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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Arbitration in the Philippines When a Chinese Party Is Involved: Rules and Steps
How arbitration in the Philippines works when one party is Chinese, from the arbitration agreement to recognition and enforcement of the award.
The E-Commerce Act (R.A. 8792) in the Philippines, Explained
Understand R.A. 8792, the Philippine E-Commerce Act: legal recognition of electronic documents, signatures, and contracts under Philippine law.
Divorce Abroad: Proving the Right Foreign Law for Recognition in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies which foreign law must be proven to recognize a divorce obtained abroad by a Filipino's alien spouse.
Divorce Initiated by Filipinos Abroad: Recognizing Foreign Divorce Decrees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that Filipino spouses can obtain and seek recognition of foreign divorce decrees, reversing a lower court ruling.
Foreign Adoption Recognition in the Philippines: What the Yuta Hayashi Case Means
Philippine courts can recognize foreign adoption decrees involving Filipino citizens if proven as fact and not contrary to public policy.
Foreign Divorce Recognition: Proving Japanese Law in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies proof requirements for recognizing foreign divorces, remanding a Filipina's case for further evidence on Japanese law.
Proving Foreign Law in Philippine Courts: Republic v. Kikuchi on Divorce Recognition
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves foreign divorce law in the Philippines, remanding a case for failure to establish Japanese law.
Foreign Divorce Recognition in the Philippines: Proving Japanese Law Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to recognize a foreign divorce in the Philippines, focusing on proving foreign law.
Navigating the Jurisdictional Maze: How Venue Affects Foreign Divorce Recognition in the Philippines
A Filipino spouse seeking recognition of a foreign divorce must file in the right venue. Learn from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Divorce Recognition in the Philippines: Navigating Foreign Judgments and Civil Status Changes
The Supreme Court clarifies the proper procedure for recognizing foreign divorce decrees and changing civil status in the Philippines.
Proving Foreign Law in Philippine Courts: Divorce Recognition After Rivera v. Woo Namsun
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to prove a foreign divorce decree and foreign law in Philippine courts.
Correcting Civil Registry Errors: Ensuring Accurate Gender Identity Recognition
The Supreme Court clarifies when birth certificate corrections for name and sex are allowed, and how medical certificates are treated as evidence.
Divorce Recognition Redefining Spousal Capacity Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that a Filipino spouse can remarry after a foreign divorce, even if they initiated it.
Voice Recognition as Valid Identification in Rape Cases: Protecting Victims and Ensuring Justice
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on voice identification, clarifying force, intimidation, and victim credibility standards.
Divorce Recognition Expanding Rights FOR Filipinos IN Mixed Marriages 2
Divorce Recognition Expanding Rights FOR Filipinos IN Mixed Marriages
Learn how the Supreme Court expanded divorce recognition for Filipinos in mixed marriages, allowing remarriage even if they initiated the foreign divorce.
Divorce Abroad: Clarifying the Scope of Recognition and Remarriage for Filipinos
The Supreme Court clarifies when a foreign divorce decree is recognized in the Philippines and how a Filipino spouse may remarry.
Divorce Decree Recognition in Bigamy Cases: Strict Proof of Foreign Law Required
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that foreign divorce decrees need strict proof and recognition before a Filipino can validly remarry.
Divorce Decree Recognition in Bigamy Cases: Strict Proof Required
A foreign divorce decree does not automatically dissolve a marriage in the Philippines. Learn what proof is required to avoid bigamy conviction.
Valid Service of Summons in Foreign Judgment Recognition: Key Lessons from Express Padala v. Ocampo
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on invalid substituted service of summons in foreign judgment recognition, and its due process implications.
Proving Foreign Law in Philippine Courts: Divorce Recognition Under Article 26
A Philippine court explains what evidence is needed to prove foreign divorce law under Article 26 of the Family Code.
Divorce Recognition in the Philippines: What Ando v. DFA Means for Remarriage and Passport Issuance
The Supreme Court clarifies when a foreign divorce is recognized in the Philippines and what a Filipino spouse must prove before remarrying.
Children's Surnames: Illegitimate Child's Right to Choose After Father's Recognition
Supreme Court rules an acknowledged illegitimate child may choose whether to use the father's surname; the father cannot compel it.
Voice Recognition as Positive Identification in Philippine Rape Cases
How voice recognition helped convict a rapist whose face was covered, and what this means for Philippine criminal law.