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.
Motion for Extension of Time: Navigating Appeals in Philippine Courts
Learn when Philippine courts allow extension motions for appeals, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Magsaysay Lines v. Court of Appeals.
Challenging Election Results: The PRE Proclamation Controversy and Venue Rules
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on Comelec's power to change ballot revision venue in election protests, citing Cabagnot v. Comelec.
Fair Venue for Ballot Revision: Lessons from Cabagnot v. Comelec
The Supreme Court voided Comelec's order moving a ballot revision to Aklan, ruling that a body must follow its own rules and prior practice.
Appeal Bonds in Philippine Labor Cases: When Can They Be Reduced
Learn when Philippine courts may reduce appeal bonds in labor cases, the rules on perfecting appeals, and practical tips for compliance.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction over Quo Warranto: The PCGG Exception
When can the Sandiganbayan hear a quo warranto case? The Supreme Court explains the exception involving PCGG and sequestered assets.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When One Company Can Be Liable for Another’s Debts
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a company may be held liable for another's obligations, including labor-only contracting and solidary liability.
Lost Documents in Court: Proving Your Case With Secondary Evidence in the Philippines
When the original document is lost, Philippine rules allow secondary evidence. Learn the requirements from a Supreme Court case.
Quieting of Title in the Philippines: Proving Ownership and Possession
Learn how Philippine courts resolve quieting of title cases, what evidence matters, and why factual findings bind appellate review.
Addressing Judicial Delay: Penalties and Solutions for Efficient Case Resolution in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court imposes fines and directives to address judicial delay, emphasizing the 90-day decision rule and court efficiency.
Paid-Up Capital vs Authorized Capital Stock: Wage Order Exemption Rules in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that wage order exemptions use paid-up capital, not authorized capital stock, in Central Textile Mills v. NWPC.
When Can a Landlord Evict a Tenant in the Philippines: The Month-to-Month Lease Rule
Understand when a landlord may evict a tenant in the Philippines, including the month-to-month lease rule under Article 1687 of the Civil Code.
Ejectment Suits: How Ownership Disputes Affect Jurisdiction in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle ejectment cases when ownership is disputed, and why jurisdiction stays with the first-level court.
Crafting Effective Legal Pleadings: The Bill of Particulars in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified the bill of particulars under Philippine law, using the landmark PCGG v. Sandiganbayan case.
The Weight of Witness Testimony: Understanding Credibility in Philippine Murder Cases
How Philippine courts assess eyewitness credibility in murder cases, explained through the 1996 Supreme Court ruling in People v. Sotes.
Police Power vs Individual Rights: Regulating OFW Deployment
The Supreme Court upholds the Artist Record Book requirement for performing artists bound abroad as a valid exercise of police power.
Excessive Bail in the Philippines: Limits and Your Rights Under the Rules of Court
A Supreme Court ruling explains when bail becomes excessive and what judges must consider. Learn your rights.
Buyer Beware Protecting Yourself From Land Title Fraud IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts view taxpayer suits and land transactions, and what this means for protecting property rights.
Eyewitness Testimony and the Perils of Alibi in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on eyewitness identification, alibi as weak defense, and treachery in murder cases.
Clerk of Court Negligence: Duty to Certify Court Documents Properly
A clerk of court's failure to certify copies of court documents is negligence. Learn the duties and consequences from a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding Locus Standi When Can You Sue Over Public Funds in the Philippines
Learn when Philippine courts allow taxpayer suits over public funds, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Anti-Graft League v. San Juan.
Understanding Litis Pendentia: Avoiding Duplicate Lawsuits in the Philippines
Learn how litis pendentia prevents duplicate lawsuits in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Cokaliong Shipping Lines v. Amin.
When Can Circumstantial Evidence Lead to a Murder Conviction in the Philippines
Learn when Philippine courts accept circumstantial evidence to convict for murder, the legal rules, and practical takeaways.
Homestead Redemption Rights: Protecting Family Lands Under Philippine Law
Philippine law protects homestead grantees with a five-year repurchase right. Learn how Section 119 of the Public Land Act works.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: When Philippine Courts Look Beyond the Deed's Title
Philippine courts can reclassify a deed of absolute sale as an equitable mortgage based on the parties' true intent and surrounding circumstances.