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.
Force and Intimidation in Rape Cases: Why Silence Is Not Consent (People v. Marabillas)
Explaining how Philippine courts define force and intimidation in rape, and why a victim's silence or lack of resistance does not mean consent.
Date Discrepancies in Rape Cases: When an Information Remains Valid in Philippine Law
Philippine courts allow minor date discrepancies in rape informations if the accused is not prejudiced. Learn the rule from People v. Bugayong.
Priority in Land Titles: Why Earlier Registration Wins in Philippine Property Disputes
When two titles cover the same land, the earlier registration generally prevails. Learn the rule and how to protect your property.
Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: What People v. Larin Teaches About Child Protection
Understand lascivious conduct under RA 7610 through People v. Larin, and how Philippine law protects children from sexual abuse.
Corporate Authority in Property Sales: Why Board Approval Matters in the Philippines
A corporate officer cannot sell company land without board approval. Learn the due diligence steps to protect your property transaction.
Credibility of Child Witnesses in Rape Cases: People v. Calma
How Philippine courts weigh child testimony in rape cases, and what People v. Calma teaches about credibility, evidence, and justice for minors.
Credibility of Victim Testimony in Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Ferrer
Philippine courts rely heavily on victim credibility in rape cases. People v. Ferrer shows why trial court findings on witness demeanor are rarely overturned.
Service by Registered Mail in the Philippines: When Deadlines Start Ticking
Understand when service by registered mail is complete in Philippine courts, and how insufficient postal certifications can protect your right to due process.
Robbery vs. Highway Robbery in the Philippines: Key Distinctions Explained
Philippine law distinguishes simple robbery from highway robbery under P.D. 532. Learn how the Supreme Court clarified this crucial difference.
Unwritten Company Policy and Illegal Dismissal: The Bangloy Case
Can an employee be fired under an unwritten policy? The Bangloy case shows why written, communicated rules are vital in Philippine labor law.
Security of Tenure for Tenant Farmers: Upholding Leasehold Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court reaffirmed tenant farmers' security of tenure, ruling that land sale does not extinguish agricultural leasehold rights.
Buyer’s Right to Specific Performance When a Seller Backs Out of a Contract to Sell
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that sellers cannot unilaterally rescind a Contract to Sell, and buyers may sue for specific performance.
Counterclaims After Complaint Dismissal: Philippine Rules Explained
Learn when counterclaims survive dismissal of the main complaint under Philippine civil procedure, based on the Fletcher Challenge case.
Rent-a-Car Liability in the Philippines: When Is the Owner Liable for Lessee’s Negligence?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when rent-a-car companies are liable for lessee negligence under quasi-delict and vicarious liability rules.
Lis Pendens in the Philippines: When a Defendant Can Protect Property Rights
Learn when a defendant can register a notice of lis pendens in the Philippines, even without a registered title, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Conditional vs. Absolute Sale: How Philippine Courts Determine True Property Ownership
Philippine courts look beyond contract labels to determine if a sale is absolute or conditional. Learn the key rules from a landmark Supreme Court case.
Docket Fees and Jurisdiction: Re-Filing a Case After Dismissal for Improper Venue
When a case is dismissed for improper venue, must new docket fees be paid upon re-filing? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule.
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.
Conditions vs. Warranties in Philippine Sales Contracts: The Power Commercial Case
Learn how Philippine law distinguishes contract conditions from warranties, and when a seller's failure to deliver possession justifies rescission.
Receivership in the Philippines: When Courts Appoint a Receiver Under Rule 59
Learn when Philippine courts may appoint a receiver under Rule 59, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Commodities Storage & Ice Plant Corp. v. CA.
Counterclaims in Criminal Cases: When Can the Accused Seek Damages?
The Supreme Court in Cabaero v. Cantos clarifies when an accused may file a counterclaim for damages in a criminal case, and when a separate civil action is required.
Recto Law Explained: Deficiency Claims After Chattel Mortgage Foreclosure
Understand Article 1484 (Recto Law) and when sellers can still recover attorney's fees after foreclosing on installment-sold personal property.
Just Cause Termination for Workplace Fighting: The Royo Case and Due Process in the Philippines
When can an employer fire an employee for fighting? The Royo case clarifies serious misconduct as just cause and the due process required.
Builder in Good Faith in the Philippines: Rights Under Property Law
When can a mistaken builder claim good faith under Philippine law? The Supreme Court's ruling in Pleasantville clarifies the rights of builders and landowners.