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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Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Understanding Consent and the Role of Minority
The Supreme Court clarifies when rape becomes qualified and how minority and relationship must be alleged and proven in Philippine criminal cases.
Acquisitive Prescription and Partition: Understanding Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how acquisitive prescription and partition work in Philippine property law through a recent Supreme Court ruling on family inheritance disputes.
Extortion Under the Color of Authority: Understanding Simple Robbery in the Philippines
When court employees demand money to perform official duties, they commit simple robbery. The Supreme Court explains why in Peralta v. People.
Enforcing Foreign Arbitral Awards in the Philippines: The Authentication Requirement
Learn why authenticated arbitration agreements are jurisdictional requirements for enforcing foreign arbitral awards in Philippine courts, as ruled in Manis Shipping.
Family Home Protection in the Philippines: Understanding Execution Exemptions
When is a family home exempt from execution in the Philippines? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of this protection.
Land Title Registration in the Philippines: Navigating Ownership Complexities
The Supreme Court clarifies how RA 11573 affects land registration applications, shortening the possession period to 20 years before filing.
Protecting Human Rights Understanding THE Writs OF Amparo AND Habeas Data IN THE Philippines
Seafarer Disability Claims: Medical Abandonment and Its Consequences in the Philippines
When a seafarer fails to complete required medical treatment and re-evaluation, the right to disability benefits may be forfeited. The Supreme Court explains.
Deportation and Undesirability in the Philippines: Exhausting Administrative Remedies First
The Supreme Court explains why a foreign national facing deportation must exhaust administrative remedies before seeking judicial relief.
Lemon Law or Consumer Act: Choosing the Right Remedy for Defective Vehicles in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that buyers of defective brand-new vehicles may choose between the Lemon Law and the Consumer Act.
Graft and Corruption: When Does a Procurement Irregularity Become a Crime in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when procurement irregularities amount to graft under Section 3(e) of RA 3019, requiring proof of corrupt intent.
When Is Deadly Force Justified in the Philippines? Police Use of Force Rules
Philippine law on police use of force, deadly force standards, and what the Supreme Court says about justified shootings.
Easements and Eminent Domain in the Philippines: MMDA’s Limits After Diamond Motor
The Supreme Court limits MMDA’s power to impose easements, balancing flood control with private property rights and just compensation.
Theft vs. Robbery in the Philippines: The Element of Force Explained
Understand the difference between theft and robbery under Philippine law, and how the element of force affects criminal liability and penalties.
Zero-Rated VAT on Manning Services: When a Foreign Principal Is Not "Doing Business" in the Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies when a foreign shipping company receiving manning services from a Philippine agency is not in the Philippines.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: DOJ Guidelines and Court Discretion in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that judges, not DOJ circulars, have the final say on plea bargaining in drug cases.
Malicious Prosecution in the Philippines: When Filing a Case Crosses the Line
Filing a baseless disbarment case to pressure a lawyer can amount to malicious prosecution. Learn the rules and remedies from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Preliminary Attachment in the Philippines: Safeguarding Claims Without Overreach
The Supreme Court clarifies when preliminary attachment is proper, stressing strict compliance with Rule 57 to prevent abuse.
Understanding Novation, Statute of Frauds, and Conjugal Property Sales in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains when oral land sales are valid, how novation works, and why a wife's consent matters.
Deficiency Claims After Mortgage Foreclosure: The Prieto v. BPI Ruling
Learn how the Supreme Court's Prieto v. BPI ruling protects borrowers from unproven deficiency claims after mortgage foreclosure in the Philippines.
Extrajudicial Foreclosure in the Philippines: Why a Special Power of Attorney Is Required
The Supreme Court ruled that a general foreclosure clause is not enough—mortgagees need express authority to sell property extrajudicially.
Possession of Fake Currency in the Philippines: Knowledge and Intent Under Article 168
Philippine law punishes possession of counterfeit currency only when knowledge and intent to use are proven. The Supreme Court clarifies this in a recent ruling.
Cyber-Enabled Robbery in the Philippines: How RA 10175 Raises Penalties for Digital Extortion
Learn how the Supreme Court applies the Cybercrime Prevention Act to robbery committed through digital means, and why penalties are one degree higher.
Grave Misconduct in the Philippines: When Dismissal Is Unjustified
The Supreme Court clarifies that grave misconduct requires proof of corrupt intent, not mere negligence or failure to comply with rules.