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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
When Silence Doesnt Mean Consent Protecting Minors IN Sexual Abuse Cases Under Philippine LAW
Untimeliness AND Unjust Enrichment Navigating Motions FOR Reconsideration AND Quantum Meruit
Compromise Agreements and Case Dismissal: Lessons from RCBC v. BDO
How parties in a long-running arbitration dispute ended their cases through compromise agreements, and what this means for Philippine litigation.
Burden of Proof in Seafarer Injury Claims: Proving Self-Inflicted Harm
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an employer can defeat a seafarer's disability claim by proving the injury was self-inflicted.
When Silence Isnt Consent Credibility IN Rape AND Acts OF Lasciviousness Cases
Staying Execution in Ejectment Cases: Perfecting Appeals and Supersedeas Bonds
Learn the three requirements to stay execution in ejectment cases: perfect appeal, post supersedeas bond, deposit rentals.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Courts Must Follow the DAR Formula
The Supreme Court clarifies that agrarian courts must apply Section 17 of RA 6657 and DAR AO 5-98 when fixing just compensation for expropriated land.
Reasonable Doubt and Witness Credibility in Philippine Homicide Cases
How Philippine courts weigh witness credibility against reasonable doubt in homicide cases, explained through Medina v. People.
Estate Inventory Disputes: Probate Courts' Provisional Powers on Inclusion of Properties
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on probate courts' authority to provisionally determine ownership for estate inventory inclusion.
Illegal Strikes and Employee Rights: What the Supreme Court Actually Said
A Supreme Court ruling on illegal strikes shows how the right to strike is protected but never absolute, and how participation can carry consequences.
SEC Suspension Order as a Valid Defense in B.P. 22 Cases: Gidwani v. People
When a lawful SEC suspension order precedes check presentment, the drawer may be excused from B.P. 22 liability.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty Banks Must Uphold Transparency in Trust Accounts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Land Bank v. Oñate clarifies banks' fiduciary duties, transparency obligations, and liability for undocumented trust account withdrawals.
Family Code Compromise Rule: When Courts Cannot Dismiss Family Suits Motu Proprio
Supreme Court clarifies that failure to allege compromise efforts under Article 151 is a waivable defect, not grounds for motu proprio dismissal.
When Remand Limits Amendments: Damages in Expropriation Cases
Supreme Court rules on when courts may allow amended complaints after remand in eminent domain cases, protecting property owners' rights.
Unjust Enrichment When Illegal Contracts Require Restitution
The Supreme Court explains when the in pari delicto doctrine yields to the public policy against unjust enrichment in illegal contracts.
Civil Liability Despite Acquittal When Medical Negligence Results in Damages
Acquittal in a criminal case does not erase civil liability. Learn how Philippine courts award damages based on preponderance of evidence.
SEC Suspension Order as Defense in B.P. 22 Cases: Gidwani v. People
Supreme Court rules SEC suspension of payments order excuses check dishonor under B.P. 22, reversing conviction of corporate officer.
Premature Foreclosure: Protecting Mortgagors' Rights Before Default
Philippine Supreme Court rules that foreclosing a mortgage before the debtor defaults on the principal loan is void and ineffectual.
VAT Refund Timeliness: Strict Deadlines for Appealing BIR Decisions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies mandatory 120+30 day periods for VAT refund judicial claims, citing CBK Power v. CIR.
Sheriff’s Duty on Expense Handling: Strict Compliance With Court Rules to Prevent Misconduct
A sheriff who demanded and received execution expenses without court approval or liquidation was suspended for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Regular Seasonal Employment in the Sugar Industry: What Workers Should Know
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between regular seasonal employees and regular permanent workers in the sugar milling industry.
Treachery in Criminal Law: How It Elevates Murder Charges in the Philippines
Learn how treachery qualifies killing into murder under Philippine law, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Ownership Disputes and Wrongful Property Levy: Why Registration Prevails Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on why unregistered sales lose to registered titles and levies, and what buyers must prove to claim good faith.
Statutory Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness: How Philippine Law Protects Children From Sexual Abuse
A Supreme Court ruling explains the two modes of rape under Philippine law, why the victim's age and the charge in the Information matter, and how lesser offenses apply.