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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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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Good Faith in Redundancy Termination: When Hidden Motives Are Not Proven
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when redundancy dismissal is valid and good faith presumed, and when damages may be awarded.
Judicial Delay: A Judge's Duty to Decide Cases Promptly in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court reprimands judge for three-year delay in deciding a case, underscoring the 90-day rule and judicial accountability.
Venue Stipulations in Contracts: When Do They Override General Rules?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when contractual venue stipulations bind parties and when general venue rules prevail in extrajudicial foreclosures.
Conspiracy and Murder: Understanding Shared Criminal Intent in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how dying declarations, eyewitness testimony, and treachery establish murder liability beyond reasonable doubt.
Attorney's Fees in the Philippines: Quantum Meruit and Retainer Agreements Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers recover fees by quantum meruit and how retainer agreements govern attorney's compensation.
Doing Business in the Philippines: Jurisdiction Over Foreign Corporations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a foreign corporation is had been the exclusive dealer of BMW vehicles and products in the Philippines. In 1967, Hahn executed a "Deed of Assignment with Specia
Lis Pendens and Contract Disputes: When a Pending Case Can Halt Another Suit
Learn when a pending case between the same parties can block a second lawsuit under the lis pendens rule, explained through a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Quantum Meruit: When a Contractor Can Recover Payment Without a Formal Contract
Philippine Supreme Court explains when contractors can recover payment on a quantum meruit basis even without a written contract.
Foreclosure Sale Remedies in the Philippines: Act 3135 Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the remedy to set aside a foreclosure sale under Act 3135, and when courts may relax procedural rules.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Why Notice and Hearing Are Non-Negotiable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why employers must observe notice and hearing requirements before terminating employees, even with alleged just causes.
Rape Conviction: The Importance of Victim Testimony and Circumstantial Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how credible victim testimony and circumstantial evidence can sustain a rape conviction.
Sheriff Negligence and Liability for Unreturned Seized Property
Philippine Supreme Court rules on sheriff's duty to return seized property and consequences of negligence in execution of writs.
Self-Defense or Murder: Criminal Liability in Group Attacks Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails in group attacks and how conspiracy and abuse of superior strength qualify killing as murder.
Evidence Rules in Illegal Firearm Cases: Why Conviction Requires Proof of No License
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal possession of firearms explains why prosecutors must prove lack of license beyond reasonable doubt.
Continuing Security in Mortgages: When Future Loans Are Covered
Philippine Supreme Court explains when real estate mortgages secure future loans beyond stated amounts, and the limits of injunctions against foreclosure.
The Weight of Circumstantial Evidence in Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on parricide explains how direct testimony, not just circumstantial evidence, can prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Courts: When Doubt Leads to Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on eyewitness identification, hearsay confessions, and reasonable doubt in robbery-homicide cases.
Rape Conviction Based on Credible Testimony: Force, Intimidation, and Victim Behavior
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape: credible victim testimony, force and intimidation standards, and post-incident conduct as proof.