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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Sheriff’s Fees in the Philippines: Rules, Limits, and the Abellera Case
Learn the legal limits on sheriff’s fees in the Philippines, the Abellera ruling on excessive charges, and practical safeguards for litigants.
Rape Conviction: Why Delay in Filing Does Not Always Equal Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a rape victim's delayed complaint can still be credible and lead to conviction.
Voluntary Appearance and Jurisdiction: What Filing Pleadings Means in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court explains how voluntary appearance in court can cure defective summons and establish jurisdiction over a person.
Supervisory Neglect: When a Clerk of Court Answers for a Subordinate's Nonfeasance
Philippine Supreme Court holds clerks of court liable for failing to supervise subordinates, explaining the duty of periodic monitoring.
Encroachment Disputes: Rights and Obligations of Landowners and Builders in the Philippines
When a building encroaches on a neighbor's land, what are the parties' rights? The Supreme Court explains good faith, Article 448 options, and remedies.
Independent Counsel Safeguarding Rights In Philippine Custodial Investigations
The Supreme Court acquits two accused whose confessions were taken with the help of an NBI job applicant, not independent counsel.
Continuing Surety Agreements Can Validly Cover Future Debts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that continuing surety agreements validly secure future debts, even if no principal obligation exists at signing.
Election Protests and Succession: Ensuring Electoral Integrity After a Candidate's Death
The Supreme Court rules that election protests survive a candidate's death, ensuring the people's true choice prevails.
Death Penalty in the Philippines: Compelling Reasons and Heinous Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when the death penalty applies for heinous crimes and why reclusion perpetua remains an indivisible penalty under Philippine law.
Reclusion Perpetua in Philippine Law: Why It Remains an Indivisible Penalty
The Supreme Court clarifies that reclusion perpetua remains an indivisible penalty despite RA 7659, explaining its true duration and application in drug cases.
Navigating Illegal Recruitment: Understanding Your Rights and Risks in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts define illegal recruitment, the penalties for large-scale offenses, and practical tips to avoid scams.
Gross Negligence of Counsel: When Can a Client Get a New Trial in the Philippines?
When a lawyer's repeated absences prevent a client from presenting defense evidence, the Supreme Court may order a new trial to protect due process.
When Are Insurance Claim Agents Liable for Foreign Principals' Debts in the Philippines?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when local claim agents of foreign insurers can be held personally liable for policy obligations.
Doing Business in the Philippines: When Selling to a Filipino Buyer Requires a License
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a foreign corporation's sales to a local buyer constitute
Retroactivity of Tax Rulings: When the BIR Cannot Apply a Revoked Ruling Against You
The Supreme Court explains when the BIR cannot retroactively apply a revoked tax ruling to assess deficiency taxes against a taxpayer.
Breach of Public Trust: Malversation and Accountability in the Philippine Judiciary
A court employee's unexplained fund shortage led to dismissal. Learn the rules on malversation and accountability in the judiciary.
Judicial Recusal: Understanding Bias and Impartiality in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges must inhibit and why late motions to disqualify are frowned upon.
When Can an Employer Claim Loss of Confidence as Grounds for Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of confidence justifies dismissal and bars separation pay for trusted employees guilty of misconduct.
Laches in Philippine Property Law: How Delaying Your Claim Can Cost You
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling shows how laches can bar a registered owner from recovering property after unreasonable delay. Learn the rules.
Rape Conviction: The Nuances of Penetration and Consent in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that slight penetration suffices for rape, and intimidation can substitute for physical resistance.
Venue in Personal Actions: Why Actual Residence Matters in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts determine proper venue for personal actions and why actual residence—not domicile—controls the choice of forum.
Venue in Quasi-Delict Cases: Where Can You Sue for Damages?
Learn where to file a personal injury or quasi-delict damages suit under Philippine venue rules, explained through the Baritua case.
Filipino First Policy in Business Deals: Manila Prince Hotel v. GSIS
A landmark ruling on the Filipino First Policy: why the Constitution protects national patrimony like the Manila Hotel from foreign takeover.
Compromise Agreements and Corporate Authority: Balancing Co-Ownership Rights with Contractual Obligations
When a judicially-approved compromise agreement authorizes a corporation to sell co-owned property, prior consultation with the co-owner is not required.