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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Labor Appeals and the Appeal Bond: Strict Rules on Timely Perfection in Philippine Law
A surety bond issued but not received on time means no perfected appeal—what employers must know about the 10-day rule.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: Establishing the Boundaries in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense applies in Philippine law, emphasizing that unlawful aggression must be actual and imminent, not merely threatened.
Conspiracy and Illegal Drug Transportation: Upholding Accountability in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that conspiracy to transport illegal drugs can be proven by surrounding circumstances, not just express agreement.
Presumption of Marriage Overcomes Lost Records in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how lost marriage records affect proof of marriage, presumption of marriage, and bigamy claims.
Legal Compensation in Philippine Law: When Can Debts Be Offset?
Philippine law on legal compensation explained through a Supreme Court case on contingent obligations and when debts can be offset.
When Silence Doesnt Mean Consent Protecting Minors IN Sexual Abuse Cases Under Philippine LAW
Ownership Disputes and Wrongful Property Levy: Why Registration Prevails Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on why unregistered sales lose to registered titles and levies, and what buyers must prove to claim good faith.
Treachery in Criminal Law: How It Elevates Murder Charges in the Philippines
Learn how treachery qualifies killing into murder under Philippine law, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
When a Seafarer's Disability Becomes Total and Permanent: The 120/240-Day Rule
Learn when a seafarer's unresolved medical condition becomes total and permanent disability under Philippine law, and what the 120/240-day rule means.
Breach of Contract vs Loan Obligations: Independent Liabilities in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a debtor's separate contract breach does not extinguish loan obligations to a creditor.
Work-Related Illness Compensability of Myocardial Infarction Under Philippine Law
Philippine law on compensability of myocardial infarction as a work-related illness, explained through Supreme Court rulings and legal standards.
Homicide vs Murder: When a Sudden Attack Lacks Treachery in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden, spontaneous attack with a beer bottle is homicide, not murder, for lack of treachery.
Good Faith and Public Office: Reassessing Graft and Corruption in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that good faith and lack of manifest partiality can defeat graft charges under RA 3019.
Onerous Donations Contract Law vs Gratuitous Intent in Property Transfers
When a donation carries a burden, contract rules apply. Learn how Philippine law treats onerous donations and revocation for ingratitude.
When Can the State Be Sued: Sovereign Immunity Rules in the Philippines
Philippine law on sovereign immunity explained: when the state can be sued, exceptions to the rule, and practical guidance.
Treachery in Criminal Law: The Element of Surprise in Murder Convictions
Understand how treachery qualifies killing as murder under Philippine law, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on a sudden stabbing.
Parental Authority vs Incestuous Rape: Moral Ascendancy and Victim Testimony in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape, moral ascendancy, and the weight of a victim's credible testimony in criminal cases.
Perfecting Land Titles Strict Requirements FOR Registration Under Philippine LAW
When Checks Prove a Loan: The Supreme Court Ruling on Evidence of Indebtedness
The Supreme Court clarifies when checks alone establish a loan obligation and shift the burden of proof to the debtor under Philippine law.
Marriage Validity: Intent vs Motive in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that a marriage entered for immigration purposes is valid if consent is freely given; motive alone does not void it.
Why Torrens Titles Are Indefeasible: Collateral Attacks and Good Faith Buyers
Philippine law protects Torrens titles from collateral attack. Learn the rules on direct challenges, indispensable parties, and good faith buyers.
Intent to Kill: Assessing the Elements of Frustrated Homicide in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts determine intent to kill in frustrated homicide cases, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on a scythe attack.
When Teaching Doesn't Cover All: Narrowing the Scope of Occupational Disease Compensation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that being listed as an occupational disease does not automatically make an illness compensable under Philippine law.
Losing the Right to Appeal: Understanding Finality of Judgments in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a convicted person who misses the 15-day appeal period loses the right to appeal—and why counsel's negligence binds the client.