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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Credit Card Interest Rates and Escalation Clauses: What the Supreme Court Says
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on credit card interest escalation clauses, mutuality of contracts, and validity of variable rates.
Understanding Anti-Squatting Laws in the Philippines: Due Process and Constitutional Considerations
The Supreme Court explains how anti-squatting laws interact with constitutional due process and housing rights in the Philippines.
Upholding Judicial Efficiency: Consequences for Judges Delaying Case Resolutions in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability of judges and court personnel for delayed case resolutions and record mismanagement.
Why a Rape Survivor's Testimony Prevails in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court explains why a rape victim's court testimony outweighs minor inconsistencies in her sworn statement, and the rules on qualifying circumstances.
When Self-Defense Fails: Treachery and Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
A look at People v. Ebrada, where the Supreme Court rejected self-defense and upheld treachery in a fatal stabbing.
Positive Identification Overcomes Alibi in Murder Conviction of Prison Inmates
Supreme Court affirms murder convictions of four inmates, ruling positive identification prevails over denial and alibi in prison killing.
Bouncing Checks in Business Partnerships: Avoiding Criminal Liability Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a bouncing check in a partnership dissolution is not a crime under the Bouncing Checks Law.
Judicial Errors vs Misconduct: When to File an Administrative Case Against a Judge
Philippine Supreme Court explains the difference between a judge's mere error of judgment and administrative misconduct requiring bad faith.
Ministerial Duty vs Discretion: When a Clerk of Court Must Act and the Consequences of Refusal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a sheriff's duty to execute a deed of sale is purely ministerial, and the penalties for refusal.
Retrenchment Rules in the Philippines: Proving Business Losses and the Limits of Quitclaims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when retrenchment is valid, what evidence employers must show, and when quitclaims do not bar illegal dismissal claims.
Credit Card Suspension in the Philippines: Cardholder Responsibilities and Bank Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on credit card suspension rights, cardholder obligations, and when damages may be claimed.
Parental Consent in Philippine Adoption: Upholding Natural Parents' Rights
Supreme Court ruling on when a natural parent's consent is required for adoption and what abandonment truly means under Philippine law.
Retrenchment Rules in the Philippines: When Business Losses Justify Employee Dismissal
Learn the strict rules for valid retrenchment in the Philippines, including proof of serious losses, notice requirements, and quitclaim limits.
Who Bears the Burden of Proof in Philippine Labor Disputes Over Unpaid Wages
A look at Ropali Trading v. NLRC, where the Supreme Court clarified who must prove payment of wages and commissions in labor cases.
Positive Identification in Murder Cases: The Delmendo Ruling on Eyewitness Testimony
How the Supreme Court in People v. Delmendo weighed eyewitness testimony, positive identification, and treachery in affirming a murder conviction.
Refiling a Dismissed Case in the Philippines: When a Technical Dismissal Is Not Final
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a procedural dismissal is without prejudice, allowing a case to be refiled.
When a Bookkeeper Counts as an Agent for Summons in Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when service of summons on a bookkeeper is valid in labor cases, conferring jurisdiction on the Labor Arbiter.
Due Process in Philippine Rape Cases: Why Improper Charges Can Reduce Penalties
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how defective criminal informations can reduce rape penalties from death to reclusion perpetua.
Ejectment Case Victory: Why Judges Must Enforce Demolition Orders
Philippine Supreme Court rules judges have a ministerial duty to issue demolition orders in ejectment cases, even if ownership is questioned.
Tax Refunds for Mining Operations in the Philippines: The Atlas Mining Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how mining firms' 25% specific tax refunds on fuel are computed under RA 1435.
Eviction Moratoriums and Tenant Rights in the Philippines: RA 7279 and Supervening Events
Learn how the Supreme Court applied RA 7279's eviction moratorium and the supervening events doctrine in unlawful detainer cases.
Jurisdictional Challenges in Philippine Courts: Why Timing and Precision Matter in Tax Refund Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax refund computation under RA 1435, explaining why strict interpretation and timing determine success in tax claims.
Fatal Procedural Error: How a Missing Notice of Hearing Can Doom Your Motion for Reconsideration in the Philip
Learn how a missing notice of hearing can doom a motion for reconsideration in the Philippines, based on a Supreme Court ruling on procedural rules.
Court Personnel Extortion: When Demanding Money for Court Documents Is Grave Misconduct
The Supreme Court penalizes a court interpreter who extorted money from a litigant to release a property bond document, explaining the rules on grave misconduct.