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.
When Acts of God Disrupt Travel: Airline Liability for Flight Delays in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on airline liability for passenger expenses during flight delays caused by force majeure, like the Mt. Pinatubo eruption.
The Power of a Single Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Robbery With Homicide Cases
How one credible eyewitness can convict in robbery with homicide, explained through a 1998 Supreme Court ruling.
Philippine Legal Interest on Loans: When Does 12% Apply? Villanueva v. CA Explained
Learn when 12% legal interest applies to unpaid loans in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Villanueva v. Court of Appeals.
Integrity in the Judiciary: Why Honesty in Your Judicial Application Matters
A judge concealed a pending criminal case in his application to the Judicial and Bar Council. The Supreme Court dismissed him for dishonesty, underscoring that candor is a non-negotiable qualification
Personal Service IS Priority: Understanding Mandatory Pleading Service in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when personal service of pleadings is mandatory under Section 11, Rule 13, and what happens when lawyers skip it.
Stock Pledge in the Philippines: When Can a Pledgee Demand Ownership and Stock Transfer
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a pledgee of shares can demand stock transfer and ownership rights under a contract of pledge.
Safeguarding Due Process: COMELEC's Jurisdiction in Philippine Election Cases
The Supreme Court nullified a COMELEC en banc resolution for violating due process and the constitutional rule that election cases be decided by division.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Defenseless Victims
The Supreme Court explains treachery, conspiracy, and self-defense in a murder case involving three brothers who shot an unarmed victim.
When Words Fail and Knives Speak: Self-Defense and Homicide in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails, how accomplices differ from principals, and why a heated argument defeats treachery.
Sequestration Orders in the Philippines: Validity Rules and Timely Legal Action
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when sequestration orders are valid, how PCGG rules apply, and the constitutional deadline for judicial action.
Can Labor Cases Be Decided Solely on Position Papers? Understanding Due Process in Philippine Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court explains when labor arbiters may decide cases based only on position papers without trial, and what due process requires.
Upholding Judicial Impartiality: Timely Case Resolution and Ethical Conduct Matter
The Supreme Court affirms Sandiganbayan's lifting of sequestration orders, underscoring strict compliance with PCGG rules and constitutional time limits.
Selling Inherited Property During Probate: What Heirs Should Know
Can an heir sell inherited property while probate is pending? The Supreme Court explains when court approval is needed and when it is not.
Final Judgment Is Final: Understanding Annulment of Judgment in the Philippines
When can a final criminal judgment be annulled? The Supreme Court explains the limits of annulment of judgment and due process.
Missed Pre-Trial and Default Orders: What Victory Liner v. Viron Means for Businesses
Philippine Supreme Court explains when missing a pre-trial can lead to default orders and why businesses must ensure proper representation.
Buyer’s Right to Specific Performance When a Seller Backs Out of a Contract to Sell
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that sellers cannot unilaterally rescind a Contract to Sell, and buyers may sue for specific performance.
When Self-Defense Fails: Understanding Burden of Proof in Philippine Criminal Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains why accused persons claiming self-defense must prove it, and how courts assess such claims.
Valid Dismissal in the Philippines: When Loss of Trust Justifies Termination of Managerial Employees
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when loss of trust and confidence justifies valid dismissal of managerial employees under the Labor Code.
When Does a New Agreement Override an Old One? Philippine Contract Law Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a later agreement novates an earlier contract, and when both documents must be read together.
Employee vs Independent Contractor: Key Lessons from Santos v. NLRC
The Supreme Court clarifies how Philippine courts determine employee vs independent contractor status, using the four-fold test in Santos v. NLRC.
Executive Overreach vs Privacy Rights: The Landmark Ople v. Torres National ID Case
The Supreme Court struck down Executive Order on National ID System for violating privacy and usurping legislative power.
Enforcing Foreign Judgments in the Philippines: Arbitration Clauses and Due Process
When can a foreign judgment be enforced in the Philippines? The Supreme Court explains arbitration clauses, due process, and presumptive validity of foreign rulings.
Stock Dividends and Documentary Stamp Tax: Par Value vs Actual Value in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether documentary stamp tax on stock dividends is based on par value or book value.
Unshaken Testimony: How Philippine Courts Uphold Witness Credibility Despite Minor Inconsistencies
Philippine courts weigh witness credibility over minor inconsistencies. Learn how the Supreme Court ruled in People v. Crisostomo.