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.
Timely Notice IS KEY Understanding Carrier Liability IN Damaged Goods Claims Under THE Code OF Commerce
When cargo arrives damaged, the clock starts ticking. Learn how Article 366 of the Code of Commerce can bar a claim entirely if notice is late.
Attorney Accountability Understanding Lawyer Neglect of Duty in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer neglect of duty, abandonment of clients, and the ethical obligations of attorneys.
Locus Standi in Philippine Courts: Who Can Challenge Government Actions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on legal standing (locus standi) in Domingo v. Carague, clarifying who may challenge government actions.
Deputy Ombudsman Impeachment Limits Clarified by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies that Deputy Ombudsmen are not impeachable officers, settling a long-standing constitutional question.
Double Jeopardy and Falsification: Understanding Distinct Offenses in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when the same act can produce separate crimes without violating double jeopardy, using a falsification case.
Perfected Sales vs. Recovery of Property: Understanding Real Actions in Philippine Law
When is a suit for specific performance actually a real action for recovery of property? The Supreme Court clarifies in Jimenez v. Jordana.
Procedural Lapses and Labor Rights: Understanding the Correct Appeal Process in Illegal Dismissal Cases
Learn how procedural errors in illegal dismissal cases affect appeals, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings on judicial remedies.
Standing to Sue: When an Appointee Can Challenge a Disapproved Civil Service Appointment
An appointee has legal standing to challenge a CSC disapproval of an appointment, but must still possess the required eligibility.
Option to Purchase vs Contract to Sell: Understanding Property Rights and Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between an option to purchase and a contract to sell, and the consequences of failing to comply with their terms.
When Payment Defaults Threaten Property Rights: Understanding Rescission in Real Estate Sales
A buyer's failure to pay the full purchase price can lead to contract rescission, even after years of partial payments. Learn the rules.
When Language Barriers Invalidate Estate Settlement Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling on when signing an English document without understanding it can void an estate settlement under Article 1332.
Attorney Discipline When Actions Abroad Affect Legal Standing in the Philippines
Philippine courts can discipline judiciary employees for misconduct even if a complainant withdraws the case, as shown in Gamboa v. Gamboa.
Standing to Sue, Co-Ownership Authority, and the Demurrer to Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a co-owner may sue alone and why lack of authority is not a ground for demurrer to evidence.
Dismissal for Untimely Filing: Understanding Procedural Rules in Philippine Appeals
Learn why the Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of an appeal due to late docket fee payment, and what this means for litigants.
Bouncing Checks and Corporate Liability: Understanding BP 22 in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that under BP 22, the reason for issuing a bouncing check is immaterial to criminal liability. Learn the rules.
Due Process and Postponements: Understanding Court Discretion in Philippine Litigation
How Philippine courts balance due process and judicial discretion in postponement requests, with practical guidance for litigants.
Rape and Mental Disability: Understanding the Limits of the Death Penalty in Philippine Law
A father's rape conviction was reduced from death to reclusion perpetua because the prosecution failed to prove his knowledge of the victim's mental disability.
Timeliness of Labor Claims: Understanding Prescription Periods for Employees' Rights
Learn how prescription periods apply to money claims and illegal dismissal cases under Philippine labor law, explained through the Texon Manufacturing case.
Preserving Client Confidences Understanding Attorney Client Privilege AND ITS Limits IN THE Philippines
When does the duty to keep client secrets begin and end? A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies the limits of attorney-client privilege.
When Silence Isnt Golden Understanding Treachery In Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder cases through People v. Moriles, clarifying sudden attacks, alibi defenses, and penalties.
From Murder to Homicide: Understanding the Absence of Treachery in Philippine Law
When treachery is not proven, a killing is homicide, not murder. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court case.
Novation and Solidary Obligations: Understanding Debt Liability in the Philippines
Learn when novation applies to debts in the Philippines and why solidary obligors remain liable despite bounced checks or alleged substitutions.
When Heirs Cannot Sue to Void Parents' Property Sales Before Death
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when compulsory heirs lack legal standing to challenge parents' sales of property during their lifetime.
When Tax Regulations Apply: Retroactivity vs Prospectivity in Philippine Law
Understanding when tax regulations apply retroactively or prospectively under Philippine law, with key principles and practical guidance.