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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Court Premises Are Not for Commercial Use: A Lesson in Judicial Dignity
Philippine Supreme Court rules that Halls of Justice must be used exclusively for judicial functions, not commercial activities like raffle draws.
Understanding Reasonable Doubt and Guilty Pleas in Philippine Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on guilty pleas, territorial jurisdiction, and conviction based on evidence rather than plea alone.
From Double Murder to Arson: How Intent Shapes Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when setting fire to a house is murder or arson, and why intent determines the crime.
Right of First Refusal Protects Lessees Over Third-Party Buyers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how a lessee's right of first refusal can override a sale to a third party, even a government entity.
Seafarers Disability Claim Denied Strict Compliance With Reporting Rules
Philippine Supreme Court denies seafarer's disability claim for failing the mandatory three-day post-employment medical examination rule under the POEA contract.
Jurisdictional Estoppel When Participation Waives Objections in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how active participation in trial can bar a party from later questioning the court's jurisdiction in property cases.
Right of First Refusal in Lease Agreements: What Lessees Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that right of first refusal in lease contracts survives expiration and binds the lessor to offer the property first.
Superior Registered Title Prevails Protecting Prior Land Rights Despite Subsequent Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an earlier registered title beats later buyers, even innocent purchasers for value.
Breach of Contract vs Forbearance: Clarifying Interest Rate Applications in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when forbearance interest applies versus breach of contract damages, and how courts compute legal interest on monetary awards.
Mootness in Maritime Law: When Supervening Events Nullify Court Decisions
Philippine Supreme Court explains when supervening events render cases moot, using a maritime CPC dispute as the key example.
Valid Service of Summons on Residents Temporarily Abroad: The Palma Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that substituted service of summons is valid for residents temporarily out of the country, and explains when voluntary appearance waives jurisdictional objections.
Fixed Price Contracts NO Extra PAY Without Written Approval FOR Construction Changes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on fixed price contracts: no extra pay for construction changes without written approval. Learn the rules.
Incestuous Rape: Moral Ascendancy as Intimidation in Familial Abuse
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a father's moral ascendancy substitutes for force or intimidation in incestuous rape, affirming a conviction.
Jurisdiction by Estoppel: When Active Court Participation Bars a Jurisdictional Challenge
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a party's active participation in a case can bar it from later questioning the court's jurisdiction.
Fixed Price Contracts: No Recovery for Unapproved Additional Costs
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on fixed lump-sum contracts: contractors cannot recover additional costs without written approval under Article 1724.
Illegal Dismissal and Serious Misconduct as Just Cause for Termination
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when misconduct justifies dismissal, why the penalty must fit the offense, and how employers must prove a valid termination.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Why Courts Defer to Agency Expertise
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why parties must exhaust administrative remedies and file motions for reconsideration before seeking court relief.
Withdrawal of Application Can Overcome Misrepresentation Claims in Overseas Employment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a worker's withdrawal of application defeats claims of misrepresentation and non-issuance of receipts against recruitment agencies.
Illegal Dismissal Damages: Computing Backwages Until Judgment Becomes Final
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how backwages and separation pay are computed in illegal dismissal cases, including when the computation period ends and interest applies.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the chain of custody rule in drug cases and why lapses can lead to acquittal.
Foreclosure Sales Upholding Validity Despite Single Bidder
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that extrajudicial foreclosure sales remain valid even with only one bidder, settling the two-bidder rule question.
Unregistered Trade Names Protected Under Philippine IP Law: Coffee Partners v. San Francisco Coffee
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that unregistered trade names are protected from infringement under RA 8293, requiring only prior use in commerce.
Love Conquers All: Marriage Extinguishes Rape Conviction Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court absolves a convicted rapist after marrying the victim, citing provisions of the Revised Penal Code on marriage as extinguishing criminal liability.
Default Orders and Due Process: Protecting Contractors' Rights in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on default orders, due process, and corporate officer liability in construction payment disputes.