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.
Perfected Contract of Sale: Key Elements and Legal Implications in the Philippines
Learn the essential elements of a perfected contract of sale in the Philippines, including the requirement of a definite price, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Supreme Court clarifies the control test distinguishing independent contractors from employees in Philippine labor law, using an insurance agent case.
Attorney's Fees in the Philippines: Quantum Meruit and Retainer Agreements Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers recover fees by quantum meruit and how retainer agreements govern attorney's compensation.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
When is a deed of sale actually an equitable mortgage? The Supreme Court explains the legal presumption protecting property owners.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: Proving Unlawful Aggression and Justifiable Force
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense succeeds in Philippine criminal law—and why it failed in People v. Cahindo.
Doing Business in the Philippines: Jurisdiction Over Foreign Corporations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a foreign corporation is had been the exclusive dealer of BMW vehicles and products in the Philippines. In 1967, Hahn executed a "Deed of Assignment with Specia
Eyewitness Testimony vs Alibi: How Philippine Courts Weigh Evidence in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains why positive eyewitness identification prevails over alibi and denial in murder cases, citing People v. Sarabia.
Lis Pendens and Contract Disputes: When a Pending Case Can Halt Another Suit
Learn when a pending case between the same parties can block a second lawsuit under the lis pendens rule, explained through a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Land Ownership Disputes: How Government Reservations Affect Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how government reservations like national parks affect land ownership rights in the Philippines, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Bail After Conviction for a Lesser Offense: Obosa v. Court of Appeals
When can a convicted accused be granted bail pending appeal? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules in Obosa v. Court of Appeals.
Encroachment Disputes: Property Rights and Ejectment in the Philippines
When a neighbor's house encroaches on your land, can you file ejectment? The Supreme Court explains your rights and remedies.
Conspiracy and Credibility: Understanding Murder Convictions in the Philippines
How the Supreme Court affirmed murder convictions based on conspiracy and the credibility of a young eyewitness in People v. Magallano.
Quantum Meruit: When a Contractor Can Recover Payment Without a Formal Contract
Philippine Supreme Court explains when contractors can recover payment on a quantum meruit basis even without a written contract.
How to Contest a Foreclosure Sale in the Philippines: A Guide from GSIS v. Court of Appeals
Learn how to contest a foreclosure sale in the Philippines, including the remedy under Act No. 3135, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in GSIS v. Court of Appeals.
Foreclosure Sale Remedies in the Philippines: Act 3135 Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the remedy to set aside a foreclosure sale under Act 3135, and when courts may relax procedural rules.
Wage Disputes: Understanding Regional Director Jurisdiction in the Philippines
Explaining when DOLE Regional Directors can decide wage claims, based on the Supreme Court ruling in M. Ramirez Industries.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Why Notice and Hearing Are Non-Negotiable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why employers must observe notice and hearing requirements before terminating employees, even with alleged just causes.
Understanding Contract Interpretation: When a Windmill Deal Includes a Deep Well
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when contract terms include extra work, and when a typhoon is not a fortuitous event.
Contract Validity and Enforceability: Lessons from Roblett v. Court of Appeals
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling on contract validity, authority to sign, and estoppel in Philippine obligations law.
Treachery in Philippine Law: How Intent and Criminal Liability Are Determined
Learn how Philippine courts define treachery and why the Supreme Court affirmed murder convictions in People v. Tañedo.
Incestuous Acts of Lasciviousness: When Parental Authority Cannot Shield Abuse
Supreme Court clarifies that a father's lewd acts on his sleeping 13-year-old daughter constitute acts of lasciviousness, not RA 7610 violation.
Rape Conviction and the Weight of Victim Testimony and Corroborating Evidence
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a victim's clear testimony, corroborated by medical findings, outweighs a bare denial.
When Can the Ombudsman Investigate Judges? The Dolalas Rule on Judicial Independence
The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary between Ombudsman authority and judicial independence in investigating judges for delay.
Understanding Forum Shopping in the Philippines: Avoiding Dismissal of Your Case
Learn how the Supreme Court defines forum shopping in the Philippines and why failure to file a motion for reconsideration can doom your case.