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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When Stockholder Disputes Belong to the SEC: Garcia v. Court of Appeals
A stockholder's damages suit against another stockholder may still be an intra-corporate dispute under SEC jurisdiction, not regular courts.
Intra-Corporate Disputes: When SEC Jurisdiction Prevails Over Regular Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a dispute between stockholders falls under SEC jurisdiction, not regular courts.
Rape and Consent: How Philippine Law Treats Force, Intimidation, and a Victim's Testimony
In People v. Rabosa, the Supreme Court affirmed a father's rape conviction and explained why physical resistance, healed lacerations, and calm behavior do not defeat a victim's testimony.
Breach of Trust in Employment: When Is Dismissal Justified?
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies that loss of trust and confidence must rest on a clear, willful breach — not on an honest misunderstanding over allowances.
Common Carriers and Passenger Safety: The Standard of Extraordinary Diligence in Philippine Law
Philippine law requires common carriers to exercise extraordinary diligence in ensuring passenger safety. This article explains the legal standard and its practical implications.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish equitable mortgages from absolute sales to protect property owners from hidden credit arrangements.
Perfecting Contracts Understanding Offer Acceptance AND Reconveyance IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on what makes a binding contract, and why reconveyance is not a substitute for rescission.
Solidary Liability Holding Principals Accountable FOR Wage Violations OF Contractors IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine labor law holds principals solidarily liable for wage violations of their contractors and the rules on valid dismissal.
Estate Tax Collection: BIR Authority vs. Probate Court Jurisdiction
Supreme Court ruling on whether the BIR can levy estate properties without probate court approval, and the finality of tax assessments.
Surety Bonds AND Agent Authority Protecting Yourself From Insurance Claim Denials
Final Judgments Are Immutable: Goking v. Villaraza on Execution Limits
A final judgment cannot be altered through a motion for execution. Goking v. Villaraza explains the limits of post-judgment remedies.
Solidary Liability of Corporate Officers: When Are They Liable for Illegal Dismissal
Corporate officers can be held personally liable for illegal dismissal when they act in bad faith, as shown in this Supreme Court ruling.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Can You Justifiably Use Force?
Philippine law allows force only against unlawful aggression. Learn the limits of self-defense and why alibi rarely works.
Rape Conviction Overcoming THE Defense OF Consensual SEX
Service of Court Decisions: Ensuring Due Process and Timely Appeals
Understand how proper service of court decisions protects due process and preserves the right to appeal in Philippine civil cases.
Family Disputes and Property Rights: Extrajudicial Settlements and Reconveyance
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when family members must attempt compromise before suing and how reconveyance works for wrongfully registered property.
Succession and Labor Claims: Can Employee Claims Survive the Death of an Employer
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether employee money claims survive an employer's death and who bears liability.
Illegal Dismissal: When Is an Employee Considered Terminated
Learn when a worker is considered terminated and the rules on separation pay, project employment, and due process in illegal dismissal cases.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape of Persons Deprived of Reason in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that rape of a mentally incapacitated person can be proven through circumstantial evidence, securing justice for voiceless victims.
Establishing Paternity in the Philippines: Navigating Recognition and Support
Learn how Philippine courts establish paternity for illegitimate children and their right to support, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Lease Abandonment and Tenant Rights: The Paterno v. Court of Appeals Case
The Supreme Court's ruling in Paterno v. Court of Appeals clarifies when a tenant's departure amounts to lease abandonment and what it means for landlords and occupants.
Principals Liability FOR Contractors Wage Violations KEY Protections FOR Workers IN THE Philippines
When can a principal be held liable for a security agency's failure to pay minimum wage? The Supreme Court explains joint and solidary liability under Philippine law.
Regular vs. Project Employees: What the Supreme Court Requires for Valid Project Employment
Understand the difference between regular and project employees in the Philippines, and what employers must prove to avoid illegal dismissal claims.
Dismissal of Ill-Gotten Wealth Cases: The Importance of Specific Allegations
Learn how the Supreme Court protected defendants' right to due process in ill-gotten wealth cases by requiring specific allegations in pleadings and bills of particulars.