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.
Probable Cause in the Philippines: What You Need to Know
Learn how Philippine courts define probable cause, why it matters in criminal cases, and what the Drilon v. Court of Appeals ruling means for you.
Replevin Actions and Chattel Mortgagees: When the Mortgagor Must Be Impleaded
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a chattel mortgagee must implead the mortgagor in a replevin action to foreclose on a vehicle.
Amending Pleadings: When Can You Change Your Legal Strategy Mid-Case?
Learn when Philippine courts allow supplemental or amended complaints to change relief sought mid-case, based on Superclean Services v. HDMF.
Contract of Sale vs. Contract to Sell: Key Differences Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains the crucial distinction between a contract of sale and a contract to sell, and why the label on the document does not always determine the true agreement.
Reversion of Illegally Obtained Public Land: Indefeasibility of Title vs. State's Inherent Right
The Supreme Court rules that the State can recover public land fraudulently titled, as indefeasibility of title cannot defeat reversion.
Perfecting an Appeal: Understanding the Importance of Procedural Compliance in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict procedural compliance in appeals and the limits of administrative interpretation of law.
When Is a Police Officer Considered On-Duty? Compensation Under Philippine Law
Philippine law treats police officers as on duty 24 hours a day for compensation purposes. Learn how this affects claims under the Employees' Compensation Program.
Accretion vs Reclamation: Understanding Land Ownership Rights in the Philippines
Philippine law distinguishes accretion from reclamation for land ownership. Learn the rules, burdens, and practical implications.
When Is a Shipping Company Responsible for Cargo Damage? Key Lessons from Philippine Home Assurance v. Eastern
A ship fire, salvage charges, and extra freight—who pays? The Supreme Court clarifies carrier liability and negligence in cargo shipping.
How Philippine Courts Interpret Lease Agreements and Advance Deposits
Clear lease terms and receipts control contract interpretation. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling on advance deposits and rescission.
Understanding Illegal Logging and Timber Possession Laws in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that possessing lumber without legal documents is a crime under the Revised Forestry Code, explaining key rules on seizure and confiscation.
Right of Way Disputes in the Philippines: The Least Prejudicial Rule Explained
Learn how Philippine courts choose the least prejudicial right of way under the Civil Code and the Quimen case.
Fire Insurance Premiums: When Partial Payment Is Not Enough in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether partial premium payment makes a fire insurance policy valid and binding.
Jurisdiction Over Foreign Corporations Doing Business in the Philippines
Philippine courts can assert jurisdiction over foreign corporations doing business locally, even for a single transaction, under Rule 14, Section 14.
Falsification of Public Documents: Understanding Intent and Presumptions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on falsification of public documents, explaining the presumption of authorship when one possesses and uses forged titles.
Deducting Bad Debts in the Philippines: Proving Worthlessness for Tax Purposes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements for deducting bad debts for tax purposes, emphasizing documentary proof of worthlessness.
Understanding Legal Redemption: Protecting Co-Owners' Rights in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies co-owners' legal redemption rights, written notice requirements, and timely exercise under Civil Code Articles 1619-1623.
Unilateral Interest Rate Hikes When Banks Overstep Their Bounds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when banks cannot unilaterally raise loan interest rates, and the limits of escalation clauses.
Res Judicata in Land Registration: Ramirez v. Court of Appeals Explained
When does a final denial of a land registration application bar a later one? The Supreme Court clarifies res judicata in Ramirez v. Court of Appeals.
Navigating Annulment in the Philippines: Due Process, Collusion, and the Role of Legal Counsel
The Tuason case clarifies due process, counsel's negligence, and the state's role in Philippine annulment proceedings.
The Anti-Alias Law: When Is Using Another Person’s Name a Crime?
The Supreme Court explains the limits of the Anti-Alias Law in a case where a government employee signed a visitor’s logbook with another person’s name.
The Best Evidence Rule: Proving Payment and Authority in Philippine Law
Philippine National Bank v. Court of Appeals clarifies when the best evidence rule requires producing an original document to prove payment and agency authority.
Injunctions and Property Rights: When Courts Will Intervene
A clear property right is essential for an injunction. The Supreme Court explains the rules in Far East Bank v. Court of Appeals.
Child Custody in the Philippines: Understanding the Under-Seven Rule
The Supreme Court explains the mandatory under-seven rule in child custody cases under Article 213 of the Family Code.