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.
When "May" Means Optional: Advance Payments in Property Sales
Supreme Court ruling on whether a buyer's advance payment obligation in a property sale is mandatory or discretionary, and its effect on contract rescission.
Beware Illegal Recruiters Supreme Court Upholds Life Sentence FOR Large Scale Fraud
Supreme Court affirms life sentence for illegal recruitment in large scale. Learn the elements of the crime and key lessons.
Conspiracy in Robbery With Homicide: When Presence Means Principal Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how conspiracy in robbery with homicide makes all participants liable as principals, even without direct participation in the killing.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale and Estafa: Lessons from People v. Moreno
The Supreme Court explains when illegal recruitment becomes large scale and how it overlaps with estafa, using the Moreno case.
Reasonable Doubt and Circumstantial Evidence: Safeguarding Justice in Philippine Courts
How the Supreme Court acquitted a rape-homicide accused, stressing that circumstantial evidence must produce conviction beyond reasonable doubt.
Unseen Evidence Unquestionable Guilt How Philippine Courts Convict on Circumstantial Proof in Murder Cases
Philippine courts can convict on circumstantial evidence alone if it forms an unbroken chain pointing to guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Barangay Appointments: Why Sangguniang Barangay Approval Is Required
The Supreme Court ruled that a Punong Barangay cannot appoint or replace barangay officials without Sangguniang Barangay approval.
Understanding Syndicate Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: Liability and Due Diligence
Learn how Philippine courts treat large-scale illegal recruitment, what makes it a syndicate offense, and how to avoid liability.
Injunction Bonds and Due Process: What Philippine Sureties Must Know
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when injunction bond sureties are liable and what due process requires before damages are awarded against them.
Navigating Res Judicata in Property Disputes: When Prior Judgments Bind Future Claims
Learn how res judicata bars relitigation of property disputes, with insights from a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on jurisdiction.
Philippine Supreme Court on Default Orders: When a Late Answer Is Excusable
The Supreme Court explains when a party's failure to answer on time may be excused and how courts should liberally treat default orders.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: Supreme Court Upholds Protection for Filipino Workers
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of an unlicensed recruiter for illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, protecting overseas Filipino workers from fraudulent schemes.
Lost Your Election Protest? Understanding Pre-Proclamation Controversies in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when election protests must be filed, and why pre-proclamation cases end after proclamation.
Civil Service Coverage in the Philippines: Clarifying Exemptions for Government Agencies
The Supreme Court clarifies that all government agencies, including intelligence bureaus, fall under civil service coverage despite statutory exemptions.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Understanding Your Right to Back Wages
The Supreme Court clarifies when private school teachers gain permanent status, what constitutes illegal dismissal, and how back wages are computed.
Limits of Contempt Power: When Can You Actually Be Held in Contempt of Court in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains the limits of contempt power—when a court order binds you and when it does not.
Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: What People v. Larin Teaches About Child Protection
Understand lascivious conduct under RA 7610 through People v. Larin, and how Philippine law protects children from sexual abuse.
Enforcing Foreign Judgments in the Philippines: Jurisdiction and Due Process
A Hong Kong judgment against a Quezon City resident was unenforceable in the Philippines because the foreign court never acquired jurisdiction over him.
How Presidential Proclamations Affect Imperfect Land Titles in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when presidential proclamations can defeat claims to public land by long-time occupants.
Final Judgment Is Final: Understanding Annulment of Judgment in the Philippines
When can a final criminal judgment be annulled? The Supreme Court explains the limits of annulment of judgment and due process.
Wrong Court, Wrong Remedy: Appeals From Labor Arbiter Decisions in the Philippines
Learn why a Labor Arbiter decision must be appealed to the NLRC, not the RTC, and how choosing the wrong remedy can make a judgment final and executory.
When Self Defense Becomes Homicide: Treachery and Unlawful Aggression in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a claim of self-defense fails and why a killing is homicide, not murder, absent treachery.
Repossession Expenses and Chattel Mortgage Foreclosure: Understanding Mortgagor Liabilities
When foreclosure becomes a fait accompli, can a mortgagor still sue for damages? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule.
Final and Executory Judgments: When Can They Be Modified?
Explore the narrow exceptions to the finality of judgments in Philippine law, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.