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.
When Can a Bank Seize Funds? Understanding Set-Off Rights in the Philippines
Learn when Philippine banks can legally seize deposits through set-off, and the limits on this right under Philippine law.
Forged Deeds and Property Rights: Understanding Acquisitive Prescription in the Philippines
Can a forged deed ripen into ownership through prescription? The Supreme Court explains why bad faith blocks acquisitive prescription on titled land.
Rape Conviction Understanding Credibility OF Witnesses AND Victim Testimony IN Philippine LAW
Philippine courts rely on credible witness testimony in rape cases. This article explains how trial courts assess victim credibility and prosecution evidence.
Investment or Loan? Understanding Estafa and Fiduciary Duty in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a failed investment becomes estafa under the Revised Penal Code, and why fiduciary duty matters.
Treachery in Philippine Law: Understanding Murder vs. Homicide
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery qualifies a killing as murder, distinguishing it from homicide in People v. Compendio.
Moral Turpitude and Fencing: Understanding Disqualification in Philippine Elections
Learn how a fencing conviction disqualifies candidates from local office under Philippine election law, explained in plain language.
Surety Agreements Understanding THE Limits OF Liability IN Philippine LAW
Learn how Philippine courts interpret surety agreements, the limits of a surety's liability, and key defenses under the Civil Code.
Perfecting an Appeal: Understanding the Importance of Procedural Compliance in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict procedural compliance in appeals and the limits of administrative interpretation of law.
Enforcing Labor Rights Understanding Prescription AND Jurisdiction IN Philippine Labor LAW
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on labor claim prescription, jurisdiction, and enforcement of compromise agreements in MWSS v. NLRC.
Accretion vs Reclamation: Understanding Land Ownership Rights in the Philippines
Philippine law distinguishes accretion from reclamation for land ownership. Learn the rules, burdens, and practical implications.
Confessions and Conspiracy: Understanding Robbery with Homicide in the Philippines
A look at how Philippine courts treat extrajudicial confessions, conspiracy, and robbery with homicide, based on a 1996 Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding Solidary Liability in Philippine Promissory Notes: Inciong Jr. v. Court of Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling explains what signing a promissory note "jointly and severally" means, and why co-makers cannot escape liability.
Understanding Illegal Logging and Timber Possession Laws in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that possessing lumber without legal documents is a crime under the Revised Forestry Code, explaining key rules on seizure and confiscation.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Alevosia and Its Implications
A look at how Philippine courts define treachery (alevosia) in murder cases, using the 1996 Paragua decision as a guide.
Falsification of Public Documents: Understanding Intent and Presumptions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on falsification of public documents, explaining the presumption of authorship when one possesses and uses forged titles.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Understanding Consent and Penalties
Learn how Philippine courts handle statutory rape cases, from consent rules to penalties, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding Legal Redemption: Protecting Co-Owners' Rights in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies co-owners' legal redemption rights, written notice requirements, and timely exercise under Civil Code Articles 1619-1623.
Understanding Res Judicata and Its Exceptions in Philippine Property Disputes
Learn how res judicata bars relitigation of property cases in the Philippines, plus the recognized exceptions to this procedural rule.
Child Custody in the Philippines: Understanding the Under-Seven Rule
The Supreme Court explains the mandatory under-seven rule in child custody cases under Article 213 of the Family Code.
Self-Defense and Treachery: Understanding Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts weigh self-defense claims against treachery in murder cases, using the Lapura ruling.
Rape Conviction Based on Victim's Testimony: Understanding Credibility in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a rape conviction can rest solely on the victim's credible testimony, and why force or intimidation is judged from the victim's perspective.
Land Reform and Jurisdiction: Understanding Agrarian Disputes in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when regular courts, not the DAR, have jurisdiction over agrarian disputes involving land transfer certificates.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Attack
Learn how Philippine courts define treachery, why it qualifies killing as murder, and what Patrolla v. People teaches about intent and attack.
Understanding Complex Crime When ONE ACT Leads TO Multiple Felonies IN The Philippines
Learn how Philippine law treats a single act causing multiple felonies, using the robbery-with-homicide ruling in People v. Silan.