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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Prescription in Mortgage Foreclosure: When the Clock Starts Ticking in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that the 10-year prescriptive period for mortgage foreclosure runs from default, not from the mortgage date.
Forum Shopping and Res Judicata: When Filing a Second Civil Case Backfires
The Supreme Court explains how filing a second case over the same vessel violated the rule against forum shopping and triggered res judicata.
Winning Your Land Dispute: Why Clear Titles and Legal Standing Matter in Philippine Property Law
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling on legal standing and CARP exemptions affects land disputes, property titles, and farmer-beneficiary rights in the Philippines.
Warrantless Vehicle Searches: When Can Police Search Your Car in the Philippines
Philippine law allows warrantless vehicle searches under certain conditions. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling on illegal lumber transport.
Philippine Search Warrants and Territorial Jurisdiction: When Can a Manila Court Order a Search in Cavite
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on when courts can issue search warrants outside their territorial jurisdiction.
Navigating Philippine Courts Why Procedure Matters AS Much AS Substance IN Appeals
The Supreme Court reminds litigants that technical rules yield to justice, especially when liberty hangs in the balance.
Preliminary Injunctions: Why Courts Must Hear Both Sides Before Issuing One
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a judge commits grave abuse of discretion by issuing a preliminary injunction without letting the opposing party finish presenting evidence.
Rape Conviction Based on Credible Testimony: People v. Suyat
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining when a victim's credible testimony alone can prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Judicial Misconduct When Delay AND Ignorance Lead TO Dismissal
Correcting Manifest Errors After Proclamation: How the Supreme Court Safeguards the True Will of the Electorat
The Supreme Court upheld the COMELEC's power to correct manifest errors in the statement of votes even after a candidate had already been proclaimed.
Treachery and Intent: Understanding Murder and Homicide in Philippine Law
A single Supreme Court case clarifies how treachery distinguishes murder from homicide, and what damages families can claim.
Upholding Corporate Governance: Limits of Stockholder Suits and Board Discretion
The Supreme Court clarifies when derivative suits may proceed and when courts must respect board discretion in corporate management.
Unlawful Arrest Nullifies Seized Evidence Protecting Constitutional Rights in Drug Cases
When police act without a warrant, the evidence they seize may be inadmissible. Learn the rules on warrantless arrests and searches.
Perfecting a Loan Delivery and the Role of Crossed Checks in Financial Agreements
When is a loan perfected? The Supreme Court clarifies how delivery of crossed checks affects loan contracts and interest claims.
Ballot Box Integrity is Key: Safeguarding Election Results in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Rosal v. Comelec: ballots must be proven untampered before they can overturn election returns.
Retirement Plans and Security of Tenure: Voluntary vs Compulsory Retirement in the Philippines
When does a retirement plan violate security of tenure? The Supreme Court explains the difference between voluntary and compulsory retirement.
Judges' Duty and Consequences of Undue Delay in Rendering Decisions in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judges' duty to decide cases promptly and the administrative penalties for undue delay in rendering decisions.
Quieting of Title and Summary Judgments: What Philippine Property Owners Should Know
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified when summary judgment is proper in quieting of title cases, and what this means for property owners facing ownership disputes.
Finality of Land Registration Judgment Prevails Despite Delayed Decree Issuance
A land registration judgment becomes final after 30 days and binds the whole world, even if the decree is issued decades later.
Fair Dismissal Evidence AND DUE Process IN Labor Disputes
Rape and Incest in the Philippines: Legal Framework and Victim Protection
Understanding Philippine law on incestuous rape through a landmark Supreme Court case, including penalties, evidence rules, and victim protections.
Challenging Election Results: Pre-Proclamation Controversies and Void Proclamations
Learn when a pre-proclamation controversy can be filed after proclamation, and why a void proclamation is no proclamation at all.
Serious Physical Injuries in the Philippines: The Pilares Case Explained
Understand serious physical injuries under Philippine law through the Pilares case, including penalties, evidence, and self-defense considerations.
Suing the Government: Understanding State Immunity in the Philippines
A pharmaceutical company's bid dispute clarifies when government officials can be sued despite state immunity.