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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THE Perils OF Presence Establishing Conspiracy IN Robbery With Homicide Under Philippine LAW
Overseas Dreams vs Deceptive Schemes: Illegal Recruitment and Estafa Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms convictions for illegal recruitment and estafa against a fake recruiter who promised overseas employment in Australia.
Leasehold Improvements: Understanding Reimbursement Rights and Obligations in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts handle leasehold improvement reimbursement rights, obligations, and settlement through compromise agreements.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim's Testimony and Penetration Standards in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, clarifying that slight penetration and credible victim testimony suffice to prove the crime.
The State's Obligation to Pay Interest on Delayed Just Compensation in Expropriation Cases
Philippine law requires the State to pay just compensation with legal interest when payment is delayed in expropriation cases. Learn the rules.
Protecting Children: Defining and Punishing Child Abuse Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when sexual abuse of a minor falls under RA 7610 and how courts determine the true nature of the crime charged.
Civil Liability Despite Acquittal: Quasi-Contracts and Unjust Enrichment in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when an acquittal in a criminal case does not erase civil liability, citing quasi-contracts and solutio indebiti.
Accountability for False Promises: Illegal Recruitment and Estafa in Philippine Law
Explaining when false promises of overseas employment lead to both illegal recruitment and estafa, and how Philippine courts penalize each offense.
Joint Adoption Requirement for Married Couples Under Philippine Law
Philippine law requires married couples to adopt jointly. Learn the rule, its exceptions, and why a spouse's mere consent is not enough.
Chain of Custody Imperative Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
Why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police failed to follow Section 21 chain of custody rules under RA 9165.
Demolishing a Leased Property Without Consent: Ejectment and Damages in Philippine Law
A lessee who demolished a leased house without the lessor's consent was validly ejected. Learn the rules on lease violations, damages, and summary procedure.
Notice of Lis Pendens: How It Affects Mortgagees and Subsequent Property Transactions
Learn how a notice of lis pendens binds mortgagees and buyers, and why a court order alone does not cancel it under Philippine law.
Retirement Benefits: Employer's Duty Beyond Initial Retirement
Retired employee continues working; Supreme Court clarifies prescription, retirement pay computation, and employer obligations under Philippine law.
Missed Deadlines and Denied Probation: Understanding Appeal Periods in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court's fresh period rule affects appeal deadlines, using a landmark insurance liability case as guide.
Protecting Your Property Purchase: The Innocent Purchaser for Value Doctrine in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court protects innocent purchasers for value under Philippine property law, and what buyers must do to secure their titles.
Dismissal Due Process: Employee Rights to Notice and Hearing Before Termination
Philippine law requires two notices before dismissal, but a formal hearing is not always mandatory. Learn the rules.
Voluntary Surrender in Philippine Law: When It Mitigates Criminal Liability
Learn when voluntary surrender mitigates criminal liability in the Philippines, based on De Vera v. De Vera (G.R. No. 172832).
Untimely Election Protests: When Pre-Proclamation Petitions Do Not Suspend Filing Deadlines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a pre-proclamation petition suspends the 10-day deadline for filing an election protest under Philippine law.
Self-Defense or Murder: Credibility and Treachery in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies a killing as murder in People v. Pajabera.
Mortgage Validity and Foreclosure: Protecting Property Rights Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a mortgage is void, how redemption periods work, and why prior judgments bind parties in foreclosure disputes.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Force, Intimidation, and Carnal Knowledge in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies force, intimidation, and carnal knowledge in rape under RA 8353, affirming a conviction.
Grave Threats vs. Light Threats: The Caluag Case on Gun-Pointing in the Philippines
When does pointing a gun become a grave threat? The Caluag case clarifies the legal line between grave and light threats under Philippine law.
Silence Isn't Always Acquiescence: Child Rape Victims and the Validity of Delayed Reporting in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that delayed reporting by child rape victims does not weaken credibility, explaining why silence is not acquiescence.
When an Affidavit of Quitclaim Isn't Enough: Donation Requirements in Property Transfers
A quitclaim affidavit transferring real property may be treated as a donation. Learn the formal requirements to make it valid under Philippine law.