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 Club Membership Turns Costly: Limits of Discretion and the Price of Bad Faith
A club's right to reject membership applications is not absolute. Learn how bad faith and abuse of rights led to damages in Cebu Country Club v. Elizagaque.
Dying Declaration and Positive Identification Sustain Murder Conviction in Iloilo Shooting
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction based on victim's dying declaration and eyewitness testimony, explaining the rules on treachery and damages.
Fire Damage Liability and Res Ipsa Loquitur in Philippine Lease Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lessee liability for fire damage, res ipsa loquitur, and temperate damages in lease disputes.
Negligence vs Gross Negligence in Medical Malpractice: The Ilao-Oreta Standard
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between ordinary negligence and gross negligence in medical malpractice, and when damages may be awarded.
Conspiracy and Treachery in Murder: Collective Intent Under Philippine Law
How Philippine courts infer conspiracy and treachery from concerted acts, and the damages rules in murder convictions.
Termination Disputes Defining the Scope of Voluntary Arbitration in Illegal Dismissal Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when voluntary arbitration applies in illegal dismissal cases and the rules on due process and nominal damages.
Marital Violence Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Parricide Cases
A husband who stabbed his sleeping wife was convicted of parricide. The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction and clarified the rules on child testimony, treachery, and damages.
Seafarer Breach Before Boarding: Damages Despite No Employer-Employee Relationship
Philippine Supreme Court rules a seafarer can claim damages for unjustified non-deployment even without employer-employee relationship.
Eyewitness Testimony and Treachery in Murder Convictions: People v. Buban
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on eyewitness testimony, explaining treachery, alibi, and damages under Philippine law.
Independent Damage Claims in Forcible Entry: Separating Possession From Subsequent Harm
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when damages from forcible entry may be claimed in a separate ordinary action rather than the ejectment case.
Malicious Prosecution: The High Bar for Damages in the Philippines
Learn when filing a baseless criminal case can lead to damages for malicious prosecution in the Philippines, and the strict legal standards courts apply.
Credit Card Dishonor and Damages: The Rule from Aznar v. Citibank
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether credit card dishonor alone can make a bank liable for damages, and what a cardholder must prove.
Rape Conviction Based on Credible Testimony: Lessons from People v. Dadulla
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, clarifying force, intimidation, and damages rules.
Treachery and Intent: Understanding Murder and Homicide in Philippine Law
A single Supreme Court case clarifies how treachery distinguishes murder from homicide, and what damages families can claim.
Right of Way and Fair Compensation: When Attorney's Fees and Exemplary Damages Are Not Warranted
The Supreme Court clarifies when attorney's fees and exemplary damages may be awarded, reversing an award against Petron Corporation in a property dispute.
Malicious Prosecution in Estafa Cases: When a Criminal Complaint Becomes a Tort
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing an estafa complaint without probable cause constitutes malicious prosecution, making the complainant liable for damages.
Vitiated Consent in Marriage: Duress, Intimidation, and the Burden of Proof
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what proves duress or intimidation in marriage annulment cases and the damages that follow.
Surveyor Negligence and Contractual Breach: When Professionals Are Liable for Damages
A surveyor's negligent placement of boundary monuments led to a fence encroaching on a right of way. The Court explains liability for breach of contract.
Breach of Contract and Bad Faith: When Moral Damages Are Not Automatic in Sales Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere breach of contract does not justify moral damages absent proof of bad faith or fraud.
Reckless Imprudence and Civil Liability: How a Plea Bargain Affects Damages Beyond the Criminal Penalty
A plea to a lesser offense does not erase civil liability for the death caused by reckless imprudence, as heirs may still recover full damages.
Structural Integrity vs Superficial Damage: What Property Buyers Must Know About Warranties
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when cracks and leaks in a purchased property justify a refund or damages under the law.
Unfair Labor Practice Dismissals: Employee Rights to Moral and Exemplary Damages
Supreme Court ruling on unfair labor practice dismissals, moral damages, and the rule against splitting causes of action in the Philippines.
Hospitals' Cost-Cutting Measures vs Patient Rights: The Manila Doctors Hospital Case
Supreme Court ruling on when hospitals may remove non-essential facilities from patient rooms without incurring liability for damages.
Credit Card Liability: Gross Negligence and Moral Damages in the Philippines
When can a credit card issuer be liable for moral damages? The Supreme Court explains gross negligence in Bankard v. Feliciano.