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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Replevin Actions: Proving Ownership and Rightful Possession in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that replevin requires proof of ownership or rightful possession, not just a claim of wrongful detention.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: Balancing Delay and Due Process in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the balancing test for inordinate delay in preliminary investigations, affirming that prosecutors must justify delays.
Constructive Dismissal: When Work Conditions Become Unbearable Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies constructive dismissal standards and service incentive leave pay prescription in Rodriguez v. Park N Ride.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: Proving Justifying Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains what it takes to prove self-defense and defense of relatives under Article 11 of the Revised Penal Code.
Corporate Rehabilitation: Why Unappealed Court Orders Bind Parties in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on why failing to appeal a rehabilitation order within 15 days bars a party from later challenging it.
Duress in Elections: Balancing Electoral Duties and Personal Safety Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when duress excuses election officers from administrative liability—and when it does not.
Procuring Cause: When Real Estate Brokers Earn Their Commission
Learn when a real estate broker earns a commission under Philippine law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Ticong v. Malim.
Homicide vs Murder: When Treachery and Evident Premeditation Fail in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is homicide, not murder, because treachery and evident premeditation were not proven.
Project Employment vs Regular Employment: What Philippine Law Says
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are project employees and not regular employees, and what this means for termination rights.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody, underscoring strict Section 21 RA 9165 compliance.
Tax on Non-Profit Hospitals: Balancing Charity and Commerce in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that non-profit hospitals like St. Luke's pay 10% tax on income from paying patients, balancing charity and commerce.
Construction Delays and Liquidated Damages: Defining Substantial Completion in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when liquidated damages stop accruing in construction delays—actual substantial completion, not projections, matters.
Third-Party Claims in Property Execution: PSALM v. Maunlad Homes Explained
Learn how Philippine law protects third-party property owners from wrongful levy during judgment execution, based on PSALM v. Maunlad Homes.
Independent Contractor vs Labor-Only Contractor: Who Is the True Employer in Philippine Law?
The Supreme Court clarifies when a manpower agency is a true independent contractor and when a principal becomes liable as employer.
Double Sale of Land: Good Faith and Prior Registration Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies double sale rules: good faith and registration determine ownership of land sold twice.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: When Power Substitutes for Force Under Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court ruled that moral ascendancy can substitute for physical threat or intimidation in rape cases, protecting vulnerable victims.
When Can an Agent Delegate Authority? The Rule on Substitution Under Philippine Law
Philippine law presumes an agent may appoint a substitute unless prohibited. Learn the rules, limits, and risks from a Supreme Court ruling.
Corporal Punishment vs Child Abuse: Where Philippine Law Draws the Line
The Supreme Court clarifies when disciplining a child crosses into child abuse under RA 7610, using a whipping case as the benchmark.
When Courts Reject Negligence Claims: The Quasi-Delict Standard in Vehicular Accidents
The Supreme Court affirms that factual findings on negligence in quasi-delict cases bind appellate review, clarifying driver liability under Philippine law.
Surety’s Liability: The Extent and Limits Under Philippine Law
Understand the scope of a surety’s obligations in the Philippines, including liability limits, defenses, and key legal principles.
Res Ipsa Loquitur in Bus Accidents: When Negligence Is Implied Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court applies res ipsa loquitur in a bus-motorcycle collision, explaining when negligence is presumed and employers are liable.
The Limits of Appellate Courts Introducing New Evidence on Appeal in Philippine Law
Philippine appellate courts generally cannot receive new evidence on appeal; review is limited to the trial record. This article explains the rule.
Lawyers' Facebook Posts and Online Defamation: Ethical Limits Under Philippine Law
When can a lawyer's Facebook posts lead to suspension? The Supreme Court clarifies privacy, free speech, and professional conduct online.
Work-Related Stroke: Supreme Court Upholds Employees' Compensation Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that a worker's stroke can be compensable under Philippine law, using substantial evidence and probability.