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.
Quantum Meruit: Fair Compensation for Government Contracts Despite Procedural Flaws
When can a contractor recover payment for services rendered to the government despite an invalid contract? The Supreme Court explains quantum meruit.
Upholding Seafarer Rights: Employers Must Issue Clear Disability Assessment
Supreme Court rules a company doctor's vague medical report cannot defeat a seafarer's claim for total and permanent disability benefits.
Real Party in Interest: Who Can Sue to Nullify a Contract in the Philippines
Learn who has legal standing to file a case to nullify a contract in the Philippines, based on Supreme Court rulings on real party in interest.
Equitable Interest: How Liquidating Dividends Impact Foreign Land Ownership in the Philippines
SC ruling on whether a foreign stockholder's liquidating dividends in Philippine land may be levied to satisfy judgment debts.
Conspiracy and Graft: Probable Cause Against Private Individuals in Anti-Graft Cases
When can a private person be charged with graft under RA 3019? The Supreme Court clarifies the conspiracy requirement in Arroyo v. Sandiganbayan.
Libel Venue in the Philippines: Where Can a Public Official File a Case?
Learn the rules on libel venue for public officials under the Revised Penal Code, as clarified by the Supreme Court.
Mutuality of Contracts and Foreclosure Rights in Philippine Loans
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that void interest stipulations do not invalidate foreclosure when the principal debt remains unpaid.
Proving Foreign Law in Philippine Courts: Divorce Recognition After Rivera v. Woo Namsun
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to prove a foreign divorce decree and foreign law in Philippine courts.
Customs Jurisdiction and Forum Shopping in Importation Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies CTA jurisdiction over customs seizure cases and when forum shopping does not apply in importation disputes.
Proving Cargo Damage Claims: Evidence Rules and Res Ipsa Loquitur
The Supreme Court clarifies the evidence needed to prove cargo damage claims and when res ipsa loquitur applies.
Freedom of Expression vs Obscenity: The Limits of Local Ordinances in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when courts may review local anti-obscenity ordinances and why facial challenges face strict limits.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Fair Value for Delayed Government Takings
When the government delays payment in expropriation, landowners are entitled to more than the property's old value—here's why.
Reconveyance of Land: Protecting Property Rights From Fraudulent Titles in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts protect landowners from government taking without just compensation, and the rules on reconveyance of fraudulently titled property.
Deception and Exploitation: Defining Human Trafficking in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms a trafficking conviction, clarifying how fraud, deception, and vulnerability define the crime under RA 9208.
Property Claims in Probate: When Philippine Courts Can Decide Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when probate courts can rule on property claims against a decedent's estate, distinguishing money claims from ownership disputes.
When Religious Ministers Are Employees: SSS Coverage and the Condonation Doctrine
The Supreme Court ruled that religious ministers can be SSS-covered employees, clarifying the limits of church-state separation in secular matters.
Billboard Regulations in the Philippines: Permits, Due Process, and the Power Ads Ruling
Learn the legal rules for billboard permits in the Philippines, including the Power Ads case and the due process protections for advertisers.
Budget Augmentation Rules: When Government Funds Cannot Be Realigned
The Supreme Court clarifies when agencies may augment budgets from savings, and when officers must refund disallowed amounts.
Chain of Custody Integrity Key to Successful Drug Possession Cases in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug possession accused due to unjustified non-compliance with Section 21 witness requirements under RA 9165.
Understanding Estafa in Trust Receipt Transactions: Key Lessons from Barlin v. People
Learn how the Supreme Court applied estafa under Article 315(1)(b) to trust receipt violations, and what businesses should know.
Foreign Spouses Can File for Marriage Nullity in the Philippines: The Ambrose Ruling
Foreign spouses married in the Philippines have legal standing to file for nullity of marriage, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Ambrose v. Suque-Ambrose.
Understanding the Legal Battle Over Unclaimed Horse Racing Dividends in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules on who gets unclaimed horse racing dividends—the racing club or the government regulator. A clear guide.
Understanding Mortgage Contract Validity: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when mortgage contracts are valid, how undue influence is proven, and the limits of injunctive relief in foreclosure disputes.
Res Ipsa Loquitur and Hearsay Evidence in Philippine Vehicular Accident Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when res ipsa loquitur can overcome hearsay objections to traffic accident reports in insurance subrogation claims.