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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Delivery Disputes When Actions Speak Louder Than Words in Sales Contracts
When a buyer acts like the goods are theirs, Philippine law may treat that as acceptance—even if delivery paperwork is imperfect.
Intent to Kill: Distinguishing Attempted Murder From Physical Injuries in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how intent to kill separates attempted murder from physical injuries, and what evidence proves it.
Cashier's Checks and Contractual Disputes: Bank Obligations and Purchaser Rights in Philippine Law
When can a purchaser stop payment on a manager's or cashier's check? The Supreme Court explains in Chiok v. Metrobank.
Understanding Frustrated Homicide: Intent to Kill and Penalties in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies intent to kill in frustrated homicide and corrects penalty and damages awards in De Guzman v. People.
When a Seafarer's Disability Claim Fails: The Weight of Medical Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability claim fails, emphasizing the company-designated physician's findings and proper procedure.
Protecting Property Rights: Good Faith Mortgagees vs. Defective Titles in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts protect good faith mortgagees from defective titles, and the legal safeguards for property rights.
Rape and the Incapacity to Consent: Protecting the Intellectually Disabled in Philippine Law
Philippine law treats rape as a violation of autonomy, especially when the victim cannot consent due to intellectual disability. This article explains the key ruling.
Excise Tax on Tobacco: Clarifying the Scope of Tax Exemptions for Stemmed Leaf Transfers
The Supreme Court clarifies when stemmed leaf tobacco transfers between manufacturers are exempt from excise tax under Philippine law.
Housing Loan Foreclosure: Employee Rights and Lender Obligations Under Philippine Law
When can a bank foreclose on an employee housing loan? The Supreme Court explains the limits of RA 6552 and lender rights.
Civil Liability Despite Acquittal: Estafa and BP 22 in Philippine Law
Acquittal in estafa does not erase civil liability if it arises from a separate source, like being an accommodation party to a bounced check.
Seafarer Suicide and Death Benefits: Proving Willfulness Under Philippine Law
When a seafarer dies at sea, who bears the burden of proving suicide? The Supreme Court's ruling in Agile Maritime clarifies willfulness in death benefit claims.
Chain OF Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence IN Philippine LAW 12
Intent vs Act: Distinguishing Homicide From Robbery With Homicide in Philippine Law
When does a killing become robbery with homicide instead of murder? The Supreme Court explains in People v. Torres.
Fraudulent Land Titles: Possession Trumps Indefeasibility Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules that Torrens title indefeasibility cannot shield fraud when rightful owners remain in possession of the property.
Upholding Notarial Duties: Ensuring Signatory Identity and Voluntariness in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court reminds notaries public that verifying a signatory's identity and voluntariness is a sacred duty, not a routinary act.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: How Philippine Law Guards Against Evidence Tampering
In People v. Bontuyan, the Supreme Court upheld a drug conviction and explained how the chain of custody preserves the integrity of seized drugs.
Unfair Competition Copying and Employee Recruitment As Unjust Business Practices
When does copying a rival's products and hiring its employees become unfair competition under Philippine law? The Supreme Court explains.
Land Title Disputes: Open Possession vs Paper Claims in Philippine Law
Philippine courts weigh actual possession against paper titles in land disputes. This article explains the rules and practical lessons.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits drug suspects over broken chain of custody, stressing Section 21 compliance for seized evidence integrity.
Enforcement Deadlines: Understanding the Five-Year Rule for Executing Court Judgments
A final court ruling is not the end of the story. Philippine law sets strict deadlines for enforcing judgments, and missing them can cost a winning party the case.
Rape Conviction Upheld: The Critical Role of Victim Testimony and Consent in Philippine Law
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining how credible victim testimony establishes force and lack of consent under Philippine law.
Breach of Contract Remedies for Condominium Delivery Delays in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law protects condominium buyers when developers delay delivery, including refund rights and interest rules under PD 957.
Correcting Errors in Arbitration Awards: The Finality Principle in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when errors in arbitration awards can be corrected without violating the finality principle.
Breach of Trust: Defining the Boundaries of Qualified Theft in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of qualified theft and the proper penalty, emphasizing grave abuse of confidence in a cashier's pilferage case.