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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Demand Is Key: Understanding Rescission in Philippine Real Estate Sales
The Supreme Court explains when a buyer can still pay after missing a deadline in a property sale, and why demand for rescission matters.
Missed Deadlines Dismissed Cases Understanding Timely Appeals IN Philippine Labor LAW
Learn how appeal deadlines work in Philippine labor cases, including the 10-day rule, service of decisions, and the registered mail filing rule.
Robbery With Rape in the Philippines: Understanding the Complexities and Victims Rights
The Supreme Court explains when rape accompanies robbery as a single crime, and affirms victims' rights and evidentiary rules.
Bouncing Checks and Broken Promises: Understanding Estafa in Philippine Investment Schemes
Learn how the Supreme Court treats investment scams involving bouncing checks, deceit, and estafa under Philippine law.
Navigating Mining Tax Refunds in the Philippines: Understanding R.A. 1435 and Its Limits
Philex Mining v. CIR clarifies that the 25% mining tax refund under R.A. 1435 is based on old rates, not actual taxes paid.
Beyond Kicking: Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a man who kicked a murder victim, explaining when mere presence or minor acts do not prove conspiracy.
Understanding Conspiracy in Murder Cases: Lessons from People v. Nava
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how conspiracy in murder is proven through acts showing unity of purpose, not just prior agreement.
Novation Is Not a Get-Out-of-Jail Free Card: Understanding Estafa and Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when novation can extinguish criminal liability in estafa cases, and when it cannot.
Understanding Contracts of Sale vs Contracts to Sell in Philippine Property Law
Learn the key differences between contracts of sale and contracts to sell under Philippine law, and why the distinction matters for property buyers and sellers.
Homicide vs Murder: Understanding the Nuances of Intent in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a killing is homicide, not murder, and why qualifying circumstances must be proven beyond doubt.
When Circumstantial Evidence Leads TO Conviction Understanding Murder Cases IN THE Philippines
When Accident Doesnt Excuse Murder Understanding Parricide AND Intent IN Philippine LAW
A police officer shoots his wife, claims accident, but the Supreme Court affirms parricide. Learn how intent and evidence work in Philippine criminal law.
Understanding Court Stenographer Fees in the Philippines: A Guide for Litigants
Learn about court stenographer fees in Philippine litigation, who pays, when they apply, and how to manage these costs.
Lost Your Appeal Understanding Certiorari AND Final Judgments IN Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts treat petitions for review on certiorari, final judgments, and due process in administrative proceedings.
Lost Your Election Protest? Understanding Pre-Proclamation Controversies in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when election protests must be filed, and why pre-proclamation cases end after proclamation.
Full Backwages for Illegally Dismissed Employees: Understanding Philippine Labor Law
Philippine law awards full backwages to illegally dismissed employees without deducting earnings from other jobs. Learn the rule from Times Transit case.
AGE Matters Most Understanding Statutory Rape Convictions IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies statutory rape: victim's age under 12 is the sole element, making force or consent irrelevant.
Dying Declaration as Key Evidence: Understanding Homicide and Murder Convictions in the Philippines
How a dying declaration can convict, and why missing proof of treachery reduces murder to homicide in Philippine courts.
Justice Delayed vs Justice Denied: Understanding Reasonable Time in Philippine Courts
The Godinez v. Alano case explains when a judge's error becomes administrative misconduct and the importance of judicial impartiality.
Misappropriation vs Private Property: Understanding Malversation in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that malversation requires public property. A mayor's custody of a private gun is not malversation.
Lost Your Land Title in the Philippines? Understanding Reconstitution and RA 26
Learn how to reconstitute a lost or destroyed land title in the Philippines under RA 26, and what documents courts require.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Understanding Illegal Termination Under Philippine Labor Law
Learn the two-notice rule and just causes for valid dismissal in the Philippines from the Gothong Lines case on illegal termination.
When Strikes Cross The Line Understanding Illegal Strike Activities AND Employee Dismissal IN The Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that illegal strike participation can justify dismissal, but only when the employee's actions constitute serious misconduct.
The Weight of Witness Testimony: Understanding Murder Convictions in Philippine Courts
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony against alibi in murder cases, explained through a landmark Supreme Court ruling.