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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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.
Burden of Proof in Illegal Dismissal: Why Employers Must Justify Termination
Philippine law places the burden of proof on employers in illegal dismissal cases. Learn the rules and practical takeaways.
Constructive Dismissal Defining Workplace Harassment AND Employer Rights
Learn when workplace harassment becomes constructive dismissal and how employers can defend termination decisions under Philippine law.
Breaking the Chain: How Involuntary Interruptions Allow a Fourth Term Despite Term Limits
The Supreme Court explains when an involuntary break in service resets the three-term limit for local officials under Philippine law.
Option Contracts Consideration Requirement For Enforceability In Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on option contracts, consideration, and enforceability under Civil Code. Learn key takeaways.
Liability FOR Abduction When Absence OF Proof Limits Criminal Responsibility IN Philippine LAW
Protecting Consumers: The Limits of Immediate Disconnection for Electricity Pilferage
Philippine law protects consumers from abrupt power disconnection. This article explains the rules on electricity pilferage and the required due process.
Redemption Rights in Foreclosure Sales: Scope and Transferability Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of redemption rights in extrajudicial foreclosure sales and when such rights may be validly transferred.
Equitable Mortgage vs Sale: How Philippine Law Protects Landowners from Unfair Deals
The Supreme Court ruled that a deed of sale can be treated as an equitable mortgage, protecting landowners from transactions that secretly secure a debt.
Consummated Rape: Degree of Penetration and Victim Testimony in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape penetration, victim testimony, and proof of qualifying circumstances for proper conviction.
Sheriffs Duty Balancing Execution AND Reporting Obligations IN Philippine LAW
A notary public who fails to verify identity before notarizing documents faces suspension and revocation of commission.
Perfecting Appeals: Understanding Timeliness and Exceptions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why appeal deadlines are mandatory and jurisdictional, and when exceptions may apply.
Diminished Liability Distinguishing Homicide From Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when abuse of superior strength fails as a qualifying circumstance, reducing murder to homicide in the Philippines.
Excise Tax Refund: Who Is the Proper Claimant Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that only the statutory taxpayer—the manufacturer—may claim excise tax refunds, even if the burden was shifted to the buyer.
Treachery and Unlicensed Firearms Raise Murder Penalty in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how treachery and unlicensed firearms affect murder liability, penalties, and damages.
When Lawyers Issue Bouncing Checks: Administrative Liability Under Philippine Law
A lawyer who issues worthless checks faces suspension even after full payment. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court administrative case.
Rape and the Sweetheart Defense: Consent and Force in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why the "sweetheart defense" fails in rape cases and what force and consent truly mean under the law.
Abandonment of Post: Employers’ Rights and Seafarers’ Responsibilities Under Philippine Law
A seafarer who fails to rejoin his vessel after approved leave may be liable for abandonment, not illegal dismissal.
Illegal Recruitment: Simple vs Large Scale — A Crucial Distinction in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when illegal recruitment becomes large scale, and why the number of victims matters in Philippine criminal law.
Treachery Defined: When a Sudden Attack Constitutes Murder Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden, unexpected attack qualifies as treachery, raising a killing to murder under Philippine law.
Witness Credibility in Frustrated Homicide: Motive and Consistency in Angeles v. People
How the Supreme Court weighs witness credibility, minor inconsistencies, and absence of ill motive in a frustrated homicide conviction under Philippine law.
Fictitious Payee Rule and Bank Liability in Check Payments
When is a named payee "fictitious" under Philippine law? The Supreme Court explains who bears the loss when checks are paid without indorsement.
Breach of Contract and Tortious Interference: Proving a Valid Contractual Right
Learn when tortious interference claims fail: a valid contract must exist before third-party interference can be actionable under Philippine law.
Novation Requires Unequivocal Agreement Understanding Contractual Modifications IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on novation: mere partial payment does not prove agreement to modify a contract. Learn the legal requisites.