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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Informing Seafarers: The Cornerstone of Due Process in Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability claims, emphasizing due process and the necessity of informing seafarers of their rights and options.
Unlawful Detainer: The Imperative of Alleging Tolerance in Ejectment Suits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why tolerance must be alleged in unlawful detainer cases to establish jurisdiction.
Just Compensation and Judicial Notice Limits in Expropriation Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may take judicial notice of other cases in determining just compensation for expropriated property.
When Counsel's Gross Negligence Excuses Procedural Lapses: B.E. San Diego v. Bernardo
A Supreme Court ruling on when gross negligence of counsel can excuse procedural errors and prevent deprivation of property rights.
Deposition Notice Timeliness and Waiver in Philippine Legal Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on deposition notice requirements, waiver of defects, and the distinction between admissibility and weight of evidence.
Unregistered Sale vs Registered Levy: Who Wins Under Philippine Property Law
A buyer who fails to register a sale may still defeat a later levy on execution if ownership had already passed, explains a 2018 Supreme Court ruling.
Alias Writ of Possession: The Limits of Trial Court Authority in Appeal Dismissals
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a trial court may dismiss an appeal, and why orders of execution are not appealable.
When Delayed Medical Assessments Translate to Total Disability: Protecting Seafarers' Rights
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a company-designated physician's failure to issue a timely, final disability assessment converts a seafarer's disability to total and permanent.
Exceeding Authority: Usurpation of Official Functions and Anti-Graft Violations in Public Office
A Supreme Court ruling on when a public officer's unauthorized acts constitute usurpation of official functions and graft under Philippine law.
Self-Defense and the Degree of Criminal Liability: Distinguishing Homicide From Murder
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a killing is homicide, not murder, and why self-defense must be proven by clear and convincing evidence.
Local Tax Refunds: Protest vs. Claim — What the Supreme Court Says
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the difference between protesting a local tax assessment and claiming a refund, and the deadlines that apply.
Foreign Currency Deposits and Joint Accounts: When Courts Cannot Order Withdrawal
A Supreme Court ruling explains why courts cannot order release of foreign currency deposits and when co-depositor consent is required.
Nepotism and Misconduct Limits on Local Government Hiring Practices in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies nepotism rules, the condonation doctrine, and hiring limits for local government positions.
Lodging Liability When Hotel Owners Promote Human Trafficking
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on hotel owner liability for promoting trafficking under RA 9208, based on circumstantial evidence.
Trust Receipt Breach: When Failure to Deliver Constitutes Estafa in the Philippines
Explore when failure to deliver under a trust receipt agreement constitutes estafa, based on a 2018 Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Amendment of Information After Plea: Balancing Due Process and Fair Trial Rights
A Supreme Court ruling on when courts may allow amendments to a criminal information after the accused has pleaded, and the limits of such amendments.
When a Car Purchase Goes Wrong: Establishing Liability in Sales Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a person who receives payment and issues a receipt in a car sale can be held liable as a seller.
SSS Erroneous Contributions and the Principle of Estoppel: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on erroneous SSS contributions, estoppel against government agencies, and employee membership validity.
Laches and Jurisdiction: When Delaying a Challenge Can Validate an Invalid Forum
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on laches, jurisdiction, and forum challenges in labor disputes, with practical takeaways for employers and employees.
Upholding Contractual Freedom: Injunctive Relief and the Limits of Exclusivity in Lottery Operations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when injunctive relief fails absent a clear legal right, using the PCSO-PGMC lottery lease dispute.
Work-Related Injury: Defining Course of Employment in Seafarer Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer death benefits, work-related illness presumption, and employer duties under POEA-SEC.
Unjust Enrichment Claims and the Burden of Proving Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unjust enrichment claims, evidentiary rules for private documents, and notarized affidavits in civil cases.
Procurement Violations Supreme Court Emphasizes Compliance Despite Settled Claims
Supreme Court ruling on procurement violations involving Artes International highlights strict compliance with government procurement rules, even for settled claims.
Failure to Comply with Drug Evidence Safeguards: Ramos v. People and the Chain of Custody Rule
A Supreme Court ruling shows why strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165 is vital in drug cases.