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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Are Employee Quitclaims Always Valid? The Alcosero v. NLRC Ruling
When are employee quitclaims valid in the Philippines? The Supreme Court explains in Alcosero v. NLRC.
When Self-Defense Fails: Understanding Justifying Circumstances and Alibi in Philippine Criminal Law
Learn how Philippine courts test self-defense and alibi claims, and why both failed in this murder and frustrated homicide case.
Delayed Cargo Claims and Prescription: When the One-Year COGSA Rule Does Not Apply
Explaining Mitsui O.S.K. Lines v. Court of Appeals: when delayed delivery claims are not "loss or damage" under COGSA's one-year prescriptive period.
Time Is of the Essence: Understanding the Prescription Period for Illegal Dismissal Claims in the Philippines
When does the 4-year prescriptive period for illegal dismissal start? The Supreme Court clarifies in Mendoza v. NLRC.
When Can Self Defense Claims Be Denied Understanding Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Explore when Philippine courts deny self-defense claims, using People v. Molas to illustrate how weak defenses fail against strong prosecution evidence.
Caveat Emptor in Philippine Law: The Fule Case on Buyer Beware in Property and Jewelry Deals
Philippine law applies caveat emptor—buyers must inspect goods before purchase. The Fule case shows how failure to verify authenticity can defeat fraud claims.
Rape Conviction Reversal: When Consensual Sex Becomes Forced
Supreme Court acquits pastor in rape case, explaining how a complainant's post-incident conduct can cast doubt on claims of force.
Airline Liability for Lost Luggage: What Passengers Need to Know in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on airline liability for lost luggage, limited liability waivers, and third-party claims explained.
Res Judicata in Philippine Law: How Prior Judgments Affect Future Claims
Learn how the doctrine of res judicata bars relitigation of decided cases and affects future legal claims in the Philippines.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Can You Legally Use Force?
Philippine law allows force only when unlawful aggression is real. Learn the three elements of self-defense and why claims often fail.
Reconveyance Actions and Prescription: Lessons from Delos Reyes v. Court of Appeals
A 30-year delay bars reconveyance claims under the Torrens system, protecting innocent purchasers for value from stale suits.
Deposit Insurance Claims When Banks Fail Are Your Deposits Protected
Learn how PDIC deposit insurance works when a bank fails, and why a certificate of time deposit does not guarantee payment.
Proving Self-Defense and Treachery in Murder Cases: Insights from People v. Carpio
A look at how the Supreme Court evaluates self-defense claims and treachery in murder, using the 1997 Carpio decision.
Perfecting Land Titles: Vested Rights and Corporate Land Ownership in the Philippines
Understand how the Supreme Court ruled on vested rights, corporate acquisition of public lands, and the limits of land ownership claims.
Res Judicata: How Prior Judgments Impact Future Claims in Philippine Courts
Learn how the doctrine of res judicata bars relitigating settled issues, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on final judgments.
SEC Jurisdiction Over Commodity Futures Fraud Claims: Lessons From Tolentino v. Court of Appeals
When fraud in commodity futures trading falls under SEC jurisdiction, not regular courts, per Tolentino v. CA.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Fear and Moral Ascendancy Overcome Claim of Consensual Affair
Philippine Supreme Court affirms uncle's rape conviction, ruling that a victim's fear and an accused's moral ascendancy defeat claims of consent.
When a Corporation Can Be Held Liable in Labor Disputes Even Without Being Impleaded
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a corporation may be held liable for labor claims even if only its trade name was impleaded.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Spouse's Property Be Seized for a Husband's Debt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a wife's property can be seized for her husband's debts, and the limits of third-party claims.
Premature Objections When Third-Party Claims Challenge Evidence in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a spouse cannot file a third-party claim after a fraudulent conveyance is annulled.
Medical Malpractice in the Philippines: Navigating Negligence Claims
Learn how Philippine courts handle medical malpractice and negligence claims, including key legal principles and practical guidance.
Probate Court Jurisdiction vs Foreign Courts: The Marcos Estate Ruling
Philippine probate court jurisdiction does not bar foreign courts from acting on claims against an estate, as the Supreme Court explained in this 1997 ruling.
Solidary Liability of Recruitment Agencies: Protecting Overseas Filipino Workers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on joint and solidary liability of recruitment agencies and foreign employers for overseas workers' claims.
Compromise Agreements and Quitclaims: When Are They Valid in Philippine Labor Law?
The Supreme Court explains when compromise agreements and quitclaims bind workers—and when courts will set them aside as unconscionable.