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.
Shareholder Death and Corporate Meetings: Quorum and Voting Rights Under Philippine Law
How a shareholder's death affects quorum and voting rights in Philippine corporations, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Mallare v. A&E Industrial Corporation.
Consent and Intoxication in Rape Cases: Key Lessons from Philippine Jurisprudence
Philippine law on rape and intoxication: when severe drunkenness or unconsciousness negates consent, and why credible testimony can convict.
Novation in Philippine Estafa Cases: When Settlements Prevent Criminal Liability
Learn when amicable settlements can extinguish criminal liability for estafa under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Sorongon v. People.
Protecting Privacy and Security: Understanding the Writ of Amparo in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that the writ of amparo protects families of suspected rebels from surveillance, upholding privacy and spousal privileges.
Navigating Collective Negotiation Agreement Incentives in Philippine Government Agencies
The Supreme Court clarifies when CNA incentives may be granted to managerial employees and who must refund disallowed amounts.
The Limits of Certiorari and the Finality of Acquittal in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an acquittal can still carry civil liability, and the procedural consequences of filing a demurrer to evidence.
Extinctive Novation: When a New Loan Cancels an Old Debt and Invalidates Foreclosure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how extinctive novation cancels old debts and why foreclosing on extinguished obligations is premature and void.
Seafarer Claims and Agency Transfers: What the Supreme Court Ruled
Learn how agency transfers affect seafarer liability claims, including the original manning agency's continuing responsibility under Philippine law.
The Prejudicial Question Doctrine: When a Civil Case Outcome Bars Criminal Prosecution
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the prejudicial question doctrine to dismiss falsification charges after a civil case settled the core issue.
What Happens to an Administrative Case When the Respondent Dies? (Philippines)
Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether death of a respondent ends a pending administrative case, citing due process and heirs' protection.
Security Guard Negligence and Damnum Absque Injuria: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling on security agency liability, negligence, and the principle of damnum absque injuria, explained for property owners and agencies.
Treachery vs. Abuse of Superior Strength: Key Ruling in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how treachery absorbs abuse of superior strength in murder cases, and why self-defense claims fail against positive identification.
Employer Liability for Unremitted SSS Contributions: Key Lessons from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies employer liability for unremitted SSS contributions, damages, and penalties under the Social Security Act.
HLURB Decisions in Homeowners’ Association Disputes: Appeal to the CA, Not the OP
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that HLURB decisions on intra-association disputes must be appealed directly to the Court of Appeals, not the Office of the President.
Navigating Land Reversion: Who Can Legally Challenge Property Titles in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who may file reversion cases to cancel titles over public lands, and why government agencies cannot act alone.
Understanding Juridical Possession and Its Impact on Estafa Convictions in the Philippines
A branch manager's conviction for estafa was reversed because she lacked juridical possession of goods—explaining a key element of Article 315.
Loan Agreements and Interest Rates: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when banks may impose penalty charges and compound interest under loan restructuring agreements.
Understanding Hold Departure Orders and the Right to Travel in Philippine Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court explains when courts may issue hold departure orders and how bail affects an accused person's right to travel.
Property Rights vs. Military Reservations: The Balmaceda Case on Void Titles
A landmark Supreme Court ruling on why titles tracing back to cancelled certificates cannot defeat the government's claim over military reservations.
Election Protest Costs: The Supreme Court Ruling on Retention Fees for Election Equipment
The Supreme Court explains why the Senate Electoral Tribunal cannot rule on contract validity in election protest cost disputes.
Navigating Probable Cause: Warrantless Vehicle Searches in the Philippines
A solitary tip cannot justify an intrusive warrantless vehicle search in the Philippines. Learn the probable cause standard from Evardo v. People.
Contractual Obligations and Tortious Interference in Philippine Media Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on talent contracts, breach, and tortious interference in the media industry.
Proving Land Ownership: The Crucial Role of Property Identification in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why identifying the exact land is essential in recovery actions under Article 434 of the Civil Code.
Parricide Penalties in the Philippines: How Voluntary Surrender Affects Sentencing
Learn how mitigating circumstances like voluntary surrender affect parricide penalties under Philippine law, based on People v. Padilla.