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.
Illegal Firearm Possession: Understanding the Nuances of Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts decide illegal firearm possession cases, from warrantless searches to penalties under RA 8294.
Employers Bad Faith Actions Employee Rights AND Remedies IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine law protects employees and passengers from employer bad faith, with remedies and damages explained in plain language.
Franchise Boundaries: When NPC Can Supply Power Over Existing Franchises
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when NPC may directly supply power within areas covered by existing electric franchise holders.
Mortgage Contracts and Future Advances: Understanding the Scope of Security in Philippine Law
When does a real estate mortgage cover future loans beyond the stated amount? The Supreme Court explains in Quintanilla v. RCBC.
Graft and Corruption: Understanding Undue Injury Under Philippine Law
Explaining undue injury in Anti-Graft law through Amper v. Sandiganbayan, where a city engineer used a government backhoe for treasure hunting.
Automatic Review of Death Penalty Cases Safeguards Justice Regardless of the Accused's Actions
The Supreme Court clarifies that automatic review of death penalty cases ensures justice and due process, independent of the accused's conduct or character.
Homicide vs Murder: Key Differences Under Philippine Law
Understand the legal distinction between homicide and murder in the Philippines, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on treachery and evident premeditation.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Unexpected Attacks
The Supreme Court explains treachery (alevosia) in murder cases, using People v. Reboltiado to show how sudden, planned attacks qualify.
Subrogation in Philippine Law: Recovering Debt After Paying Another's Mortgage
Explaining subrogation under Philippine law through a Supreme Court ruling on a partner who paid a co-debtor's mortgage.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: What Philippine Law Requires
Philippine law requires both just cause and due process for valid dismissal. Learn the rules from Aquinas School v. Magnaye.
Liability for Dishonored Checks: When Civil Damages Can Be Recovered
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a party can recover civil damages from a check issuer even if criminal liability under B.P. 22 is not established.
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.
Illegal Dismissal Jurisdiction: Government Corporations Without Original Charters
Supreme Court clarifies which government-owned corporations fall under Labor Code jurisdiction versus Civil Service rules in illegal dismissal cases.
Rape of a Person Deprived of Reason: Consent and Mental Capacity in Philippine Law
Philippine law treats carnal knowledge of a woman deprived of reason as rape, regardless of apparent consent. This case explains why.
Motion for Reconsideration Deadlines in Labor Cases: The CEU Lesson
Learn how a missed Motion for Reconsideration deadline made a labor decision final and executory in Centro Escolar University v. NLRC.
Property Rights in Cohabitation: Ownership Rules for Unmarried Couples in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law divides property for unmarried couples, the limits on donations, and key lessons from the Agapay case.
Land Registration in the Philippines: Why Newspaper Publication Is Mandatory
Why newspaper publication is a mandatory requirement in Philippine land registration, and how failing to comply can invalidate your application.
Unintended Consequences: Criminal Liability for Foreseeable Outcomes in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on criminal liability, dying declarations, and witness credibility in murder cases under Philippine law.
When Can a Judge Be Disqualified for Bias? Impartiality in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a judge's rulings amount to disqualifying bias, and why adverse decisions alone are not enough.
Criminal Conspiracy and Exempting Circumstances: Duress and Mental Capacity in Philippine Law
A look at how the Supreme Court defined conspiracy, duress, and imbecility defenses in a kidnapping and homicide case.
Redemption Rights Under the Public Land Act: A Guide for Heirs and Mortgagors
Learn how the two-year redemption and five-year repurchase periods work for foreclosed Public Land Act properties, and what heirs should know.
Redemption After Execution Sale: Ownership Disputes Do Not Stop the Clock
Philippine law gives judgment debtors one year to redeem property sold at execution. Ownership disputes do not suspend that deadline.
Vote Buying and Disqualification: Nolasco vs. COMELEC Explained
What happens when a winning candidate is disqualified for vote buying? The Nolasco case clarifies succession and election law.
Equitable Mortgage vs. Pacto de Retro Sale: When a "Sale" Is Really a Loan
Philippine law presumes certain "sales with right to repurchase" are equitable mortgages, protecting borrowers from unfair lending arrangements.