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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Election Protests Must Specify Precincts Where Fraud Occurred
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why election protests must specify precincts where fraud allegedly occurred to be sufficient in form and substance.
Perfecting an Appeal: Navigating the Jurisdictional Requirements in Philippine Labor Cases
Learn how jurisdictional requirements affect appeals in Philippine labor cases, with insights from recent Supreme Court rulings.
Malicious Prosecution in the Philippines: Probable Cause and Legal Malice Explained
Learn the three elements of malicious prosecution in the Philippines, including probable cause and legal malice, from the Drilon v. Court of Appeals ruling.
Marine Insurance: When Arrest of a Vessel by Civil Authorities Is a Covered Risk
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when arrest of a vessel by judicial process is a covered risk under marine cargo insurance policies.
Adoption in the Philippines: Alien Restrictions and Joint Adoption Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when aliens may adopt Filipino children and why joint adoption by spouses is mandatory under the Family Code.
Complex Crimes: When One Act Causes Multiple Fatalities Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains how a single act causing multiple deaths is treated as a complex crime under the Revised Penal Code.
Mining Claim Disputes: Tie Points and Reconstitution Requirements in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mining claim validity, tie points under the Philippine Bill of 1902, and reconstitution rules.
Employee Dismissal in the Philippines: Due Process and Just Cause Explained
A Supreme Court ruling shows that a valid dismissal needs both a just cause and due process — and that failing on either one changes the employer's liability.
Moral Character and Admission to the Bar: Second Chances in Philippine Law
Explore how Philippine law treats moral character in bar admissions and the possibility of second chances for applicants.
Establishing Paternity in the Philippines: Evidence Beyond DNA
How Philippine courts prove paternity without DNA tests, using letters, birth certificates, and conduct, as shown in Pe Lim v. Court of Appeals.
Third Party Complaints CAN They Survive Dismissal OF THE Main Case
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: How Duplicate Cases Can Kill Your Labor Claim
Learn how filing duplicate labor cases amounts to forum shopping and leads to automatic dismissal under Philippine rules.
Protecting Your Innovation Understanding Utility Model Patents IN THE Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified COA's audit powers and the principle of quantum meruit in government construction contracts.
Understanding Attorney's Fees: When Lawyers Can Claim Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers can claim attorney's fees beyond retainers, explaining general vs. special retainers and quantum meruit.
Reconveyance Actions and Estate Administration: Jurisdiction vs. Venue in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seeking appointment as estate administratrix in a reconveyance action affects venue, not jurisdiction, of the RTC.
Incestuous Rape in the Philippines: Legal Implications and Victims' Rights
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape clarifies force, intimidation, and victim credibility in Philippine law.
Admissibility of Extrajudicial Confessions: Safeguarding Rights in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the four requirements for admissible extrajudicial confessions and what makes counsel "competent and independent" in custodial investigations.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Are Company Officers Liable for Corporate Debts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when corporate officers and close corporation stockholders can be held personally liable for separation pay.
Defense of Strangers: When Can You Legally Protect Someone Else in the Philippines
Philippine law allows defending strangers, but only under strict conditions. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Right OF WAY Disputes Ensuring Access TO Your Land IN THE Philippines
Understanding Seafarer Disability Claims IN THE Philippines A Guide TO Compensation
Eyewitness Identification AND Alibi Defense IN Philippine Robbery With Homicide Cases
Witness Identification and Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases
How the Supreme Court weighed witness credibility, conspiracy, and qualifying circumstances in a murder conviction.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: Lessons from People v. Mañozca
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, clarifying key rules on evidence and defenses.