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.
Ordinance vs Resolution: Why LGUs Need an Ordinance for Expropriation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: local governments cannot expropriate private property through a mere resolution—an ordinance is legally required under RA 7160.
Mortgage Preference vs Corporate Rehabilitation: Understanding Creditor Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on creditor rights, mortgage preference, and payment rules under the Civil Code explained in plain language.
Presumption of Illegal Fishing: What Fishermen Need to Know About Dynamite Fishing Laws in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts apply the presumption of illegal fishing in dynamite fishing cases, what evidence convicts, and the penalties under P.D. 704.
Motion to Quash Denied: Navigating Criminal Procedure and Your Rights in the Philippines
Learn when a motion to quash can be denied, the limits of certiorari, and your rights in Philippine criminal procedure.
Due Process in NLRC Appeals: Why Employers Must Be Heard
Philippine Supreme Court rules on due process in labor appeals, explaining why the NLRC cannot decide cases without giving both parties a chance to be heard.
Illegal Fishing with Explosives: What the Supreme Court Says About Presumptions and Penalties
Learn how Philippine courts handle illegal fishing cases, the legal presumption from fish samples, and why indeterminate sentencing matters.
When Innocent Presence Becomes Guilt: Conspiracy in Robbery with Rape in Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts treat a co-robber who did not commit rape but is held liable for robbery with rape.
Credibility of Child Rape Victims: Why Trial Court Observations Matter in Philippine Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that a rape victim's credible testimony alone can sustain a conviction, and explains conspiracy in robbery with rape.
Corporate Mergers and Contract Enforcement: Successor Liability in the Philippines
When a Philippine corporation merges, the surviving company assumes all rights and liabilities—even for contracts signed after the merger agreement.
Executive Orders vs Agency Circulars: Navigating Pilotage Fee Regulations in the Philippines
When an executive issuance and agency circulars conflict over pilotage fees, which prevails? The Supreme Court settles the hierarchy.
Objection Sustained: Mastering Evidence Admissibility and Protecting Rights in Philippine Courts
Learn when to object to evidence in Philippine courts. The Macasiray ruling explains the proper timing of objections and the protection of constitutional rights.
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.
Warranting Precision: Why Describing the Right Place Is Crucial in Search Warrants
The Supreme Court explains why the place to be searched must be described with precision, and the consequences of a vague warrant.
Premature Foreclosure and Damages Claims: What Happens After the Auction Sale
Philippine Supreme Court rules foreclosure sale does not moot a damages claim for premature foreclosure. Know the legal implications.
Night Shift Differential Pay in the Philippines: Who Bears the Burden of Proof?
In claims for night shift differential pay, the employer bears the burden of proving payment, not the worker. Learn the rule from this Supreme Court case.
Seasonal Workers as Regular Employees: Rights Under Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when seasonal workers become regular employees entitled to CBA benefits and labor arbiter jurisdiction.
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.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Understanding Sudden Attack in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder cases through a sudden stabbing attack, clarifying the elements and legal consequences.
Perfecting CAR Sales Contracts IN THE Philippines Understanding Buyer Rights AND Seller Obligations
Learn when a car sale contract is perfected in the Philippines, buyer rights, and seller obligations from the Xentrex Automotive case.
Home Lot Rights in Philippine Tenancy: Only the Tenant is Entitled
The Supreme Court clarifies that only the tenant, not family members, may claim a home lot under RA 1199, Section 22(3).
Navigating Dismissal Disputes: Labor Arbiter Jurisdiction in Philippine Employment Law
When does a termination dispute belong to the Labor Arbiter rather than voluntary arbitration? The Maneja ruling clarifies the boundary.
Alibi vs Victim Testimony in Philippine Rape Cases: Supreme Court on Burden of Proof
The Supreme Court explains why alibi fails against positive victim testimony in rape cases, citing People v. Sumampong.
Buyer Beware Inheriting Obligations IN Philippine Property Foreclosures
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property foreclosures: buyers may inherit seller's obligations to installment buyers, even without written contracts.
Absolute vs Conditional Sale Understanding Philippine Real Estate Contracts
Learn the key differences between absolute and conditional sales in Philippine real estate, and what the Supreme Court says about buyer and seller rights.