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.
Judicial Decorum in Philippine Courts: Lessons from Judge Dajao's Vulgar Conduct Case
The Supreme Court fined a judge for vulgar language and self-promotion, reaffirming strict standards of judicial decorum under Philippine law.
Petition for Relief and Extrinsic Fraud: Jurisdiction Limits in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts handle petitions for relief from judgments, the role of extrinsic fraud, and jurisdictional limits under Rule 38.
Constructive Dismissal and Abandonment: Key Insights from a Philippine Labor Case
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish constructive dismissal from abandonment of work, and when separation pay is due.
Timely Filing of Motions: Why Service on Counsel Matters in Philippine Courts
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified that notice to counsel, not the party, determines the timeliness of motions in Philippine litigation.
Divorce Abroad: How Philippine Courts Recognize Foreign Decrees After Galapon v. Republic
The Supreme Court clarifies that foreign divorce decrees obtained jointly by a Filipino and alien spouse may be recognized under Article 26(2) of the Family Code.
Grave Misconduct and Gross Neglect of Duty in Philippine Courts: Lessons from a Clerk's Dismissal
The Supreme Court explains grave misconduct and gross neglect of duty through a court clerk's dismissal for tampering with case records.
Unconscionable Interest Rates: When 5% Monthly Loan Interest Is Void in the Philippines
Philippine courts void unconscionable loan interest rates even if borrowers agreed to them. Learn the rules, the legal interest substitute, and foreclosure effects.
Shareholder Rights Navigating Derivative Suits IN Philippine Corporate LAW
Understand when Philippine courts allow derivative suits, the requirements under the Interim Rules, and why majority shareholders cannot bypass the board of directors.
Ensuring Swift Justice: The Importance of Timely Case Disposition in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's undue delay in disposing a criminal case underscores why timely case disposition is vital to Philippine justice.
Assessed Value vs Market Value: Jurisdictional Thresholds in Property Disputes
Philippine courts determine jurisdiction over property disputes by assessed value, not market value. Learn the rule from Gabrillo v. Heirs of Pastor.
Annulment of Title and the Doctrine of Non-Interference in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a trial court cannot annul a co-equal court's order, applying the doctrine of judicial stability.
The Weight of Witness Testimony Establishing Conspiracy in Murder Cases
How Philippine courts weigh witness credibility and conspiracy in murder convictions, with practical guidance for building a strong case.
Proving Foreign Law in Philippine Courts: Divorce, Property Rights, and the Keppel Case
Philippine courts don't take judicial notice of foreign laws. Learn the proof requirements from the Supreme Court's Keppel ruling on divorce and property.
Reformation of Instruments: When Can a Contract Be Changed
Learn when Philippine courts allow contract reformation due to mutual mistake, and why summary judgment fails when facts are disputed.
Fair Price or Land Grab: Determining Just Compensation in Philippine Expropriation Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how Philippine courts determine just compensation in expropriation cases, rejecting reliance on outdated zonal valuations.
Lotto Winner or Loser: Proving Your Claim in Philippine Courts
A failed PCSO jackpot claim shows why evidence, not mere assertion, decides lotto disputes in Philippine courts.
Interlocutory Orders and Appeals: When to Appeal a Judgment in Philippine Courts
Learn when a court ruling becomes appealable and why a party's right to appeal is not affected by another party's motion for reconsideration.
Employment Status and Control Test in Illegal Dismissal Cases: A Guide
Explaining how Philippine courts determine employment status and jurisdiction in illegal dismissal cases, using the Loreche-Amit v. CDMC ruling.
Docket Fees and Jurisdiction: Why Accurate Filing Matters in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies that deliberately underpaying docket fees can cost a plaintiff jurisdiction over their case, not just money.
Simple Rape Conviction: Credibility of Victim’s Testimony and Burden of Proof
A look at how Philippine courts weigh a rape victim’s testimony, credibility, and the prosecution’s burden of proof in simple rape cases.
Timely Objections in Philippine Courts: The Magsino Evidence Ruling
Learn when to object to expert testimony and documentary evidence in Philippine courts, based on the Supreme Court's Magsino ruling.
Unexcused Absence When Neglecting Duty Leads to Removal From Public Service
Learn when Philippine courts drop government employees from the rolls for AWOL, and what rights remain after separation.
Corporate Name Disputes Priority Rights and Confusing Similarity in Trademark Law
Learn how Philippine courts resolve corporate name disputes, priority rights, and confusing similarity in trademark registration cases.
Upholding Arbitration Philippine Courts Enforce Foreign Awards Despite Domestic LAW Conflicts
Philippine Supreme Court affirms enforcement of a Singapore arbitral award, clarifying narrow grounds for refusal under the New York Convention.