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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Surety Agreements in the Philippines: Understanding Liability Limits and Payment Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies surety liability caps, payment evidence, and when obligations are extinguished under Article 2054.
Protecting Press Freedom Understanding Libel and Fair Reporting in Philippine Media Law
Explore the boundaries of libel and fair reporting in Philippine media law through the Supreme Court's ruling in Angeles v. Gaite.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: Understanding Consent and Legal Implications in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how moral ascendancy replaces force in incestuous rape, and clarifies the applicable law and damages.
Understanding Statutory Rape AND Sexual Assault IN THE Philippines Protecting Children
Understanding Land Ownership Restrictions Under Philippine Agrarian Reform: The Lebrudo vs Loyola Case
The Supreme Court explains the 10-year ban on selling or transferring agrarian reform lands, and why waivers violating it are void.
Land Bank's Right to Question Agrarian Land Valuation: Davao Fruits v. LBP
The Supreme Court affirms Land Bank's legal standing to seek judicial determination of just compensation in agrarian reform cases.
Possession and Ownership: Understanding the Writ of Possession in Foreclosure Cases in the Philippines
Learn how forum shopping can derail foreclosure disputes in the Philippines, as shown in Asia United Bank v. Goodland Company, Inc.
Mootness Doctrine: Expiration of Public Office and Its Effect on Legal Standing
Explaining the mootness doctrine and how the expiration of a public office affects legal standing in Philippine jurisprudence.
Motion Denied Understanding Defective Notice OF Hearing IN Philippine Courts
Philippine courts demand proper notice of hearing in motions; defects can lead to denial. Learn the rules and practical tips.
When Words Are Not Libel: Understanding Defamation in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that insulting or offensive words are not automatically libel; defamation requires imputation of a crime, vice, or defect.
Understanding Novation in Philippine Contract Law: When Can Agreements Be Modified
Learn when a new contract can replace an old one under Philippine law, based on a 2011 Supreme Court ruling on novation.
Fresh Period Rule in Criminal Appeals: Understanding the Limits of Judicial Overreach
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Neypes fresh period rule applies to criminal appeals, ensuring uniform treatment for accused persons.
Forfeiture of Conversion Fees: Understanding Government Contracts and Bidding Rules in the Philippines
When can the government forfeit a bidder's payment? The Supreme Court explains bidding rules, forfeiture clauses, and government contract obligations.
Double Sale of Property: Understanding Legal Ownership and Good Faith in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies double sale rules under Article 1544, emphasizing possession in good faith determines ownership when no registration occurs.
Expiration of Lease Agreements: Understanding Ejectment Rights in the Philippines
When a month-to-month lease expires, can a lessor eject the tenant? The Supreme Court explains the rules on ejectment and lease expiration.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: Understanding the Limits of Justifiable Force
Philippine law recognizes self-defense, but the burden of proof lies on the accused. Learn the legal limits of justifiable force.
Sheriffs Liability Understanding Misconduct IN Implementing Court Writs IN The Philippines
When can a sheriff be held liable for implementing a writ? The Supreme Court clarifies the standard of care required of sheriffs in Tenorio v. Perlas.
Forcible Entry Understanding Possession Procedure AND Timelines IN THE Philippines
Navigating Career Executive Service CES Understanding Eligibility FOR Managerial Government Positions IN THE P
The Supreme Court clarifies that Career Executive Service eligibility is required only for presidential appointees, not all managerial government positions.
Philippine Red Cross Charter: Understanding Its Unique Legal Status
The Supreme Court explains why the Philippine Red Cross is neither a private corporation nor a government entity, and why its charter remains valid.
Understanding Temperate Damages When Courts Estimate Losses in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts award temperate damages when actual losses can't be proven, based on a 2011 Supreme Court ruling.
Irrevocable Choice: Understanding Tax Credit Carry-Over in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains why choosing tax credit carry-over over refund is irrevocable under the 1997 National Internal Revenue Code.
Protecting Your Property: Understanding Sheriffs Authority and Preventing Wrongful Levy in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law protects property from wrongful levy, using the PFDA case to explain exemptions and legal remedies.
Prescription and Laches in Land Disputes: Understanding Time Limits to Protect Your Property Rights
The Supreme Court explains when actions for reconveyance of registered land prescribe and how laches can bar claims, even those based on forged titles.