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.
Appeal Dismissed: Choosing the Correct Court for Legal Questions
A bank's appeal from an arbitration award was dismissed for being filed in the wrong court. Learn the proper remedies under Philippine law.
Double Jeopardy and Amendment of Information: Rights of the Accused in Philippine Law
Explaining when amending a criminal information after a plea is allowed, and why double jeopardy did not bar re-arraignment in Cabo v. Sandiganbayan.
Employee Termination: Just Cause and Due Process Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the standards for valid employee termination in the Philippines, focusing on just cause and due process requirements.
Falsification of Documents: Proving Intent and Damage in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on notarial falsification, forgery evidence, and lawyer liability in Lingan v. Calubaquib.
Regular Employment Status: When a Probationary Employee Becomes Regular
Understand when a probationary employee becomes regular under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Dusit Hotel Nikko v. Gatbonton.
Protecting Your Property Rights: Contract Cancellation in Philippine Real Estate
Learn how RA 6552 protects installment buyers and why procedural rules matter in contract cancellation cases under Philippine law.
Discernment of Minors in Philippine Criminal Law: Juvenile Responsibility Explained
A 12-year-old's rape conviction upheld by the Supreme Court, clarifying when minors act with discernment under Philippine law.
Double Sale of Property in the Philippines: Why Registration and Good Faith Are Your Best Protection
Learn how Philippine law resolves double sales of property and why timely registration and good faith determine ownership.
Demolition of Illegal Structures: When a Court Order Is Required in the Philippines
Philippine law generally requires a special court order before a city may demolish existing structures, even those built without permits. Learn the rules.
Trademark Ownership in the Philippines: Why Prior Use Beats Registration Alone
The Supreme Court explains why actual use in commerce, not mere registration, determines trademark ownership under Philippine law.
AWOL in the Philippines: When Absence Means Job Loss — A Supreme Court Case Analysis
A look at how Philippine law treats AWOL (absence without official leave) in employment, based on a Supreme Court decision.
Prejudicial Question Doctrine: How Civil Court Rulings Can Halt Graft Cases in the Philippines
Explaining the prejudicial question doctrine in Philippine law and how a civil case ruling can suspend or halt criminal graft proceedings.
Protecting Your Inheritance: Co-Ownership and Prescription in Philippine Property Law
Learn how Philippine law protects co-owners from prescription and laches, and the rules on legal redemption when a co-heir sells property.
Construction Defects and Warranty Periods: Know Your Rights and Liabilities After Project Completion
Learn when a contractor's liability for construction defects ends under Philippine law, and what a one-year warranty period really means.
When Duty Turns Deadly: Justifiable Force and Homicide in Philippine Law
A police officer shot a man during a routine check. The Supreme Court explains when self-defense and performance of duty fail.
Employee Dismissal: Gross Negligence and Loss of Trust in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when gross negligence and loss of trust justify employee dismissal, and when they do not.
Proving Work-Related Illness in the Philippines: When Is Diabetes Compensable
Diabetes is not automatically compensable under Philippine law. A Supreme Court ruling shows what proof claimants must present.
Foreclosure on Multiple Properties: Mortgage Indivisibility and Writ of Possession in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law handles foreclosure of multiple mortgaged properties in different locations and the rules on writ of possession.
Habeas Corpus and Mootness: When Release Ends a Petition in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a detainee's release renders a habeas corpus petition moot, with practical guidance.
When Rape Is Attempted, Not Consummated: The Miranda Case on Penetration
The Supreme Court clarifies when rape is attempted rather than consummated, and how penalties and damages differ under Philippine law.
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.
Mayor's Authority to Sign Contracts: Local Government Powers Under Philippine Law
Learn when a city mayor can validly sign contracts for the local government, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on market stall leases.
Just Compensation in the Philippines: Value Pegged at Time of Taking, Not Current Market Value
Philippine law pegs just compensation at the time of taking, not current market value. MIAA v. Rodriguez explains the rule.
Tax Declaration vs. Deed of Sale: Proving Land Ownership in the Philippines
A tax declaration annotation is not proof of land ownership. Learn what documents legally establish title under Philippine law.