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.
U-Turn Negligence: When a Sudden Maneuver Establishes Fault in Vehicle Collisions
A sudden U-turn without signal lights can establish negligence and proximate cause in a vehicle collision, making the driver and employer liable for damages.
Novation Must Be Clear: Restructuring Agreements Do Not Automatically Extinguish Prior Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when debt restructuring novates an obligation and when it merely modifies the original agreement.
Heirship Rights vs. Execution Sales: Protecting Inherited Property in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects heirs' rights when inherited property faces competing claims, and what the Dela Cruz ruling means for Filipino families.
Negligence in a U-Turn Collision: Quasi-Delict Liability Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies negligence and vicarious liability in a U-turn collision, applying Articles 2176 and 2180 of the Civil Code.
Fire Damage Liability and Res Ipsa Loquitur in Philippine Lease Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lessee liability for fire damage, res ipsa loquitur, and temperate damages in lease disputes.
Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accidents: When the Owner Answers for the Driver's Negligence
Learn when a vehicle owner is liable for the driver's negligence under Philippine quasi-delict law, citing a recent Supreme Court ruling.
When Circumstantial Evidence Leads to Conviction: Understanding Parricide in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how circumstantial evidence can prove parricide and intent to kill in People v. Castillo.
Employer's Liability for Diligence in Employee Supervision After a Vehicular Accident
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability and the standard of diligence required in supervising employees after a vehicular accident.
Attorney Negligence and the Limits of Relief from Judgment in Philippine Courts
When a lawyer's mistake costs a client the case, relief from judgment is not always available. This decision explains the limits.
Employer Liability for Employee Death in the Philippines Even in Fortuitous Events
Philippine employers may be liable for employee death caused by fortuitous events under Article 1711 of the Civil Code, as explained in Candano Shipping Lines v. Sugata-on.
Railroad Negligence: Defining the Scope of Duty and Liability at Railroad Crossings
Philippine National Railways v. Brunty clarifies railroad crossing safety duties, contributory negligence, and damage awards under Philippine tort law.
Default Judgment Consequences of Missing Pretrial in Philippine Courts
Learn how skipping pretrial can lead to default judgment in Philippine courts, and what the Ramientas v. Reyala case says about procedural rules.
Common Carrier Liability in the Philippines: Breach of Contract of Carriage Explained
Philippine common carriers face a presumption of negligence when passengers are injured or killed. Learn the rules and how to rebut them.
Quasi-Delict Damages and Court Jurisdiction: Filing in the Right Philippine Court
Learn how Philippine courts determine jurisdiction in quasi-delict damage claims, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Iniego v. Purganan.
Attempted vs. Consummated Rape in the Philippines: The Penetration Rule in People v. Miranda
Philippine law once required penile penetration for consummated rape. People v. Miranda shows why digital penetration meant attempted rape—and a lesser penalty.
Overt Acts and Intent: Understanding Attempted Rape Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when acts amount to attempted rape and when they only constitute light coercion.
Homicide or Reckless Imprudence: Intent Matters in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court explains when a fatal act is homicide versus reckless imprudence, focusing on criminal intent.
Third-Party Rights in Philippine Contracts: When Can You Enforce an Agreement You Didn’t Sign?
Philippine law generally limits contract enforcement to parties, their assigns, and heirs. Learn the exception under stipulation pour autrui.
Attorney Accountability Understanding Lawyer Neglect of Duty in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer neglect of duty, abandonment of clients, and the ethical obligations of attorneys.
Road Repair Responsibility When Negligence Leads to Liability
When road diggings lack warning devices, local governments may be liable for damages. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on negligence, moral damages, and gross negligence.
Vehicular Homicide vs. Murder: Intent and the Use of a Motor Vehicle
When does a fatal vehicular incident become murder? The Mallari case shows how intent and the use of a motor vehicle elevate the crime.
Protecting Children: Defining Lascivious Conduct and Child Abuse Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes lascivious conduct and child abuse under RA 7610, protecting minors from sexual exploitation.
Accidental Harm vs Self-Defense: When Can You Claim Innocence in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when accident or self-defense excuses criminal liability, and why switching defenses on appeal fails.
Second Chances Denied: The High Cost of Procedural Missteps in Philippine Litigation
A Supreme Court ruling shows why "honest mistake" rarely justifies a new trial—and why procedural deadlines and rules are strictly enforced.