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.
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.
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.
Solidary Liability for Security Guard Wages: Employer Obligations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when companies are solidarily liable for security agency employees' wages, back pay, and separation pay.
Contracts Still Stand: Why Bounced Checks Don't Always Void a Pacto de Retro Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why dishonored checks don't invalidate a pacto de retro sale when consideration existed at execution.
Res Judicata in Philippine Courts: Why Final Judgments Bind Property Disputes
Final judgments bar relitigation of the same property dispute. Learn how res judicata works in Philippine courts.
When A Back Attack Isnt Always Murder Examining Treachery IN Philippine Criminal LAW
The Supreme Court clarifies that a shot to the back does not automatically mean treachery, explaining when killing is homicide instead of murder.
Lumber vs. Timber: What Illegal Logging Laws Mean for Your Business
The Supreme Court ruled that lumber is timber under Philippine forestry law. Know what documents you need to avoid illegal possession charges.
Don't Get Trapped by Your Signature: How Estoppel Affects Home Construction Loans in the Philippines
A homeowner signed loan release documents, then tried to disown them. The Supreme Court applied estoppel—here's what that means for borrowers.
Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Courts: Why Credibility Is Key in Murder Convictions
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on eyewitness testimony, explaining how credibility, alibi, and evident premeditation are evaluated.
Failure to File Corporate By-Laws: Not Automatic Dissolution in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that failing to file corporate by-laws on time does not automatically dissolve a corporation.
Surety vs. Guaranty in Philippine Law: Key Differences and Liability
Learn the difference between surety and guaranty under Philippine law, and why contract wording—not titles—determines your liability.
Minor Inconsistencies and Witness Credibility in Philippine Rape Cases
How Philippine courts treat minor inconsistencies in rape victim testimony, and why small discrepancies can strengthen rather than destroy credibility.
When Self-Defense Fails: Understanding Homicide vs. Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a killing becomes homicide, not murder, and why a weak self-defense claim can backfire.
Navigating Agrarian Disputes: DAR's Role in Ejectment Cases Explained
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling in Caraan v. CA on the DAR's preliminary determination of tenancy and its effect on ejectment cases.
Unreliable Affidavit? Why Courtroom Testimony Reigns Supreme in Philippine Criminal Cases
In People v. De Guzman, the Supreme Court ruled that courtroom testimony prevails over affidavits and police reports, explaining why.
Deadlines Matter: Why Philippine Judges Must Decide Cases Within 90 Days
The Supreme Court reminds judges of the 90-day decision deadline, explaining why delays undermine justice and what happens when courts miss the mark.
Are Commissions Part of Minimum Wage in the Philippines? Employee Compensation Rights Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies whether sales commissions count toward minimum wage compliance under the Labor Code, and explains due process rules for dismissal.
Second Chances in Labor Disputes: Appealing NLRC Decisions Despite Deficient Bonds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a deficient appeal bond should not bar an employer's appeal from reaching the NLRC merits.
NLRC Appeal Bonds and Property Protection: Lessons from Gensoli v. NLRC
When can a deficient appeal bond be excused? The Supreme Court explains liberal interpretation in labor appeals.