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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Attorneys Fees Upholding A Lawyers Right TO Payment Despite Contract Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on attorney's fees, contract termination, and a lawyer's right to compensation for services rendered.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: When a Recruiter's Agent Still Faces Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a recruiter's agent can be liable for illegal recruitment in large scale despite a licensed agency's SPA.
Self-Defense and Intent to Kill: The Case of Conrado Casitas
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and intent to kill is shown by the number and location of wounds inflicted.
Accountability Beyond Authority Illegal Recruitment Despite Agency Affiliation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal recruitment liability for unregistered agency representatives, with practical compliance guidance.
Conspiracy in Robbery With Homicide: Liability Even Without Inflicting the Fatal Blow
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that conspirators in robbery with homicide are liable as principals even if they did not inflict the fatal wound.
Age Verification in Rape Cases: Protecting Children and Ensuring Fair Trials
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on age verification in rape cases, balancing child protection with the accused's right to a fair trial.
Surety's Liability for Interest Beyond Bond Limit on Delayed Payment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a surety can be held liable for interest exceeding the bond's face value when payment is delayed.
Debt Recovery Without Specific Claim: Equity and Unjust Enrichment in Arroyo v. Taduran
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recovering debt even without a specific prayer in the complaint, citing equity and unjust enrichment principles.
Illegal Dismissal: Employers Must Prove Just Cause AND Due Process Before Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that employers must prove both just cause and procedural due process to avoid liability for illegal dismissal.
Surety Bonds and Legal Interest: When Default Makes a Surety Pay More Than the Bond
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a defaulting surety must pay 12% legal interest on top of the bond amount.
In Pari Delicto: When Both Parties Are at Fault, Neither Can Sue in Construction Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on in pari delicto in construction contracts where both parties knowingly violated the law, barring recovery.
Treachery Must Be Proven Clearly to Elevate Homicide to Murder in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that treachery must be proven as clearly as the killing itself; otherwise, the crime is homicide, not murder.
Imperfect Self-Defense and the Line Between Homicide and Murder in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on treachery, evident premeditation, and when killing is murder rather than homicide.
Conjugal Property Rights Clarifying Ownership AND Sale Validity IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies conjugal property shares, sale validity, and co-ownership rights in a landmark Quezon City land dispute.
Reconveyance Actions and Prescription: Heirs of Pomposa Saludares v. Court of Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when reconveyance actions prescribe and why registered owners can keep indefeasible titles after 10 years.
Strict Compliance With Bill of Lading Clauses Upholding Carrier Protection in Cargo Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict compliance with bill of lading notice requirements in cargo damage claims against carriers.
Tenant Redemption Rights and Land Bank Certification Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a Land Bank certification suffices for tenant redemption under R.A. 3844, and when it fails.
Accidental Injury vs Intent: Reassessing Guilt in Assault Cases in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when accidental injury in a struggle negates intent to kill, reducing criminal liability.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Parent Company Be Liable for Its Subsidiary's Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court explains the strict requirements for piercing the corporate veil and holding a parent liable for subsidiary obligations.
Voluntary Confession Mitigates Parricide: Reclusion Perpetua Instead of Death
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how voluntary confession of guilt mitigates parricide, reducing the penalty from death to reclusion perpetua.
Loan Agreement Validity: Actual Receipt of Proceeds as a Prerequisite
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: executing a promissory note is not enough—actual receipt of loan proceeds is essential for liability.
When Words Can Be Used Against You: Verbal Admissions and Falsification of Leave Forms
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on verbal admissions, falsification of public documents, and the proper remedy for Ombudsman dismissals.
Unregistered Donations vs Third-Party Leases: What Buyers and Lessees Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unregistered donations, third-party leases, and the duty to verify property ownership before contracting.
Heirs May Sue to Protect Estate Before Administrator Appointment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when heirs can file suit to protect estate property before an administrator is appointed.