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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Warsaw Convention Jurisdiction in International Air Carriage Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the Warsaw Convention applies to international air carriage and which courts have jurisdiction over baggage loss claims.
Self-Defense and Voluntary Surrender: Key Lessons from a Philippine Murder Case
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies when self-defense fails and voluntary surrender mitigates murder liability. Learn the rules.
Self-Defense and Homicide: Understanding the Limits of Justifiable Force in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense applies in Philippine homicide cases, using the 1997 Maalat ruling as a guide.
Equitable Mortgage vs Sale: Protecting Property Rights in Philippine Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a deed of sale is actually an equitable mortgage, and how courts may rule on ownership in ejectment suits.
Entrapment vs Frame-Up in Philippine Drug Cases: What You Need to Know
The Supreme Court explains the difference between valid entrapment and frame-up in drug cases, and how courts weigh police testimony against denial defenses.
Right of Repurchase in Philippine Real Estate: Pacto de Retro Rules Explained
Learn the rules on pacto de retro sales and the right of repurchase in Philippine real estate, including annotation duties and judicial requirements.
When Eyewitness Testimony Alone Can Lead to a Conviction in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when eyewitness testimony suffices for conviction, and how buy-bust operations establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Foreclosure Rights Understanding Redemption Periods AND Legal Recourse IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on writs of possession in extrajudicial foreclosure when tenants occupy the property.
Lease Termination in the Philippines: Rights and Remedies from a Supreme Court Ruling
Learn when a lease can be terminated in the Philippines, including rent defaults and breach of contract terms, based on a 1997 Supreme Court ruling.
Public Trust and Accountability: Consequences for Dishonest Public Servants
When a court employee steals evidence, the Supreme Court shows that dishonesty ends public service.
Buy-Bust Operations in the Philippines: Entrapment vs. Instigation Explained
Understand the legal line between entrapment and instigation in Philippine buy-bust operations, and what the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. De Vera means for drug cases.
Extrajudicial Settlements and the Protection of Minor Heirs' Rights in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts protect minor heirs in extrajudicial settlements, and why a minor's share cannot be lost through prescription or laches.
Understanding Implied Trusts and Prescription Periods in Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on implied trusts, prescription periods, and extrajudicial settlements in property partition disputes.
Rape Conviction Based on Credible Testimony of Mentally Weak Victim: People v. Zaballero
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible testimony of a mentally weak victim, explaining credibility rules and evidence sufficiency.
Bail After Conviction When Guilt Imports Denial in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction, credibility of mentally weak victim, denial defense, and bail implications after conviction.
Private vs Common Carriers: Exemption Clauses in Philippine Shipping Law
When can a shipowner validly disclaim liability for lost cargo? The Supreme Court explains the difference between private and common carriers.
Positive Identification Trumps Alibi: Lessons from People v. Balad
In People v. Balad, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that positive identification by credible witnesses prevails over the defense of alibi in Philippine criminal law.
Extrajudicial Settlement and Heirs' Rights: When a Co-Owner Is Not Bound
A Supreme Court ruling on extrajudicial settlements, resulting trusts, and why a minor heir who did not participate in partition retains rights to property.
Mortgage Foreclosure in the Philippines: Protecting Your Rights Against Unilateral Interest Rate Hikes
Learn how the Supreme Court protects borrowers from unilateral interest rate hikes and what notice is required in Philippine mortgage foreclosures.
Understanding Acceleration Clauses in Philippine Promissory Notes
Learn how Philippine courts interpret acceleration clauses in promissory notes, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Mendoza v. Court of Appeals.
Conspiracy vs Individual Liability in Philippine Criminal Law: A Clear Distinction
The Supreme Court clarifies when separate attacks by co-accused do not amount to conspiracy, requiring proof beyond reasonable doubt for each element.
Insurance Claims Understanding Time Limits AND ALL Risks Policies IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that all-risks insurance claims prescribe in 10 years, not the one-year COGSA limit for carriers.
Navigating Illegal Recruitment: Protecting Yourself From Scams in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court defines illegal recruitment and large-scale schemes, and discover practical tips to avoid overseas employment scams.
When Self-Defense Fails: Proving Treachery in Philippine Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails, how treachery must be proven, and when nighttime aggravates a crime in People v. Cayabyab.