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.
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Chain of Custody and Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why the chain of custody rule is essential in drug cases, and what prosecutors and police must prove.
Bigamy and Nullity: When a Void Marriage Declaration Does Not Erase Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that a belated judicial declaration of nullity of a first marriage does not automatically defeat a bigamy charge under Philippine law.
Breach of Trust Defining Qualified Rape and Parental Betrayal in Philippine Law
A father's rape of his 11-year-old daughter is qualified rape. The Supreme Court explains the rules on incestuous rape, penalty, and damages.
Correcting Errors in Your Birth Certificate: A Guide to Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine law handles corrections to birth certificate entries, including the difference between clerical fixes and substantial changes.
Option Contract vs. Right of First Refusal: Key Differences Under Philippine Law
Learn the difference between an option contract and a right of first refusal in Philippine real estate, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Tuazon v. Del Rosario-Suarez.
The Perils of a Forgotten Address: Finality of Judgments and Due Notice in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court nullified an unlawful detainer judgment because substituted service of summons was defective, reminding litigants that proper notice is vital.
When Can You Compel Government Action: Understanding Mandamus in Philippine Law
Learn when Philippine courts issue mandamus to compel government action, the legal requirements, and practical limits of this extraordinary remedy.
Buy-Bust Operations: Legality of Drug Sales and Possession in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on buy-bust operations, illegal drug sales, and possession under Philippine law.
Loafing in the Workplace: Philippine Law, Penalties, and the Fortaleza Case
Learn what constitutes loafing under Philippine law, its penalties for government employees, and key lessons from a Supreme Court ruling.
Sweetheart Defense in Rape Cases: Why Consent Cannot Be Assumed from a Relationship
The Supreme Court explains why the sweetheart defense fails in rape cases and what constitutes valid consent under Philippine law.
When Can Employees Be Fired for Participating in a Strike in the Philippines
Philippine law protects rank-and-file strikers from dismissal for mere participation in an illegal strike, but union officers face stricter liability.
Finality of Judgments: Understanding Immutability and Exceptions in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the doctrine of finality of judgments and its exceptions in a labor case involving illegal dismissal and retirement.
Treachery and Attempted Murder: Establishing Intent and Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how treachery qualifies murder and how intent is established in attempted murder cases.
When Self-Defense Fails: Unlawful Aggression and Treachery in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a claim of self-defense failed and how treachery qualified a killing as murder.
Novation in Philippine Law: Understanding the Requirements for Extinguishing Obligations
Learn how novation extinguishes obligations under Philippine law, its requirements, and how the Supreme Court applies these rules in corporate rehabilitation cases.
Trademark Ownership: Prior Use Trumps Earlier Filing in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in trademark disputes, actual prior use in commerce prevails over an earlier filing date under RA 8293.
Brokers Breach Unauthorized Stock Sales AND Fiduciary Duty IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies stockbroker liability for unauthorized share sales and fiduciary duties under the Civil Code.
Construction Defects Contractors Liability and Owners Rights Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contractor liability for construction defects, waterproofing failures, and owner rights under construction contracts.
Grave Coercion in Property Takeovers: The Navarra Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court ruled that forceful property repossession, even with a debt claim, constitutes grave coercion under Philippine law.
Illegal Strikes and Reinstatement: Balancing Rights and Responsibilities in Labor Disputes
Philippine law on illegal strikes and reinstatement: what workers and employers must know about protected concerted activity and its limits.
Illegal Strike and Backwages: What Workers Should Know Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on backwages for employees who join illegal strikes, and when separation pay may be granted instead of reinstatement.
Defining the Boundaries of Attempted Rape: Intent vs. Action in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when lewd acts cross the line from acts of lasciviousness to attempted rape, examining intent and overt acts.
Annulment and Parricide: The Prejudicial Question Rule Explained
When a marriage annulment case can—and cannot—suspend a criminal case for parricide under Philippine law.
Breach of Construction Contract: Establishing Liability and Damages in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts determine liability and damages in construction contract breaches, including key rules and practical guidance.