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.
Accomplice Liability in Murder: When Presence Is Not Enough
Philippine law requires proof of concerted action for accomplice liability in murder. Learn from the Gialolo case.
Trust Receipts Law Liability: When Agents Face Estafa Charges
Learn when corporate agents can face criminal liability for estafa under the Trust Receipts Law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Ong v. Court of Appeals.
Independent Civil Actions Under the Civil Code: No Reservation Needed, Even With a Pending Criminal Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that civil claims based on the Civil Code may proceed independently of criminal cases, with no prior reservation required.
Lessor’s Liability for Defects and Repairs: Key Lessons from De Ysasi v. Arceo
Learn when Philippine lessors are liable for property defects and repairs, and why lessee inspection matters under De Ysasi v. Arceo.
Bouncing Checks Law: The 90-Day Rule and Proof of Knowledge Under BP 22
Presenting a check after 90 days does not bar prosecution under BP 22—knowledge of insufficient funds can still be proven by other evidence.
Registered Vehicle Owner’s Liability for Accidents: Aguilar v. Commercial Savings Bank
Philippine law holds the registered vehicle owner primarily liable for accidents, even if another person was driving. Learn the rule and its practical impact.
Third-Party Claims in Philippine Execution Sales: Protecting Your Property
Learn how spouses and third parties can protect their property from wrongful execution sales in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Naguit v. Court of Appeals.
Bouncing Checks Under B.P. 22: When a Check Used as Loan Security Still Leads to Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that issuing a bouncing check is a crime under B.P. 22, even if the check was only security for a loan.
Contradictory Testimony and Witness Credibility in Philippine Criminal Cases
How inconsistent witness testimony can create reasonable doubt and lead to acquittal in Philippine criminal cases, as shown in People vs. Hernani.
Rape of an Unconscious Person in the Philippines: What the Law Says
Philippine law treats sex with an unconscious person as rape—consent cannot exist without consciousness. Learn the rules from People v. Ramos.
Cutting Utility Lines Without a Permit: Unjust Vexation Under Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in Ong Chiu Kwan v. Court of Appeals treats unauthorized cutting of utility lines as unjust vexation.
Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Rape Cases: People v. Desamparado Explained
How the Supreme Court acquitted a rape accused despite medical evidence, and what this means for Philippine criminal justice.
Credit Card Fraud Liability in the Philippines: What Ermitaño v. BPI Means for Cardholders
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on credit card fraud liability: cardholders who promptly report lost cards aren't liable for unauthorized charges.
Hearsay Evidence in Philippine Courts: When Sworn Statements Are Admissible
Sworn statements can be admitted in Philippine courts not to prove their truth, but to show they were made. Learn the hearsay rule's limits.
Employer Subsidiary Liability in Philippine Criminal Law: The Catacutan Doctrine
Philippine employers can be held subsidiarily liable for damages from employees' criminal negligence. Learn the rules from Catacutan v. Heirs of Kadusale.
Vehicle Owner Liability in Reckless Imprudence Cases: The Chavez v. Escañan Ruling
When is a vehicle owner liable in reckless imprudence cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the criminal-civil distinction in Chavez v. Escañan.
Employee vs. Independent Contractor: The Four-Fold Test Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court's ruling in Corporal v. NLRC clarifies when workers are true employees, not independent contractors, under Philippine labor law.
Partition Inter Vivos and Torrens Title Protection: Lessons from Zaragoza v. Morgan
Philippine law allows property owners to partition estates during their lifetime, but only if legitimes are respected and titles are challenged directly.
Sheriff’s Authority in Property Levy: What Francisco v. Cruz Teaches About Execution Sales
Learn how Francisco v. Cruz defines a sheriff’s limits in property levy and execution sales, and how to protect your rights.
Conspiracy in Rape Cases: Collective Criminal Liability Under Philippine Law
How Philippine courts apply conspiracy to hold all participants in a gang rape equally liable, even those who did not directly commit the act.
Amended Complaints and Court Jurisdiction: The Que v. Court of Appeals Rule
Amending a complaint to add parties or claims does not automatically strip a Philippine court of jurisdiction if the original cause of action remains intact.
Execution of Judgment in Ejectment Cases: Why the Court of Origin Matters
In ejectment cases, execution of an affirmed judgment generally belongs to the trial court of origin, not the appellate court. A Supreme Court ruling clarifies why.
Laches vs. Torrens Title: Why Delay Can Cost You Your Land in the Philippines
A Torrens title is strong but not absolute—unreasonable delay in asserting ownership can lead to losing the property to laches.
When Can an Employer Terminate an OFW Due to Illness? The Medical Certificate Rule
Philippine law requires a medical certificate from a competent public health authority before an employer can validly terminate an OFW due to illness.