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.
Laches and Prescription in Land Cases: What the Supreme Court Said in Españo v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court explains why laches and prescription are factual defenses that usually require full trial, not summary dismissal.
Independent Counsel Safeguarding Rights In Philippine Custodial Investigations
The Supreme Court acquits two accused whose confessions were taken with the help of an NBI job applicant, not independent counsel.
Death Penalty in the Philippines: Compelling Reasons and Heinous Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when the death penalty applies for heinous crimes and why reclusion perpetua remains an indivisible penalty under Philippine law.
Extrajudicial Foreclosure Venue: Why Judges Must Follow Act 3135, Not the Rules of Court
A judge's fine for gross ignorance of the law clarifies that extrajudicial foreclosure venue follows Act 3135, not general venue rules.
Eminent Domain in the Philippines: Just Compensation and Due Process
Learn how Philippine law protects property owners in eminent domain cases, focusing on just compensation and due process requirements.
Mortgaging Property With Pending Land Patent Applications: Risks and Requisites
Learn the legal risks of mortgaging property with pending land patent applications and the requisites for valid real estate mortgages in the Philippines.
Negligence Trumps Fortuitous Events: Service Shops Must Insure Customer Vehicles
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a service shop's failure to insure customer property makes it liable for loss by fire, even if the fire is a fortuitous event.
Judicial Misconduct: Neglect of Duty and Insubordination in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's failure to follow procedural rules and obey a superior's directive, resulting in a fine.
Liability for Damage to Stored Goods: Negligence and Interest Rates Explained
A warehouse operator's negligence can mean paying for damaged goods. Learn the rules on liability and the correct interest rates.
Chattel Mortgage and Future Debts: What Philippine Law Allows
Can a chattel mortgage secure debts incurred after its execution? The Supreme Court explains the limits under the Chattel Mortgage Law.
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.
Surety Agreements Understanding THE Limits OF Liability IN Philippine LAW
Learn how Philippine courts interpret surety agreements, the limits of a surety's liability, and key defenses under the Civil Code.
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.
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.
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.
Workplace Violence and Employee Misconduct: When Can You Be Dismissed in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when fighting in the workplace and a history of misconduct justify dismissal of an employee.
Employee Misconduct and Valid Dismissal: Lessons from Flores v. NLRC
When can an employer validly dismiss an employee for misconduct? The Supreme Court's ruling in Flores v. NLRC provides clear guidance.
Child Witness Testimony in Philippine Courts: Competency and Credibility Standards
Philippine courts evaluate child witness competency case-by-case. Learn the standards from People v. Mendoza and practical takeaways.
Understanding Intent in Murder Cases: When Can a Killing Be Reduced to a Lesser Crime
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on intent, treachery, and penalty computation in murder cases under the Revised Penal Code.