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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Earnest Money Perfected Contracts Understanding Philippine Property Sale Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on earnest money, contract perfection, and rescission in property sales explained in plain language.
Sudden Violence and Treachery: Understanding Murder in Philippine Law
A look at how the Supreme Court distinguishes murder from homicide through treachery, using a 1999 stabbing case as an example.
Implied Trusts and Foreign Ownership: The Yap Heirs Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when implied trusts over Philippine land fail, and why constitutional restrictions on foreign ownership bar recovery.
Unmasking Insurance Fraud: How Conspiracy and Falsification Lead to Conviction in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on insurance fraud, conspiracy, and falsification of documents, and what it means for criminal liability.
Conspiracy in Murder: When Presence Does Not Prove Guilt (G.R. No. 127754)
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy in murder cases: mere presence at the crime scene is not enough to convict.
Limits of Judicial Authority: Incidental Expenses and Due Process in Post-Judgment Orders
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's P1.2M award for "incidental expenses" shows why post-judgment orders must respect due process.
Surname Use in Philippine Elections: When It Is Not a Material Misrepresentation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when using a surname in a certificate of candidacy is not a material misrepresentation under election law.
Separation of Church and State: Supreme Court Upholds Labor Rights of Religious Workers
The Supreme Court rules that a pastor's dismissal is a secular employment matter, not an ecclesiastical affair, affirming labor protections.
When Can You Sue a Building Official: Error vs. Bad Faith in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when building officials can be sued for graft—error of judgment is not enough; bad faith must be shown.
Upholding Integrity: Why Workplace Misconduct in Philippine Courts Matters
A lawyer's duty to preserve client confidences survives the attorney-client relationship. The Supreme Court's ruling in Salonga v. Hildawa explains why.
Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Courts: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony, dying statements, and physical evidence in criminal cases, explained through a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Presidential Appointments in the Philippines: Limits of the Commission on Appointments' Confirmation Power
The Supreme Court clarifies which presidential appointments need Commission on Appointments confirmation under the 1987 Constitution.
Ejectment Case Delays and Summary Procedure: A Lesson from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court reminds judges that ejectment cases must be decided within 30 days under the Summary Procedure, or face administrative sanctions.
Illegal Dismissal Back Wages: Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Discipline in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on back wages for illegally dismissed employees, balancing security of tenure with employer discipline.
Supervisory Unions in the Philippines: Affiliation Rules and Managerial Employee Exclusions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on supervisory union federation affiliation, managerial employee exclusions, and certification election rules under Article 245.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Why Victim Testimony Isn't Always Enough in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused when the victim's testimony is riddled with improbabilities. Learn the credibility standards.
Valid Mortgage Even Before Title Transfer Philippine Property LAW Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a mortgage can be valid even if the title transfers after the mortgage contract is signed.
Supremacy of Civil Service Law: Why Government Appointments Must Meet National Standards
The Supreme Court affirms the Civil Service Commission's power to recall appointments that fail to meet national qualification standards, even if approved locally.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Military Officers: The Rank Requirement Explained
When does the Sandiganbayan have jurisdiction over military officers? The Supreme Court clarifies the rank requirement in Uy v. Sandiganbayan.
Understanding Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction by Rank: Lessons from George Uy v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court clarifies that Sandiganbayan jurisdiction over military officers depends on rank, not just the offense charged.
When a Scythe Does Not Mean Deadly Weapon: Rape, Penalties, and Proof in People v. Napiot
The Supreme Court clarifies when a deadly weapon aggravates rape, and affirms that a victim's credible testimony alone can sustain a conviction.
Mortgage Foreclosure: What Happens When a Bank Consolidates Title Before Your Case Ends
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank consolidation of foreclosed property title, TRO effects, and borrower rights during pending litigation.
MSF Tire v. CA: When a Company Cannot Claim "Innocent Bystander" Status in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a company with ties to a business in a labor dispute cannot claim "innocent bystander" status to obtain an injunction against picketing.
Deadfreight and Demurrage in Charter Parties: NFA v. Hongfil Shipping
Supreme Court clarifies when charterers owe deadfreight but not demurrage, and when corporate officers escape personal liability.