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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Intent to Kill in Philippine Law: How Courts Prove Homicide and Fix Penalties
Philippine courts explain how intent to kill is proven in homicide cases, and when penalty and damages must be corrected on appeal.
Slight vs Grave Oral Defamation: Drawing the Line in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when insulting words amount to slight, not grave, oral defamation, and explains the rules on defaming public officers.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: Employee Rights in Contractual Work
Learn when a fixed-term contract ends in illegal dismissal, and how retirement age affects employee rights under Philippine law.
Substantial vs Minor Breach of Contract: What Philippine Law Requires
Philippine law on when a contract breach justifies rescission: substantial vs minor violations explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Dismissal of Main Action Dissolves Ancillary Relief: Understanding Provisional Remedies in Philippine Law
When a main case is dismissed, what happens to the preliminary injunction it carried? The Supreme Court explains in United Alloy v. UCPB.
Loan Transfers and Corporate Rehabilitation: Clarifying Creditor Rights in Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on whether loan sale proceeds deposited with a creditor are covered by a loan transfer during corporate rehabilitation.
Navigating the Chain: Establishing Drug Possession and Extortion Defenses in Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts weigh buy-bust evidence, chain of custody, and the disfavored defense of extortion in drug cases.
The Weight of Testimony in Rape Convictions: Credible Witness Accounts Under Philippine Law
How Philippine courts weigh a rape victim's credible testimony against bare denials, and why medical evidence is not always required for conviction.
Service of Summons on Corporations: Why Strict Compliance Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that service of summons on corporations must strictly follow Rule 14, Section 11; substantial compliance no longer applies.
Negligence in Vehicular Accidents: Proving Fault and Vicarious Liability Under Philippine Law
A look at how courts determine negligence in vehicular accidents, and the vicarious liability of vehicle owners and employers.
When Airlines Can Escape Liability: Bad Faith and Fortuitous Events in Carriage Contracts
The Supreme Court explains when a typhoon-caused flight delay absolves an airline from moral damages claims under Philippine law.
Corporate Identity Theft Protecting Your Brand Name Under Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court protects corporate names from confusing similarity, and what businesses must prove to secure exclusive brand rights.
Termination Disputes and Choice of Law: Protecting Philippine Labor Rights in Cross-Border Employment
Philippine labor tribunals can hear termination disputes involving foreign employers; Philippine law applies when the worker's duties are performed here.
Sheriffs Duty Timely Reporting In Writ Execution Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs mandatory duty to file periodic returns in writ execution, imposing administrative liability for delay.
Tightening the Reins: Fraud Allegations and Preliminary Attachments in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when fraud justifies a writ of preliminary attachment, requiring particularized allegations, not mere conclusions.
Breach of Trust When Messenger Becomes Thief: Qualified Theft and Carnapping in Philippine Law
A messenger who took his employer's cash and motorcycle faced both carnapping and qualified theft charges. The Supreme Court explains the distinction.
Beyond the Sale: Illegal Delivery of Drugs Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that handing over drugs without payment is illegal delivery under RA 9165, not mere possession.
Right of Way and Land Ownership: Who May Demand an Easement Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that only owners or holders of real rights may demand an easement of right-of-way, and prescription over public lands requires prior State classification.
When Aiding a Principal Overshadows Accessory Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when helping a principal offender may constitute grave misconduct rather than mere accessory liability in administrative cases.
Confessions and Counsel: Safeguarding Rights in Criminal Investigations
The Supreme Court clarifies when the right to counsel applies in confessions and what makes a lawyer "competent and independent" under Philippine law.
Perfecting Land Titles: Possession Period and Government Classification Requirements
Learn the requirements for judicial confirmation of imperfect title under Philippine law, including possession since June 12, 1945 and land classification rules.
Bigamy and the Second Spouse: Liability as an Accomplice Under Philippine Law
When can a second spouse be held liable for bigamy in the Philippines? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on accomplice liability and marriage validity.
Insurance Claim Denied for Drunk Driver: Proving Intoxication in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when insurers may deny claims due to driver intoxication and the evidence required.
Acquittal Based on Lack of Evidence Understanding Civil Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when acquittal does not erase civil liability, explaining the distinction between criminal and civil responsibility.