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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Appeal Denied: Understanding Timeliness and Binding Counsel in Philippine Law
A look at Mendiola v. Commerz Trading, where the Supreme Court clarified VAT liability and the binding effect of contractual stipulations between parties.
Finished Contract VS Medical Repatriation Understanding Seafarer Disability Claims IN THE Philippines
THE Binding Force OF Prior Rulings Understanding THE LAW OF THE Case Doctrine IN Philippine Courts
The Writ of Amparo: Understanding Procedural Requirements for Protecting Constitutional Rights
A guide to the writ of amparo's procedural rules, based on De Lima v. Gatdula, explaining why strict compliance matters.
Breach of Bank Obligations: Understanding Trust Agreements in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court's ruling on PLDT v. ETPI clarifies when courts can enforce judicially approved compromise agreements and the limits of arbitration clauses.
Who Can Sue: Understanding Legal Standing in Philippine Criminal Cases
Learn who can file criminal cases in the Philippines, and how acquittal does not erase civil liability, using the Aglibot v. Santia case.
Standing to Sue: Why Private Complainants Cannot Appeal Criminal Dismissals Alone
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why private complainants lack legal standing to appeal criminal case dismissals without the Solicitor General.
Self-Defense vs Homicide: Understanding Criminal Intent in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and homicide stands, explaining unlawful aggression, dying declarations, and criminal liability.
Treachery and Self-Defense: Understanding Criminal Liability in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies a killing as murder under Philippine law.
Bigamy Despite Annulment: Understanding Retroactive Effects and Marital Status
A sheriff's affair leads to suspension, clarifying how annulment petitions do not erase marital obligations or authorize new relationships.
Defining Capital: Filipino Control of Public Utilities Under the Constitution
The Supreme Court clarifies that mean in the Constitution's requirement that public utilities be at least 60% Filipino-owned? The answer—that "capital" refers to voting stock, not all outstanding shar
Protecting Realty Installment Buyers Understanding Contract Cancellation AND Legal Recourse
Learn how the Maceda Law protects realty installment buyers from unlawful contract cancellation and what legal recourse they have.
Balancing Security and Liberty: Understanding the Limits of Amparo and Habeas Data Petitions in the Philippine
The Supreme Court clarifies when amparo and habeas data writs may be granted, emphasizing substantial evidence over mere fears.
CBA Benefits Limited to Bargaining Unit Members: Understanding Labor Rights
Supreme Court rules CBA benefits apply only to bargaining unit members, not dismissed employees. Learn the legal basis.
Understanding Habitual Tardiness in Philippine Government Service: Rules and Consequences
A clear guide to the rules on habitual tardiness in Philippine government service, including the legal basis, penalties, and practical compliance tips.
Civil Liability Survives Acquittal: Understanding the Limits of Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Law
An acquittal in a criminal case does not automatically erase civil liability. Learn how Philippine courts apply different standards of proof.
When the Ombudsman Cannot Appeal a Reversed Administrative Decision
The Supreme Court rules on the Ombudsman's lack of legal standing to appeal when its administrative decision is reversed on appeal.
Speedy Justice in Ejectment Cases: Understanding Summary Procedure Timelines in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court enforces strict timelines in ejectment cases under the Revised Rule on Summary Procedure, using a 2012 administrative case as a guide.
Death Abates Criminal and Civil Liability: Understanding Extinguishment of Penalties in Philippine Law
When an accused dies pending appeal, both criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished under Article 89 of the Revised Penal Code.
Government Funds and Legal Claims: Understanding COA's Jurisdiction Over UP
Supreme Court clarifies that money claims against UP must first be filed with the Commission on Audit before execution can proceed.
Timeliness is Key: Understanding the 15-Day Rule for Agrarian Disputes
The Supreme Court explains why landowners must file just compensation cases within 15 days of the DARAB decision, or lose their right.
Tenant Rights vs Landowner Rights in the Philippines: Understanding Tenancy and Agricultural Land Law
A look at Philippine tenancy law, balancing tenant rights and landowner rights under agricultural land reform and related statutes.
Understanding Statutory Rape and Qualified Rape in the Philippines: Insights from Arpon v. People
The Supreme Court's Arpon ruling clarifies statutory rape, qualified rape, and the need to prove each charge separately.
Accountability in Public Office: Understanding Malversation of Public Funds in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the elements of malversation of public funds and why restitution does not erase criminal liability for accountable officers.