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.
Demurrer to Evidence Denial Not Grave Abuse: Resoso v. Sandiganbayan
When can a denied demurrer to evidence be corrected by certiorari? Resoso v. Sandiganbayan explains the limits.
Motion for Reconsideration Deadlines and Jurisdictional Challenges in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict enforcement of motion for reconsideration deadlines and distinguishes certiorari from appeal in jurisdictional challenges.
Citizen Watchdogs and Libel: The Vasquez Standard for Criticizing Public Officials
The Supreme Court acquits a citizen who denounced a barangay chairman, clarifying libel law for public officials in the Philippines.
Surety Bonds and Customs Liabilities in the Philippines: Understanding Importer Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on surety bonds, customs duties, and importer liability when re-export obligations are breached.
Retroactive Application of Laws: How Courts Ensure Fair Justice When Laws Change
Philippine courts apply laws prospectively, but exceptions exist. This article explains retroactivity principles through a 1999 rape case.
Moral Damages for Unfounded Lawsuits in the Philippines: What the Law Says
Winning a baseless lawsuit does not automatically entitle you to moral damages. Learn the rules from Expertravel v. CA.
Philippine Franchise Tax: Local Governments' Power to Tax and the Limits of "In Lieu of All Taxes" Exemptions
The Supreme Court rules on whether local governments can impose franchise taxes despite "in lieu of all taxes" exemptions under PD 551.
Due Process in Agrarian Reform: The Supreme Court on CLOA Issuance and Rightful Beneficiaries
The Supreme Court affirms that due process is indispensable in CLOA issuance, and explains when exhausting administrative remedies is not required.
Understanding Contracts of Sale vs Contracts to Sell in Philippine Property Law
Learn the key differences between contracts of sale and contracts to sell under Philippine law, and why the distinction matters for property buyers and sellers.
Permanent Total Disability in the Philippines: Employee Rights and Compensation
Understand permanent total disability under Philippine law, how it differs from partial disability, and what the GSIS vs. Bella ruling means for employees.
Lost Your Election Protest? Understanding Pre-Proclamation Controversies in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when election protests must be filed, and why pre-proclamation cases end after proclamation.
Missed Appeal Deadlines in the Philippines: Strict Rules, Rare Exceptions
Philippine courts strictly enforce the 15-day appeal period. Missing it can end a case, with only truly exceptional circumstances excusing delay.
Supreme Court on Actual Damages: Proving Loss in Maritime Collision Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies actual damages rules: hearsay price quotations lack probative value, nominal damages may apply when loss unproven.
Employee Status in Outsourcing: Key Lessons from the Supreme Court on Separation Pay
Learn when a resigning employee may claim separation pay under Philippine law, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling on company practice.
Presumption of Illegal Fishing: What Fishermen Need to Know About Dynamite Fishing Laws in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts apply the presumption of illegal fishing in dynamite fishing cases, what evidence convicts, and the penalties under P.D. 704.
Final and Executory Judgments: When Can They Be Modified?
Explore the narrow exceptions to the finality of judgments in Philippine law, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Solidary Liability for Security Guard Wages: Employer Obligations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when companies are solidarily liable for security agency employees' wages, back pay, and separation pay.
Motion for Reconsideration in NLRC Cases: A Jurisdictional Requirement, Not a Mere Technicality
Filing a Motion for Reconsideration with the NLRC is mandatory before seeking certiorari. Missing this step can be fatal to an otherwise meritorious case.
Caveat Emptor in Philippine Law: The Fule Case on Buyer Beware in Property and Jewelry Deals
Philippine law applies caveat emptor—buyers must inspect goods before purchase. The Fule case shows how failure to verify authenticity can defeat fraud claims.
Res Judicata in Philippine Law: How Prior Judgments Affect Future Claims
Learn how the doctrine of res judicata bars relitigation of decided cases and affects future legal claims in the Philippines.
Substantial Justice vs Technicality: When Can Appeal Deadlines Be Relaxed
The Supreme Court explains when late appeals may be allowed despite rigid rules, balancing technicality against substantial justice in Trans International vs. CA.
Warrantless Arrests and Searches: When Are They Legal in the Philippines?
Learn when warrantless arrests and searches are legal in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Malacat v. Court of Appeals.
Defective Information in Rape Cases: Waiver and Amendment Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court rules on defective information in rape cases, waiver by failure to quash, and amendment of indefinite dates.
Final Judgments Are Final: Disbarred Lawyer's Delays and Contempt
A disbarred lawyer's belated bid to reopen his case fails; the Court orders execution and cites him for contempt.