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.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Defining the Line in Philippine Drug Sale Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the difference between valid entrapment and prohibited instigation in illegal drug sale cases under RA 9165.
Arson and Double Jeopardy: When a Single Act Leads to Multiple Deaths
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether burning a house killing two victims is one complex crime or two separate murders.
Writ of Possession and Third-Party Claims: When Foreclosure Buyers Get Possession
Learn when a court must issue a writ of possession after foreclosure and how third-party claims affect the process, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Upholding NHA's Authority to Relocate and Demolish in Urban Development Projects
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on NHA's power to relocate and demolish structures under P.D. 1315 and P.D. 1472.
Novation Requires Unequivocal Agreement Understanding Contractual Modifications IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on novation: mere partial payment does not prove agreement to modify a contract. Learn the legal requisites.
Preserving Family Lands: The Right to Repurchase in Free Patent Cases
Learn how heirs can repurchase family land under free patents even after foreclosure, based on a 2008 Supreme Court ruling.
Land Registration in the Philippines: Proving Possession and Alienable Status
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies what evidence is needed to register land under PD 1529, including possession and alienable classification.
Road Lot Rights and Preliminary Injunctions: What Homeowners Must Prove
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when homeowners can obtain preliminary mandatory injunctions to protect claimed road lot access rights.
Self-Defense or Murder: Treachery and Voluntary Surrender in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a sudden knife attack is treachery, and when voluntary surrender can mitigate murder liability.
Redemption Rights Interest Computation CUT OFF In Foreclosure Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that in DBP foreclosure redemptions, interest stops accruing at the auction date.
Annulment of Judgment: Why Only Real Parties-in-Interest Can Challenge Reconstituted Titles
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on who may file annulment of judgment in land reconstitution cases and the importance of real party-in-interest status.
Contractual Obligations: Signing an Agreement Means Being Bound by Its Terms
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why signing a contract binds parties even when they claim misunderstanding or lack of consideration.
Unlawful Detainer: Proving a Lease Contract and the Limits of Ownership Claims
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies what a plaintiff must prove in unlawful detainer cases, including the lease contract and better right to possession.
Appeal Bond in Labor Cases: Why Missing the Deadline Is Fatal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why an employer's failure to post an appeal bond within 10 days makes a Labor Arbiter's decision final and executory.
Labor-Only Contracting and Illegal Dismissal: When a Principal Becomes the Employer
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a company becomes the true employer of workers supplied by a contractor, and the consequences of illegal dismissal.
Authority TO Sell Written Power IS KEY To Valid Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Estate of Lino Olaguer clarifies when a written power of attorney is required for valid real estate sales.
Simulated Business Closure Employer Liability FOR Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a simulated business closure constitutes illegal dismissal and employer liability.
Altered Checks and Holder in Due Course Protection Under the Negotiable Instruments Law
Supreme Court ruling on drawee bank liability for altered checks and holder in due course protection under the Negotiable Instruments Law.
When a Father's Betrayal Meets the Eyes of Justice: Re-evaluating Guilt in Incestuous Rape Cases
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows how incestuous rape is proven, why a victim's testimony carries weight, and what penalties and damages the law imposes.
When Lawyers Abuse Blank Checks: Lessons from Manaois v. Deciembre
A Supreme Court ruling on indefinite suspension for a lawyer who filled blank checks with unauthorized amounts shows how the Bar polices deceitful conduct.
Ejectment Actions Co Owners Rights AND Barangay Conciliation Compliance IN Lease Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ejectment, co-owner rights to sue, and barangay conciliation requirements in lease disputes.
Divorce by Faskh: New Grounds After a Prior Dismissal Is Not Barred by Res Judicata
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a dismissed divorce by faskh petition does not bar a new one due to new grounds.
Compromise Agreements in Labor Disputes: When Settlements Are Final and Binding
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on enforceability of compromise agreements in labor cases, even without counsel present, and limits on lawyer's authority.
Closure vs. Retrenchment: Proving Losses in Philippine Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a business closure is treated as retrenchment, requiring proof of substantial losses.