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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Self-Defense in Philippine Law: The Imperative of Unlawful Aggression
Philippine Supreme Court explains why unlawful aggression is the primordial element of self-defense, and what happens when it is absent.
Venue Stipulations in Contracts: When "Exclusive" Means Exclusive in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when contractual venue stipulations are binding and enforceable, and when courts must dismiss cases filed elsewhere.
Upholding Contract Validity Against Claims of Forgery and Incapacity in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on proving forgery, mental incapacity, and undue influence when challenging notarized property sales.
Bank Manager's Acquittal in Graft Case Does Not Erase Civil Liability for Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that acquittal in a criminal graft case does not automatically absolve a bank manager from civil liability for negligence.
Protecting Childhood Conviction Stands In Statutory Rape Case Despite Lack Of Fresh Medical Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court affirms statutory rape conviction based on credible child testimony, ruling medical evidence is not indispensable.
Valid Service of Summons in Foreign Judgment Recognition: Key Lessons from Express Padala v. Ocampo
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on invalid substituted service of summons in foreign judgment recognition, and its due process implications.
Abandonment vs Illegal Dismissal: Protecting Security Guards' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a security guard who abandons his post may be validly dismissed versus illegally terminated.
Immutability of Judgments: When Final Decisions Can Be Altered
Philippine Supreme Court explains the doctrine of immutability of judgments and its narrow exceptions, using a damages case as illustration.
Kidnapping for Ransom Conviction Upheld: Safe House Caretaker Liable as Co-Principal
Philippine Supreme Court rules on kidnapping for ransom, conspiracy, and multiple counts when several victims are abducted in one information.
Breach of Contract: When Concealing Pre-Existing Illness Negates Seafarer Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarers' disability benefits, fraudulent misrepresentation, and pre-existing conditions under the POEA-SEC.
Contractual Venue Stipulations: Enforceability and Waiver in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when exclusive venue clauses in contracts bind parties and when they are waived.
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: Resolving Conflicting Claims in Real Estate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between a contract to sell and a contract of sale, and how courts resolve conflicting claims over real property.
Credibility of Eyewitness Testimony in Rape Cases Despite Inconsistencies in Time
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, clarifying that exact dates need not be precise.
Establishing Paternity in Support Cases: Protecting Children's Rights to Filiation and Support
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mothers may file support cases directly, with paternity issues resolved within the same proceedings.
Breach of Contract: Defining Scope of Work and Assessing Damages in Construction Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to define scope of work and compute damages when a contractor breaches a construction agreement.
Rehabilitation Denied: The Imperative of Financial Viability in Corporate Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that corporate rehabilitation requires proven financial viability, not just creditor payment delays.
Right of Way vs Contractual Obligations: Enforcing Compromise Agreements in Property Development
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may review factual findings and how contractual penalties are reduced in breach cases.
Insurance Subrogation: Establishing Insurer's Rights Against Third-Party Carriers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when insurers can recover from carriers via subrogation, and when presenting the insurance policy is required.
Sheriff's Duty to Properly Handle and Liquidate Funds in Court-Ordered Actions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs must deposit execution expenses with the Clerk of Court, not receive direct payments.
Vicarious Liability: When Employers Are Liable for Employee Torts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers are vicariously liable for employee torts under Article 2180, and how due diligence in selection and supervision can defeat liability.
Breach of Contract of Carriage: When Moral Damages Require Fraud or Bad Faith
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when injured bus passengers may recover moral damages for breach of contract of carriage—only upon proof of fraud or bad faith.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Timing and Evidence Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when just compensation is reckoned and what evidence trial courts must consider in expropriation cases.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Timing and Evidence Standards
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when just compensation is reckoned and why courts cannot rely on arbitrary or stale comparable sales.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Defining Total and Permanent Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer with a partial disability grade is deemed totally and permanently disabled under the POEA-SEC.