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.
Attorney’s Fees in the Philippines: When Courts Can Award Them
Philippine courts cannot award attorney's fees without clear justification. Learn the rules under Article 2208 of the Civil Code.
Waiver of Demand and Interest Rate Limits in Philippine Loan Agreements
The Supreme Court clarifies when demand is unnecessary before default and why courts reduce excessive stipulated interest rates.
Co-Owner's Right to File Ejectment: Clarifying Philippine Rules on Co-Ownership and Unlawful Detainer
Can one co-owner file ejectment without joining others? The Supreme Court clarifies co-owners' rights under Article 487 in Catedrilla v. Lauron.
Quantum Meruit: Fair Pay When Contracts Lack Clear Terms
Learn how quantum meruit ensures fair compensation when contracts lack clear payment terms, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in International Hotel Corporation v. Joaquin.
Public Easements in Land Disputes: Private Rights vs Public Welfare
The Supreme Court clarifies that 3-meter easements along rivers and streams are public property, limiting private landowner rights.
Ballot Image Integrity and Electronic Evidence in Philippine Election Protests
Supreme Court ruling on ballot images as electronic evidence in election protests under RA 9369 and the Rules on Electronic Evidence.
Rehabilitation vs Secured Interests: Balancing Creditor Rights in Corporate Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how corporate rehabilitation balances secured creditors' rights with the need for equal treatment and recovery.
Jurisdiction Defined: Mixed Questions of Law and Fact in Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when an appeal raises mixed questions of law and fact, and why jurisdiction depends on the nature of the issues raised.
Laches and Land Ownership: Registered Titles Prevail Despite Delayed Action
The Supreme Court clarifies that laches cannot bar a registered landowner's right to recover property, reaffirming the strength of Torrens titles.
Self-Defense vs Homicide: Understanding Criminal Intent in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and homicide stands, explaining unlawful aggression, dying declarations, and criminal liability.
Annulment of Judgment: Who Can Sue and When It Is Allowed Under Philippine Law
Learn who may file annulment of judgment under Rule 47, the limited grounds, and why non-parties have other remedies.
Breach of Contract When Failure to Pay Justifies Rescission Despite Concurrent Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when failure to pay a guaranteed amount justifies rescission even if the other party also breached concurrent obligations.
Estate Administration: The Administrator's Right to Examine Documents for Estate Properties
A Supreme Court ruling on an estate administrator's power to compel production of documents believed to reveal properties belonging to the decedent's estate.
Foreshore Land and Private Ownership: Clarifying Property Rights in the Philippines
A 2012 Supreme Court ruling clarifies that foreshore land belongs to the State, not private owners, and explains why the petition failed.
Shared Negligence: Banks and Depositors Must Bear Losses Equally When Both Are at Fault
When a bank releases check proceeds before clearing and a depositor withdraws them hastily, both may share the loss equally under Philippine law.
Demurrage Recovery in the Philippines: How Subrogation Protects Payers
Learn how legal subrogation allows an indent representative to collect demurrage from a defaulting buyer, as ruled by the Supreme Court.
When Void Government Contracts Still Get Paid: Quantum Meruit Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains when contractors can recover payment for void government contracts through quantum meruit, citing DPWH v. Quiwa.
Brief Detention Still Counts: Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention in the Philippines
Even one hour of illegal restraint can be kidnapping of a minor. Learn the elements and penalties under Article 267.
Circumstantial Evidence and Robbery With Homicide: Lessons from People v. Uy
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for robbery with homicide, and why unexplained flight and possession of stolen goods matter.
Docket Fees and Jurisdiction: The David Lu Case on Actions Incapable of Pecuniary Estimation
Learn how the Supreme Court's David Lu ruling clarifies docket fees and jurisdiction for actions incapable of pecuniary estimation in Philippine courts.
Hotel Liability for Lost Vehicles: Necessary Deposits Under Philippine Law
When a hotel valet loses a guest's vehicle, who pays? Philippine law on necessary deposits and the Durban Apartments ruling explain.
Plain View Doctrine: When Warrantless Seizures Are Admissible in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court explains the plain view doctrine and when evidence seized without a warrant can be used in court.
Reimbursement Rights When a Payor Can Recover Debt Paid on Another's Behalf
When can a co-maker recover payment made on a debtor's loan? The Supreme Court explains Article 1236 reimbursement rules.
Possession vs Ownership: When Land Status Determines Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how land classification as public domain affects possessory rights and estoppel claims.