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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Redemption Rights Clarifying Property Disputes AND Legal Standing IN Philippine LAW
Corporate Assets and Execution: Exemptions for Juridical Entities in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why corporations cannot claim execution exemptions meant for natural persons.
DNA Evidence Establishing Paternity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms DNA paternity testing as admissible evidence, setting standards for probative value and the right against self-incrimination.
Absenteeism in Public Service: Consequences and Mitigation in Philippine Law
Explore how Philippine law treats absenteeism in public service, the consequences of unauthorized absences, and legal mitigation options.
Tax Refunds Timing and Proof of Entitlement Under Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts decide tax refund claims, focusing on prescriptive periods, documentary evidence, and the burden of proving entitlement.
Judicial Accountability: The Duty to Timely Transmit Preliminary Investigation Records
Why a judge's failure to transmit preliminary investigation records within 10 days is a punishable offense under Philippine law.
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.
Common Carrier Liability: Negligence and Fortuitous Events in Cargo Loss
When cargo is lost at sea, who pays? Philippine law on common carriers, negligence, and the act of God defense explained.
Dismissal Due to Business Losses: Substantiate Claims With Financial Records
Philippine law requires employers to prove business losses with audited financial statements before dismissing workers for retrenchment or closure.
Homestead Rights vs Agrarian Reform: What Landowners Must Know
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that homestead patents do not automatically exempt land from agrarian reform coverage under Philippine law.
Self-Defense vs. Vengeance: Defining the Limits of Justifiable Force in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when the defense of another justifies force, and when it becomes criminal vengeance under Philippine law.
Handwriting Analysis and Contract Validity: Proving Genuineness Under Philippine Law
How Philippine courts weigh handwriting evidence in contract disputes, and why expert reports alone do not decide the validity of a deed.
Safeguarding Journalistic Freedom: Actual Malice and Libel in Public Discourse
Philippine law on libel and actual malice explained, with practical guidance for journalists, media practitioners, and public commentators.
Breach of Barangay Settlement: Your Right to Rescind and Sue in Court
When a barangay settlement is breached, Philippine law gives the aggrieved party the right to rescind it and pursue their original claim in court.
Reopening Closed Cases: The Strict Standards for Newly Discovered Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine courts rarely reopen final convictions. This article explains the strict rules for newly discovered evidence under Rule 121.
The Compassionate Exception: When Can a Lawfully Dismissed Employee Receive Separation Pay
Philippine law generally denies separation pay to employees dismissed for just cause, but a compassionate exception exists. Learn the rules.
Breach of Trust or Harsh Penalty: Separation Pay for Dismissed Acting Employees
Philippine law allows separation pay even for valid dismissal, except for serious misconduct or moral character issues. Learn the rules.
Libel Venue: Where Does the Case Belong Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies libel venue rules under Article 360, RPC—where to file cases and why allegations matter.
Filial Privilege When CAN A Child Testify Against A Parent IN Philippine Courts
Philippine law on when a child may testify against a parent in court, explained in plain language for lay readers.
Overcoming Fraud in Land Titles: Good Faith Acquisition and Reconveyance
Learn how good faith purchase protects land titles from fraud and when reconveyance is the proper remedy under Philippine law.
Hotel Waivers for Lost Guest Items Are Void: The McLoughlin Rule
Philippine law voids hotel waivers for lost guest belongings. Learn the McLoughlin case and what hotels must do.
Sheriffs Duty Execution Of Writs And Limits Of Discretion In Philippine Law
Explaining the limits of a sheriff's discretion when executing writs, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings on ministerial duties.
Double Jeopardy and Falsification: Understanding Distinct Offenses in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when the same act can produce separate crimes without violating double jeopardy, using a falsification case.
Attempted Rape vs Acts of Lasciviousness: How Intent Shapes Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains the key difference between attempted rape and acts of lasciviousness—the intent to lie with the victim.