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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Corporation vs Partnership in the Philippines: Which Business Structure Is Right for You?
Compare corporation vs partnership in the Philippines: liability, taxes, management, and formation under the Revised Corporation Code and Civil Code.
Notarial Will Philippines Requirements: How to Make a Valid Will
Learn the notarial will Philippines requirements under the Civil Code, including the attestation clause, witnesses, and signing rules for validity.
Collection of Sum of Money Philippines: Legal Options Explained
Learn the legal options for collection of sum of money in the Philippines, including demand letters, court actions, and enforcement under the Civil Code.
Software License Agreement Philippines: Key Clauses to Include
Learn the key clauses a software license agreement in the Philippines must have, based on Civil Code rules on contracts and obligations.
Protecting Children's Dignity: When Words Wound and the Law Responds
Supreme Court rules that humiliating a child violates the Civil Code and can make offenders liable for damages.
Right of Way Requisites: Proving Isolation for Easement Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof for compulsory right of way easement claims under Civil Code Articles 649 and 650.
Building in Bad Faith: When a Landowner's Silence Equals Consent
The Supreme Court clarifies when a landowner's silence and inaction can make them a builder in bad faith under Article 453 of the Civil Code.
Proving Land Ownership: The Crucial Role of Property Identification in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why identifying the exact land is essential in recovery actions under Article 434 of the Civil Code.
Voidable vs Void Contracts: What Spousal Consent Means for Property Sales in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that sales of conjugal property without spousal consent are voidable, not void, under the Civil Code.
When an Acquittal Does Not Bar Damages: Article 33 Civil Actions in the Philippines
An acquittal based on reasonable doubt does not bar a separate civil action for damages under Article 33 of the Civil Code. Learn the rules.
Encroachment and Good Faith: Resolving Land Disputes Under Article 448 of the Civil Code
Understand how the Supreme Court handles land disputes involving good faith builders, encroachment, and Article 448 of the Civil Code.
Mutuality of Contracts: When Banks Cannot Unilaterally Change Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on banks' unilateral interest rate hikes violating mutuality of contracts under Article 1308, Civil Code.
Redefining Family Driver Civil Code Rules In The Absence Of Labor Code Coverage
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that family drivers are governed by Civil Code rules, not Labor Code, after the Kasambahay Law's repeal.
When a Freight Forwarder Becomes a Common Carrier: Liability for Damaged Cargo
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a freight forwarder is treated as a common carrier and held liable for damaged goods under the Civil Code.
Abuse of Rights Under Article 19: When Cutting Off Water Supply Without Notice Becomes a Legal Wrong
Supreme Court rules that cutting off a water connection without notice violates Article 19 of the Civil Code, entitling the affected party to damages.
Caveat Venditor: Housing Developers Bear Responsibility for Hidden Defects
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on developer liability for hidden structural defects under Civil Code warranty and PD 957.
When Can a Sale Be Rescinded: Abuse of Rights in Business Contracts
Supreme Court ruling on how a manufacturer's unfair competition against its own distributor can give rise to damages under the Civil Code.
Good Faith Possession Determining Rights AND Obligations IN Land USE Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how good faith possession affects rights and obligations in land use disputes, citing Civil Code provisions.
Forum Shopping and Preliminary Mandatory Injunctions in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies forum shopping rules and possessory rights under the Civil Code in property disputes.
Rescission Rights When A Compromise Agreement Fails to Protect Labor Rights in the Philippines
When can workers rescind a compromise agreement? The Supreme Court clarifies rights under Article 2041 of the Civil Code.
Novation Requires Clear Creditor Consent Protecting Banks IN Debt Assumption Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on debt assumption, assignment of credit, and the need for creditor consent under Civil Code.
Assignment of Contractual Rights: Consent Requirements and Third Party Obligations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when contractual assignment binds the debtor and when assignee consent is required under Civil Code.
The Doctor's Dilemma: Hospital Liability in Medical Negligence Cases in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on medical negligence, physician-patient duty, and hospital solidary liability under Article 2180 of the Civil Code.
Right of Way: Balancing Dominant Estate Needs and Servient Estate Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to determine the extent and indemnity for a legal easement of right of way under the Civil Code.