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.
Judicial Impartiality in Philippine Courts: When Should a Judge Inhibit?
A Supreme Court ruling on when judges must inhibit from cases where their impartiality might be questioned, explained in plain language.
Lost Goods in Customs Custody: Government Liability and Revival of Judgments
A guide to government liability for lost goods in customs custody, revival of judgments, and legal interest rules under Philippine law.
Redemption Denied: Why Tender of Payment Is Crucial in Philippine Foreclosure Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a borrower must actually tender payment to redeem foreclosed property—not just file a case.
Judicial Accountability in the Philippines: When Judges Fail Their Duty
Supreme Court ruling on judge who resigned amid administrative cases shows accountability persists even after resignation from the judiciary.
Rape Conviction Based on Circumstantial Evidence Protecting Victims of Unconscious Assault
Philippine Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction, ruling that a sleeping victim's testimony and medical evidence suffice to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Lack of Property Rights: Why a Valid Claim Is Essential to File a Case in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts require a valid claim or property right to file a case. This article explains the rule and its practical implications.
Judicial Delays and Judge Liability: Lessons from Dela Cruz v. Judge Vallarta
A Philippine judge fined P11,000 for gross inefficiency in resolving motions, plus P5,000 for contempt—what this means for litigants and judicial accountability.
Perjury in the Philippines: Proving Willful Falsehood in Legal Statements
The Supreme Court explains when a false statement under oath becomes perjury, requiring willful and deliberate intent beyond mere error.
Illegal Strikes and Return-to-Work Orders: What Philippine Labor Law Requires
When can a strike be declared illegal in the Philippines? The Supreme Court explains the binding effect of assumption and return-to-work orders.
When Can Courts Compel the Ombudsman to Prosecute? Mandamus Limits Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that mandamus cannot compel the Ombudsman to file criminal charges, as prosecutorial discretion remains with that office.
Unconscionable Interest Rates: How Philippine Courts Protect Borrowers
Philippine courts void unconscionable interest rates as against public policy. Learn the rules, jurisprudential standards, and practical protections for borrowers.
Perjury in the Philippines: When a False Statement Is Not a Crime
The Supreme Court explains why negligence, not malice, in a sworn statement does not amount to perjury under Philippine law.
Voluntary Agreement IS KEY Understanding Valid Arbitration IN Philippine Barangay Dispute Resolution
Learn how the Supreme Court treats compromise agreements as binding law, and how filing a second case can constitute forum shopping.
Final Judgment IS Final: Understanding Forum Shopping AND Res Judicata IN Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when a final DAR order becomes immutable and why Rule 47 annulment cannot replace a timely appeal.
Non-Compete Clauses in Philippine Employment: When Post-Employment Restrictions Are Valid
The Supreme Court explains when non-compete clauses in employment contracts are valid and enforceable under Philippine law.
Unlock Loan Restructuring Benefits: Why Application Is Key Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on RA 7202 shows why filing an application is essential to claim loan restructuring and condonation benefits.
Improvident Plea of Guilt in Philippine Rape Cases: Supreme Court Clarifies Safeguards
The Supreme Court explains when a guilty plea in capital cases is improvident and how convictions can still stand on independent evidence.
Missed Your Appeal Understanding Finality of Judgments in Philippine Courts
A missed appeal deadline means final judgment. Learn how Philippine courts treat late appeals and why co-accused appeals don't help.
Double Sale of Land in the Philippines: Bad Faith Registration and Ejectment Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sale of land: bad faith registration cannot defeat the first buyer's right to possession.
When Circumstantial Evidence Convicts: Lessons from a Philippine Rape-Homicide Case
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence is enough to convict, using a rape-homicide case as a guide.
Double Sale in the Philippines: How Good Faith and Prior Knowledge Decide Property Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sale: a second buyer who registers first but knows of the first sale acts in bad faith and loses.
Philippine Franchise Tax and Real Property Tax: Exemptions for Telecom Companies
Supreme Court ruling on telecom franchise tax exemptions and real property tax liability under the Local Government Code.
Prolonged Suspension Equals Constructive Dismissal: Security Guard Rights Under Philippine Labor Law
When a security guard's preventive suspension lasts beyond 30 days without pay, it becomes constructive dismissal entitling the worker to reinstatement and backwages.
Laches Is Not a Shield for Fraud: Protecting Your Land Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: laches cannot defeat claims over void or forged land deeds. Know your rights.