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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Extrajudicial Contract Rescission in the Philippines: Reclaiming Property Without Court Intervention
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a party may extrajudicially rescind a contract and retake property, and when court action becomes necessary.
Ponzi Schemes and Investment Scams in the Philippines: Supreme Court Ruling on Large Scale Swindling and Estaf
The Supreme Court explains when a Ponzi scheme constitutes large scale swindling and estafa under Philippine law.
Statute of Limitations in Philippine Contract Law: The 10-Year Rule for Written Contracts
Learn the 10-year prescriptive period for written contracts in the Philippines, when it starts, and how the Supreme Court applied it in a stock pledge dispute.
Gross Immorality in the Philippines: When Personal Conduct Leads to Professional Discipline
Understand how gross immorality is defined in Philippine law and when personal conduct can trigger professional discipline.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Killing in the Heat of the Moment Becomes Homicide
Understand when a killing in the Philippines is homicide, not murder, and why self-defense requires proof of unlawful aggression.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Why Consent Does Not Matter When the Victim Is Under 12
Philippine law treats sexual intercourse with a child under 12 as statutory rape—consent is irrelevant. This case explains the rule.
Judicial Bribery in the Philippines: Upholding Integrity and Public Trust in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court addresses judicial bribery in the Philippines, reinforcing integrity and public trust in the judiciary.
Breach of Client Trust: Lawyer Misconduct and Disciplinary Action in the Philippines
When lawyers in government betray public trust, they face disciplinary action. The Supreme Court explains the rules on lawyer misconduct.
Incestuous Rape THE Overpowering Moral Ascendancy AND ITS Legal Implications IN THE Philippines
Credibility Counts: Why Witness Testimony Decides Drug Cases in the Philippines
In drug case appeals, the Supreme Court defers to trial courts on witness credibility. Learn why from People v. Lacson.
Compromise Agreements in the Philippines: Why You Need a Special Power of Attorney
A lawyer cannot compromise a client's case without a special power of attorney. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Deficiency Claims in Chattel Mortgages: Creditor Rights After Foreclosure in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law governs deficiency claims after chattel mortgage foreclosure, including creditor rights and borrower protections.
Unexpected Assault Equals Treachery: How Sudden Attacks Qualify as Murder in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden, unexpected attack constitutes treachery, elevating a killing to murder under Philippine law.
Client Funds in Trust: Why Lawyer Accountability Matters in the Philippines
A lawyer's duty to hold client funds in trust and render an accounting, explained through a Supreme Court suspension case.
Burden of Proof in Rape Cases: Why Evidence Is Paramount in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling shows why proof beyond reasonable doubt, not outrage, determines rape convictions in the Philippines.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Avoiding Illegal Drug Charges in the Philippines
Explaining the difference between valid entrapment and unlawful instigation in Philippine drug cases, using a Supreme Court ruling.
Rescission of Contract to Sell: Your Rights to Refunds and Interest in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contract to sell rescission clarifies buyer's right to refund of installments and interest payments.
Buy-Bust Operations in the Philippines: Rights, Realities, and What the Supreme Court Says
A look at how Philippine courts treat buy-bust operations in drug cases, the elements prosecutors must prove, and why the defense of frame-up rarely succeeds.
Extrajudicial Rescission of Lease Agreements: A Guide for Philippine Landlords and Tenants
Learn how extrajudicial rescission of lease contracts works in the Philippines, including legal grounds, notice requirements, and practical tips for landlords and tenants.
Trust Receipts and Estafa in the Philippines: Understanding Liability and Compliance
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified trust receipt violations, estafa liability, and probable cause in Metrobank v. Tonda.
Unwittingly Buying Stolen Goods Understanding Fencing LAW IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine law treats the crime of fencing, what makes a buyer liable for receiving stolen property, and the legal consequences involved.
Judicial Efficiency in the Philippines: Understanding Timely Decision Mandates for Judges
Philippine judges must decide cases within 90 days. Learn the rules, penalties, and what Esguerra v. Loja teaches about judicial accountability.
Are Tips Guaranteed Income? Understanding Employee Compensation in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when tips are part of an employee's compensation and when they are not, using a seafarer's case.
Security of Tenure in the Philippines: When Reassignment Becomes Constructive Removal
Philippine law protects civil servants from indefinite reassignments that violate security of tenure. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court case.