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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Preliminary Injunctions in the Philippines: Preserving Status Quo in Property Disputes
Learn when Philippine courts issue preliminary injunctions to preserve status quo, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Maunlad Homes v. Union Bank.
When Amparo Fails Balancing Rights AND Evidence IN Disappearance Cases
The writ of amparo protects life, liberty, and security. But what happens when the evidence is weak or the case is moot? This article explains the limits of amparo relief in Philippine courts.
Homeowners Associations vs Non-Members: HLURB Jurisdiction and CMP Benefits
When can a homeowners association evict non-members from CMP land? The Supreme Court clarifies HLURB jurisdiction in Eugenio v. Sta. Monica Riverside Homeowners Association.
Conditional Settlement Agreements: Are They Binding in Philippine Labor Disputes?
The Supreme Court ruled on whether a "conditional" settlement of a labor judgment award is valid and binding, and its effect on pending appeals.
Preserving Property Rights When Land Use Reclassification Prevents Agrarian Reform
A Supreme Court ruling on how land use reclassification and zoning approvals affect exemption from agrarian reform coverage.
Buy-Bust Operations: Legality of Drug Sales and Possession in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on buy-bust operations, illegal drug sales, and possession under Philippine law.
Pre-Existing Conditions and Seafarer Disability Claims: Understanding Work-Relatedness in Philippine Maritime
The Supreme Court explains when a seafarer's pre-existing illness is compensable and the limits of the disputable presumption of work-relatedness.
Proving Work-Related Illness in Seafarer Disability Claims: The Francisco Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's illness is compensable, emphasizing proof of work-relatedness beyond mere occurrence during employment.
Loafing in the Workplace: Philippine Law, Penalties, and the Fortaleza Case
Learn what constitutes loafing under Philippine law, its penalties for government employees, and key lessons from a Supreme Court ruling.
Buyer Beware: Due Diligence in Philippine Real Estate Transactions
The Supreme Court reminds buyers of registered land that a title is not enough—due diligence requires inquiry beyond its four corners.
The Sweetheart Defense in Philippine Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Cabanilla
In People v. Cabanilla, the Supreme Court rejected the sweetheart defense, showing why a claim of a love affair rarely defeats a credible rape charge.
Just Compensation in Land Reform: LBP's Role and Interest Rate Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies interest rates on agrarian just compensation and Land Bank's exemption from costs in land reform cases.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Qualifying Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, and why self-defense failed in People v. Manulit.
Right of First Refusal in Lease Agreements and Property Sales in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lessee's right of first refusal when leased property is sold, explained in plain language.
When a Guilty Plea Is Not Enough: Proving Murder Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains why a guilty plea to a capital offense still requires the prosecution to prove guilt and the precise degree of culpability.
Sheriff’s Authority and Corporate Personality: Limits in Executing Judgments
A sheriff cannot levy a corporation’s property to satisfy a judgment against its stockholders. Learn the limits of execution.
Co-Ownership in the Philippines: Inheritance and Property Rights Explained
Understand co-ownership in Philippine inheritance law, including property rights, partition rules, and how courts resolve disputes among co-owners.
Intra-Corporate Disputes: Protecting Shareholder Rights in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts classify intra-corporate disputes and protect shareholder rights from fraudulent share transfers, based on a 2010 Supreme Court ruling.
Conjugal Property Rights in the Philippines: Protecting Assets From Spousal Debt
Learn how Philippine courts treat conjugal property when one spouse incurs personal debt, and what the Imani v. Metrobank ruling means for creditors and families.
Sweetheart Defense in Rape Cases: Why Consent Cannot Be Assumed from a Relationship
The Supreme Court explains why the sweetheart defense fails in rape cases and what constitutes valid consent under Philippine law.
Unfair Labor Practices: The Duty to Bargain Collectively in the Philippines
When does an employer's refusal to negotiate become an unfair labor practice? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on the duty to bargain collectively.
Prescription in Tax Collection: When Does the Government Lose Its Right to Collect
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on prescription periods for tax collection and when the government's right to collect prescribed taxes expires.
Indirect Employers' Solidary Liability: Protecting Workers' Monetary Claims Under the Labor Code
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on indirect employers' solidary liability for workers' wages, 13th month pay, and other monetary benefits.