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.
Property Division After Void Marriages: The Barrido v. Nonato Ruling
Explaining how the Supreme Court divides property acquired during void marriages under Article 147 of the Family Code.
Unjust Enrichment When A Failed Contract Requires Restitution
When a promised subcontract falls through, can the money paid be recovered? The Supreme Court explains unjust enrichment and restitution.
Default Orders and Due Process: Protecting Defendants' Rights in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts balance default orders with due process, and what defendants must prove to lift a default judgment.
Land Reclassification and CARP Coverage: Prior Zoning Determines Exemption
When does a zoning ordinance exempt land from agrarian reform? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on land classification and CARP coverage.
Work-Related Injury Death After Contract Compensable Claim
Supreme Court rules death benefits are payable when a seafarer's work-related injury causes death after contract termination due to medical repatriation.
Disbarment for Bigamy Upholding Marital Sanctity and Legal Ethics in the Philippines
Explore how Philippine courts treat bigamy as a grave offense affecting a lawyer's moral fitness and professional standing.
Murder with Direct Assault: Supreme Court Affirms Conviction in People v. Estonilo
The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction for Murder with Direct Assault in People v. Estonilo, highlighting the role of circumstantial evidence and the weakness of alibi.
Execution Pending Appeal and Surety Liability: The Imminent Danger of Insolvency Standard
When can a judgment be executed before appeal is final? The Supreme Court clarifies the "good reasons" standard and a surety's exposure on an injunction bond.
Loan vs Donation: Proving Intent in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when payments for another's property are loans, not donations, and the formal requirements for valid donations.
Execution Pending Appeal and Surety Liability: Lessons from Centennial Guarantee v. Universal Motors
Explaining when Philippine courts allow execution pending appeal and how a surety's liability on an injunction bond is limited.
Credit Card Suspension: When Banks Must Answer for Negligence and Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on credit card suspension, bank negligence, and cardholder rights to moral and exemplary damages.
Surety Bonds and Execution Pending Appeal: What Lawyers Should Know
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when execution pending appeal may run against a surety and how far the bond covers damages.
Ejectment Cases: Proving Tolerance and Co-Ownership Rights in Unlawful Detainer
Understand when unlawful detainer fails: proving tolerance, co-ownership rights, and the Quijano v. Amante ruling on possession.
Forged Documents and Land Titles: Protecting Registered Owners From Fraudulent Sales
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on judicial reconstitution of lost titles under Republic Act No. 26, protecting registered owners from fraud.
Treachery in Jailhouse Killings: Conspiracy and Criminal Liability Explained
How the Supreme Court applied treachery and conspiracy to convict inmates who murdered jail guards and carnapped a vehicle during a prison break.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Why the Company Doctor's Assessment Prevails Under POEA-SEC
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the mandatory third-doctor referral rule in seafarer disability claims and why the company-designated physician's assessment prevails.
Agricultural Tenancy vs Civil Lease: Land Classification Determines DARAB Jurisdiction
When is a farmworker a tenant? The Supreme Court clarifies how land classification determines DARAB jurisdiction and tenancy rights.
Self-Defense and the Burden of Proof: Evidence Rules in Slight Physical Injuries Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains self-defense burdens and when unoffered evidence may still be admitted in slight physical injuries cases.
Casino Chips, Ownership, and the Presumption of Title: Subic Bay Legend Resorts v. Fernandez
A casino confiscated chips from two players, claiming they were stolen. The Supreme Court ruled on ownership, possession, and bad faith.
Preserving Ballot Integrity Ensuring Accurate Reflection OF Voters Intent IN Philippine Elections
Ballot integrity in Philippine elections depends on accurate voter intent. Learn how courts protect the sanctity of the vote.
Good Faith vs Actual Knowledge: Resolving Land Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgments, petitions for relief, and banks' duty of diligence in land mortgage disputes.
Qualified Rape by a Parent: Alibi, Witness Credibility, and Damages in People v. Lumaho
A father's conviction for raping his 7-year-old daughter is upheld; the Court explains alibi, hearsay, and damages.
When Police Testimony Conflicts: Buy-Bust Operations and the Presumption of Innocence
A Supreme Court ruling shows how inconsistent police testimony in buy-bust operations can lead to acquittal, protecting the presumption of innocence.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Conviction in Child Rape Case
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a father for raping his 7-year-old daughter, clarifying rules on alibi, credibility, and damages.