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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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.
Judicial Misconduct: Abuse of Authority and Its Consequences for Judges
Philippine Supreme Court censures judge for grave abuse of authority, misconduct in issuing extended TROs and lifting hold departure order.
Circumstantial Evidence and Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases: A Legal Guide
How Philippine courts use circumstantial evidence and conspiracy to convict in murder cases, explained through People v. Bionat.
Consent and Intimidation in Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Antido
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Antido clarifies how consent and intimidation are weighed in rape prosecutions.
Enforcing Compromise Agreements Navigating Disputes AND Appeals IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on final and executory judgments, execution of awards, and limits on modifying settled labor disputes.
Novation in Philippine Law: When Does a Contract Truly Change
Understand when a contract is truly novated under Philippine law, and how courts distinguish mere modifications from genuine substitutions of obligation.
Kidnapping vs. Illegal Detention: The Role of Intent Under Philippine Law
Philippine law distinguishes kidnapping from illegal detention by the offender's intent. The Supreme Court explains the difference in People v. Dadles.
Jurisdiction Over Foreign Corporations: When Philippine Courts Can Hear Your Case
Philippine courts cannot assert jurisdiction over foreign corporations not doing business in the country, even in collection suits involving local parties.
Self-Defense and Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Lessons from People v. Panes
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies killings as murder in the Philippines.
Assigning Lease Rights When IS Consent Required IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lessee can assign lease rights, including a right of first option, without the lessor's consent.
Regular vs Project Employees: Understanding Employment Status in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies regular employment, constructive dismissal, and retirement rights in Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Judicial Misconduct When Ignorance of the Law Is No Excuse
Supreme Court fines judge and clerk for issuing subpoena to a life-term prisoner without authority, ruling ignorance of circulars is no excuse.
Positive Identification vs. Alibi: How Philippine Courts Determine Guilt in Criminal Cases
Philippine courts weigh eyewitness identification against alibi. Learn the rules from People v. Palomar and how guilt is proven beyond reasonable doubt.
The Clerk’s Duty: Accurate Case Reporting and the Efficient Administration of Justice in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge and clerk fined for issuing a subpoena to a life-term prisoner without authority, underscoring diligence in court duties.
When Is Dismissal Too Harsh? Proportionality in Employment Law
A seafarer's insubordination was just cause for dismissal, but the employer still paid P5,000 for skipping due process.
Credibility of Eyewitnesses in Philippine Criminal Law: Lessons from People v. Palomar
How the Supreme Court weighed eyewitness credibility, minor inconsistencies, and alibi in a brutal multiple murder case.
Right to Backwages When an Illegally Dismissed Employee Is Entitled
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an illegally dismissed government employee is entitled to backwages and other benefits.
Incestuous Rape: Why a Victim's Testimony Prevails Over Familial Betrayal
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction based on the credible testimony of his minor daughter, clarifying key rules on penetration and witness credibility.
Foreign Currency Deposits: Balancing Secrecy and Justice in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that foreign currency deposit secrecy cannot shield a transient alien's funds from satisfying a judgment for heinous crimes against a Filipino minor.
Docket Fees and Venue: When Payment Must Be Made Anew on Refiling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that refiling a case in the proper venue requires new docket fees; prior payments do not transfer.
Officer Compensation vs Director Compensation: A Philippine Corporate Law Guide
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between officer and director compensation under the Corporation Code.
Clerks of Court Responsibilities and Liabilities for Lost Court Exhibits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on clerk of court liability for lost firearms exhibits and the duty to turnover evidence after cases end.
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.
Insubordination in Maritime Employment: Understanding Just Cause for Termination
A seafarer's refusal to obey lawful orders can be just cause for dismissal, but procedural due process still applies.