of summons can invalidate court jurisdiction, using the Toyota Cubao v. Guevarra ruling as a guide.
Upholding Judicial Competence: The Cost of Ignoring Basic Procedural Rules
A judge's severe reprimand for gross ignorance of appeal rules underscores the high standard of competence expected of Philippine courts.
Common Carriers and Fortuitous Events: When Is a Carrier Liable for Passenger Injury
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a tire blowout is not a fortuitous event and why common carriers face a presumption of negligence in passenger injury cases.
Overriding Commissions After Retirement: Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether employees can claim commissions earned before retirement but paid after. Learn the rules.
Conditional vs. Absolute Sale: How Philippine Courts Determine True Property Ownership
Philippine courts look beyond contract labels to determine if a sale is absolute or conditional. Learn the key rules from a landmark Supreme Court case.
Stop-and-Frisk Doctrine: Balancing Public Safety and Individual Rights in Drug Cases
Explaining the stop-and-frisk exception to warrantless searches in Philippine drug cases, and how courts balance public safety with constitutional rights.
Illegal Firearm Possession: Understanding the Nuances of Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts decide illegal firearm possession cases, from warrantless searches to penalties under RA 8294.
Employers Bad Faith Actions Employee Rights AND Remedies IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine law protects employees and passengers from employer bad faith, with remedies and damages explained in plain language.
Bottle Ownership and Trademark Rights: Navigating Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who owns liquor bottles after sale and the limits of trademark protection under R.A. 623.
Lost Luggage Liability of Common Carriers in the Philippines: The Sarkies Tours Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies common carrier liability for lost passenger luggage, including moral and exemplary damages under the Civil Code.
Compromise Agreements in Estate Settlements: Validity and Enforceability
Learn when compromise agreements partitioning inherited property are valid without court approval, and why probate courts cannot finally rule on ownership.
Presidential Power vs Legislative Authority: Proclamation Validity in the Philippines
Supreme Court nullifies Proclamation No. 164 for exceeding presidential power after Congress convened, reaffirming separation of powers.
Franchise Boundaries: When NPC Can Supply Power Over Existing Franchises
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when NPC may directly supply power within areas covered by existing electric franchise holders.
Mortgage Contracts and Future Advances: Understanding the Scope of Security in Philippine Law
When does a real estate mortgage cover future loans beyond the stated amount? The Supreme Court explains in Quintanilla v. RCBC.
Execution Pending Appeal: When Good Reasons Exist in Philippine Civil Procedure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when execution pending appeal is allowed, emphasizing that financial distress of a corporate party is not a "good reason."
Patent Novelty, Prior Art, and the Presumption of Validity in Philippine Patent Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on patent novelty, prior art, and the heavy burden to overcome the presumption of patent validity.
Premature Objections When Third-Party Claims Challenge Evidence in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a spouse cannot file a third-party claim after a fraudulent conveyance is annulled.
Judicial Accountability: Independent Assessment of Justice Secretary's Resolutions in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on trial courts' duty to independently assess Justice Secretary's resolutions in withdrawal of criminal informations.
Subrogation in Philippine Law: Recovering Debt After Paying Another's Mortgage
Explaining subrogation under Philippine law through a Supreme Court ruling on a partner who paid a co-debtor's mortgage.
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.