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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Overcoming Fraud in Land Titles: Good Faith Acquisition and Reconveyance
Learn how good faith purchase protects land titles from fraud and when reconveyance is the proper remedy under Philippine law.
Hotel Waivers for Lost Guest Items Are Void: The McLoughlin Rule
Philippine law voids hotel waivers for lost guest belongings. Learn the McLoughlin case and what hotels must do.
Sheriffs Duty Execution Of Writs And Limits Of Discretion In Philippine Law
Explaining the limits of a sheriff's discretion when executing writs, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings on ministerial duties.
Double Jeopardy and Falsification: Understanding Distinct Offenses in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when the same act can produce separate crimes without violating double jeopardy, using a falsification case.
Attempted Rape vs Acts of Lasciviousness: How Intent Shapes Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains the key difference between attempted rape and acts of lasciviousness—the intent to lie with the victim.
Contract Validity: Illness and Consent in Property Sales Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on when illness affects consent in property sales, and the burden of proving lack of capacity to contract.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: The Two-Notice Rule Under Philippine Labor Law
Philippine law requires employers to follow the two-notice rule before dismissing employees. Learn what this means from a Supreme Court ruling.
Double Sale in the Philippines: Who Has the Better Right to the Property?
Philippine law on double sales explained: when a property is sold twice, good faith, registration, and possession decide who owns it.
Surety vs Guarantor: Understanding Liability in Loan Agreements Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the key difference between a surety and a guarantor, and why a surety cannot invoke defenses meant for the principal debtor.
Minors and Criminal Liability: The Importance of Discernment in Philippine Law
Philippine law on minors and criminal liability hinges on discernment. Learn how the courts assess a child's capacity to distinguish right from wrong.
Contractual Intent Prevails Interpreting Interest Rates in Loan Agreements Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules on how courts interpret interest rates in loan agreements, emphasizing that clear contractual terms prevail over alleged intent.
Acquittal Based on Demurrer to Evidence: Limits and Exceptions in Philippine Law
When is an acquittal final? The Supreme Court explains the double jeopardy rule and its exception in People v. Sandiganbayan.
Substantial Compliance with Procedural Rules: Certified Xerox Copies in Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on certified xerox copies as substantial compliance with Rule 65 requirements for petitions for certiorari.
Perfecting Appeals: The Crucial Difference Between Single and Multiple Judgments in Philippine Law
Learn when a record on appeal is required in Philippine civil procedure, and why missing this step can cost you your appeal.
Losing Your Day in Court: Understanding the Strict Rules of Appeal in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that permanent injunctions cannot bar government banks from foreclosing mortgages, and explains the limits of moral damages.
When an Expired Lease Becomes Month-to-Month: The TISA v. Tagbilaran Women's Club Ruling
Understand when an expired lease becomes an implied month-to-month contract, and how a notice to vacate ends it, under Philippine law.
When Judges Cannot Notarize Documents: Limits on Notarial Authority and Admissibility in Philippine Law
Supreme Court clarifies when judges may notarize documents, why invalid notarization affects admissibility, and what makes a deed private.
Perfected Sales vs. Recovery of Property: Understanding Real Actions in Philippine Law
When is a suit for specific performance actually a real action for recovery of property? The Supreme Court clarifies in Jimenez v. Jordana.
When Time Is Not of the Essence: Contractual Delay and Obligations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when delay in delivery does not breach a contract and when time is not of the essence.
Novation Requires a Completely New and Valid Agreement: Loan Restructuring Lessons
The Supreme Court clarifies when restructuring a loan creates novation, and how usurious interest rates are treated under Philippine law.
Judicial Discretion vs Neglect: Balancing Speed and Justice in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when appellate courts may disturb factual findings and how negligence is proven in quasi-delict cases under Philippine law.
Perfecting Appeals THE Strict Timeline AND Exceptions IN Philippine LAW
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains the strict deadlines for appeals and the limited exceptions, guiding litigants on procedural compliance.
Trust Betrayed When Managerial Dismissal Requires Solid Proof in Philippine Law
Managerial employees can be dismissed for loss of trust, but Philippine law requires substantial evidence—not mere suspicion—to justify termination.
Sheriffs Overreach Defining THE Limits OF Property Levy IN Philippine LAW
When can a sheriff's levy on execution be considered excessive? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of property levy in Philippine law.