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.
When Eyewitness Testimony Alone Can Lead to a Conviction in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when eyewitness testimony suffices for conviction, and how buy-bust operations establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Buy-Bust Operations in the Philippines: Entrapment vs. Instigation Explained
Understand the legal line between entrapment and instigation in Philippine buy-bust operations, and what the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. De Vera means for drug cases.
Positive Identification Trumps Alibi: Lessons from People v. Balad
In People v. Balad, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that positive identification by credible witnesses prevails over the defense of alibi in Philippine criminal law.
Bail After Conviction When Guilt Imports Denial in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction, credibility of mentally weak victim, denial defense, and bail implications after conviction.
Self Defense in the Philippines: Understanding Unlawful Aggression and Reasonable Means
Learn how Philippine courts test self defense claims through unlawful aggression, reasonable means, and provocation, as shown in People v. Artiaga.
Extrajudicial Settlements and the Protection of Minor Heirs' Rights in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts protect minor heirs in extrajudicial settlements, and why a minor's share cannot be lost through prescription or laches.
Extrajudicial Settlement and Heirs' Rights: When a Co-Owner Is Not Bound
A Supreme Court ruling on extrajudicial settlements, resulting trusts, and why a minor heir who did not participate in partition retains rights to property.
Mortgage Foreclosure in the Philippines: Protecting Your Rights Against Unilateral Interest Rate Hikes
Learn how the Supreme Court protects borrowers from unilateral interest rate hikes and what notice is required in Philippine mortgage foreclosures.
Understanding Acceleration Clauses in Philippine Promissory Notes
Learn how Philippine courts interpret acceleration clauses in promissory notes, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Mendoza v. Court of Appeals.
Conditions vs. Warranties in Philippine Sales Contracts: The Power Commercial Case
Learn how Philippine law distinguishes contract conditions from warranties, and when a seller's failure to deliver possession justifies rescission.
When a Judge Reviews His Own Ruling: Due Process in Philippine Labor Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling on why a labor arbiter cannot review his own decision on appeal, and the due process rights of dismissed employees.
Due Process in NLRC Appeals: When Procedural Lapses Don't Erase Just Cause
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on probationary employee dismissal, due process requirements, and NLRC appellate review standards in labor disputes.
When Can a Motion for Extension Be Denied? A Philippine Law Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may deny motions for extension and the proper requirements for certifications against forum shopping.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: What the Supreme Court Looks At
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies what makes illegal recruitment "large scale" and why victim testimony alone can secure a conviction.
Pre-Proclamation Controversies: Valid Objections vs Election Protests in the Philippines
Learn when ballot objections belong in pre-proclamation cases or election protests, based on Patoray v. COMELEC.
Receivership in the Philippines: When Courts Appoint a Receiver Under Rule 59
Learn when Philippine courts may appoint a receiver under Rule 59, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Commodities Storage & Ice Plant Corp. v. CA.
When a Wage Order Exemption Fails: The Distressed Establishment Rule
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on wage order exemptions for distressed establishments and the cut-off for measuring losses.
Ejectment Cases: When Does Destruction of Property Terminate Lease Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ejectment cases, lease termination, and jurisdiction when leased property is destroyed by fire.
Rape and Incest in the Philippines: Understanding Familial Sexual Abuse Laws
The Supreme Court clarifies how Philippine law treats rape committed by a father against his daughter, including the role of moral ascendancy.
When One Witness Is Enough: Positive Identification in Philippine Criminal Law
A single credible witness can sustain a conviction in the Philippines. This article explains the rules on positive identification and alibi.
Seaworthiness and Insurance Subrogation in Philippine Maritime Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on shipowner liability for unseaworthy vessels, insurer subrogation rights, and the limited liability rule.
Conjugal Property vs Exclusive Property: What Philippine Law Says
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish conjugal property from exclusive property, and why inherited assets stay separate even during marriage.
When Stockholder Disputes Belong to the SEC: Garcia v. Court of Appeals
A stockholder's damages suit against another stockholder may still be an intra-corporate dispute under SEC jurisdiction, not regular courts.
Estate Tax Collection: BIR Authority vs. Probate Court Jurisdiction
Supreme Court ruling on whether the BIR can levy estate properties without probate court approval, and the finality of tax assessments.