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.
Navigating Appeals in Philippine Administrative Law: Jurisdiction and Exhaustion of Remedies
The Supreme Court clarifies appellate jurisdiction over PNP disciplinary cases, exhaustion of remedies, and administrative law principles in Cabada v. Alunan.
Chattel Mortgage Coverage of Future Loans: The Acme Shoe Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a chattel mortgage can cover future loans and why full payment extinguishes the security.
Anti-Fencing Law in the Philippines: Possession and Legal Presumptions
The Anti-Fencing Law criminalizes dealing in stolen goods. Mere possession creates a presumption of fencing. Learn how to protect yourself.
Appeal Bonds in Philippine Labor Cases: When Can They Be Reduced
Learn when Philippine courts may reduce appeal bonds in labor cases, the rules on perfecting appeals, and practical tips for compliance.
Lost Documents in Court: Proving Your Case With Secondary Evidence in the Philippines
When the original document is lost, Philippine rules allow secondary evidence. Learn the requirements from a Supreme Court case.
Police Power vs Individual Rights: Regulating OFW Deployment
The Supreme Court upholds the Artist Record Book requirement for performing artists bound abroad as a valid exercise of police power.
Buyer Beware Protecting Yourself From Land Title Fraud IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts view taxpayer suits and land transactions, and what this means for protecting property rights.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: When Philippine Courts Look Beyond the Deed's Title
Philippine courts can reclassify a deed of absolute sale as an equitable mortgage based on the parties' true intent and surrounding circumstances.
Executive Clemency and Pending Appeals: When Can a Pardon Be Granted?
Philippine Supreme Court rules pardons granted while an appeal is pending are void, explaining the constitutional limits on executive clemency.
Religious Freedom vs Censorship: Balancing Rights in Philippine Broadcast Media
The Supreme Court ruled that the MTRCB may review religious TV programs but cannot ban them merely for criticizing other religions.
When Can a Bank Seize Funds? Understanding Set-Off Rights in the Philippines
Learn when Philippine banks can legally seize deposits through set-off, and the limits on this right under Philippine law.
Mandamus vs. Quo Warranto: Choosing the Right Remedy for Public Office Disputes
Learn when to file mandamus or quo warranto in Philippine law, and how the Supreme Court's ruling in Garces v. CA guides the choice.
Forged Deeds and Property Rights: Understanding Acquisitive Prescription in the Philippines
Can a forged deed ripen into ownership through prescription? The Supreme Court explains why bad faith blocks acquisitive prescription on titled land.
Failing to Answer Interrogatories in Philippine Courts: What Santiago Land Development Teaches Us
Learn the consequences of failing to answer interrogatories in Philippine courts, and why dismissal is discretionary, not automatic.
Mutuality of Contracts: Why Banks Cannot Unilaterally Change Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why banks cannot unilaterally raise loan interest rates without borrower consent, citing mutuality of contracts.
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.
Immediate Reinstatement Pending Appeal: What Philippine Employees Should Know
Philippine Airlines v. NLRC explains the immediate executory nature of reinstatement orders pending appeal under Article 223 of the Labor Code.
Adverse Claims in Philippine Property Law: Validity, Effectivity, and Third-Party Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when an adverse claim remains effective under Section 70 of PD 1529 and its effect on subsequent levies.
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.
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.
When Can an Employee Be Dismissed: The Rule on Immediate Reinstatement Pending Appeal
Learn the rule on immediate reinstatement pending appeal in illegal dismissal cases, explained through the Philippine Airlines v. NLRC ruling.
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.
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.