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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Just Compensation IN Eminent Domain Determining Fair Market Value IN THE Philippines
Construction Subcontractor Rights: Ensuring Timely Payment in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts protect subcontractors' right to timely payment, even when a general contractor claims financial difficulty.
Self-Defense or Murder? Understanding Justifiable Homicide in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense is valid and why a killing without treachery is homicide, not murder.
Divorce and Remarriage in the Philippines: Validity and Legal Capacity Explained
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a Filipino divorced by a foreign spouse may remarry, and how courts determine legal capacity and estate venue.
Partial Signatures Full Liability Understanding Contracts To Sell CO Owned Property IN THE Philippines
Learn when a contract to sell co-owned property binds all owners, even with only some signatures, under Philippine law.
Child Exploitation IN THE Philippines Understanding Legal Protections AND Parental Liability
Changing Your Child's Last Name in the Philippines: Legal Process and Parental Rights
Learn the legal process for changing a child's surname in the Philippines, including Rule 103 requirements and parental rights under the Family Code.
Protecting Government Assets Understanding Exemptions From Execution IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government funds and properties are exempt from execution, and when judges and sheriffs can be held liable.
Dismissed on a Technicality: Why Following Court Procedure Is Non-Negotiable in the Philippines
A bank's petition was dismissed for missing certified true copies. Learn why procedural rules matter in Philippine courts.
Dominance Prevails Understanding Trademark Confusing Similarity IN THE Philippines
Declaratory Relief in the Philippines: When Can You Ask Courts to Clarify Your Rights
Learn when Philippine courts allow declaratory relief actions, including the requirements of justiciable controversy and ripeness, based on a 2007 Supreme Court ruling.
Moonlighting and Misconduct: When a Second Job Leads to Legal Trouble in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on loss of trust and confidence as just cause for dismissing managerial employees who engage in misconduct.
Hospital Liability for Doctor Negligence in the Philippines: Corporate Responsibility Explained
When can a Philippine hospital be held liable for a doctor's negligence? The Supreme Court's ruling in Professional Services, Inc. v. Agana clarifies corporate responsibility.
Why Courts Must Scrutinize Motions to Withdraw Criminal Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that inordinate delay in preliminary investigation violates an accused's constitutional right to due process and speedy disposition.
Justice Delayed IS Justice Denied Understanding Your Right TO Speedy Trial IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that inordinate delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Piercing the Corporate Veil in the Philippines: When Parent Companies Pay Subsidiary Debts
Philippine courts can hold parent companies liable for subsidiary debts when the subsidiary is a mere instrumentality. Learn the rules from General Credit v. Alsons.
Navigating Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: Why a POEA License Is Your Shield
Learn how Philippine law defines large-scale illegal recruitment, why a POEA license matters, and what the Supreme Court says about proving this crime.
Automatic Contract Cancellation in the Philippines: Grace Periods and Buyer Obligations
Missed payments on a Contract to Sell can trigger automatic cancellation. Learn the rules from Santiago v. Court of Appeals.
Squatters Rights vs Government Authority: Eviction and Demolition in the Philippines
Understand when the government can evict and demolish structures, and why squatters cannot claim rights over government-owned land.
Construction Contract Disputes: Interpreting Amendments and Deduction Clauses in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a contractor can deduct accommodation costs from a subcontractor's billings after a final contract amendment.
Incestuous Rape in the Philippines: Protecting Children and Upholding Justice
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a father for four counts of incestuous rape, imposing reclusion perpetua without parole under RA 9346.
Unendorsed Checks and Bank Liability: Depositor Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unendorsed checks, bank set-off rights, and depositor protection in banking disputes.
Walking the Tightrope: How Unjustified Absences Can Lead to Legal Dismissal in the Philippines
Understand when prolonged absences become abandonment of work and justify legal dismissal under Philippine labor law.
Citizen's Arrest in the Philippines: Barangay Tanod Authority and Your Rights
When can barangay tanods arrest without a warrant? The Salma case explains citizen's arrest rules and your rights under Philippine law.