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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Blanket Mortgage Clause: Redemption Rights and Foreclosure Limits Explained
Learn how a blanket mortgage clause affects redemption rights, future loans, and foreclosure obligations under Philippine law.
Navigating the Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies warrantless searches of moving vehicles and the chain of custody rule for seized drugs under RA 9165.
Annulment of Judgment in Philippine Law: Why Procedural Remedies Must Come First
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that annulment of judgment under Rule 47 requires exhausting ordinary remedies first, or the petition fails.
Fair Market Value vs Arbitrary Pricing: Protecting Option to Purchase Agreements in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that "fair market value" in option to purchase agreements cannot be arbitrarily set by the grantor.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Victim Testimony and Positive Identification in Philippine Law
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a victim's positive identification and credible testimony can overcome alibi and denial defenses.
Kidnapping for Ransom: Conspiracy and Defense of Duress Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy and duress defenses in kidnapping for ransom cases, affirming convictions of co-accused.
Fixed-Term Contracts vs Probationary Employment: Protecting Teachers' Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term teaching contracts must yield to probationary employment rules under Philippine law.
Constructive Dismissal Redefining Unreasonable Employee Transfers Under Philippine LAW
When does a job transfer become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on unreasonable transfers in Philippine Veterans Bank v. NLRC.
Treachery and Unlicensed Firearms: Defining Murder and Penalties in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden, surprise shooting amounts to treachery for murder, and why using an unlicensed firearm can raise the penalty.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21, RA 9165 chain of custody rules.
Bail After Conviction: Discretion vs. Right in Philippine Law
Explaining Leviste v. CA: bail after conviction is discretionary, not automatic, even without bail-negating circumstances under Rule 114.
Breach of Contract vs Forbearance: Clarifying Interest Rate Applications in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when forbearance interest applies versus breach of contract damages, and how courts compute legal interest on monetary awards.
Deception and Deployment: Understanding Illegal Recruitment and Estafa in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how illegal recruitment in large scale differs from estafa, and why both can apply to the same fraudulent scheme.
When Company Employees Become Illegal Recruiters: The Legal Line
Philippine law on illegal recruitment: when employees of a company can be held liable as illegal recruiters, and the legal boundaries.
When Local Officials Break Procurement Rules: Lessons From Sison v. People
A mayor's conviction for skipping public bidding shows how courts review local procurement and graft cases under Philippine law.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the chain of custody rule in drug cases and why lapses can lead to acquittal.
Love Conquers All: Marriage Extinguishes Rape Conviction Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court absolves a convicted rapist after marrying the victim, citing provisions of the Revised Penal Code on marriage as extinguishing criminal liability.
Protecting Buyers' Rescission Rights in Philippine Condominium Purchases
Learn how Philippine law protects condominium buyers' right to rescind purchases and recover payments under RA 9646 and Civil Code provisions.
Treachery and Self-Defense: Examining the Boundaries of Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts weigh self-defense claims and treachery, and why the burden of proof matters in criminal cases.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attacks
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden, unexpected attack qualifies as treachery, raising homicide to murder under Philippine law.
Loss of Confidence and Employer Liability: Philippine Hawk v. Tan Lee
Philippine Hawk v. Tan Lee clarifies employer liability for employee negligence, loss of confidence, and damages in quasi-delict cases under Philippine law.
Employer Liability for Employee Negligence: Proving Due Diligence in Philippine Law
When can an employer be held liable for an employee's negligence? The Supreme Court explains the due diligence defense in Philippine Hawk v. Lee.
Perpetual Employment Contracts: Labor Rights and Management Prerogatives Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court rules on perpetual employment contracts, labor arbiter jurisdiction, and the balance between worker protection and management rights.
Contractual Obligations Survey Requirement Prevails Over Rescission Rights IN Land Sale Agreements
Supreme Court rules survey obligation in land sale contracts prevails over rescission rights, clarifying breach requirements under Philippine law.