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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Self-Defense vs Treachery: When Killing Is Murder in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies killing as murder. Learn the legal rules.
Breach of Contract and Bad Faith: When Moral Damages Are Not Automatic in Sales Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere breach of contract does not justify moral damages absent proof of bad faith or fraud.
Forced Resignation vs Voluntary Retirement: Protecting Employee Rights in Dismissal Cases
The Supreme Court ruled that a worker who signed a retirement notice and quitclaim under company pressure was illegally dismissed, not voluntarily retired.
Counsel's Negligence and Due Process: When Does It Warrant a New Trial
The Supreme Court explains when a lawyer's negligence justifies a new trial and when it does not, in Elpidio S. Uy v. First Metro Integrated Steel Corp.
Employer Liability for Negligent Employee: Quasi-Delict vs Subsidiary Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers face direct liability for employee negligence under Article 2180, Civil Code, distinct from subsidiary criminal liability.
Regular vs Project Employment: Security of Tenure in Philippine Broadcasting
The Supreme Court clarifies when production assistants in broadcasting are regular employees entitled to security of tenure and CBA benefits.
Proving Alienable and Disposable Land: Key Lessons from Tri-Plus on Land Registration
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to prove land is alienable and disposable in Philippine land registration cases.
Arson and Homicide: Distinguishing Intent and Consequences in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when arson absorbs resulting deaths versus when separate homicide charges apply, using intent as the key.
Res Judicata and Land Disputes: When a Prior Judgment Bars Relitigation
Learn how the doctrine of res judicata prevents relitigation of land disputes, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Villarino v. Avila.
Supplemental Complaints and Forum Shopping: Lessons from Young v. Sy
The Supreme Court clarifies when supplemental complaints are allowed and why filing both an appeal and certiorari amounts to forum shopping.
The Ombudsman's Control Over Special Prosecutors: Limits on Prosecutorial Authority
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the Ombudsman's authority over special prosecutors and the limits of prosecutorial discretion in criminal cases.
Breach of Trust Dismissal for Clerks of Court Failing to Safeguard Public Funds
Philippine Supreme Court rules on dismissal of court personnel for breach of trust involving mishandling of public funds.
Limits on Delegated Authority: NPC Drivers and Mechanics Association v. NPC
When board members send alternates to vote, are their resolutions valid? The Supreme Court says no—discretion cannot be delegated.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: How Courts Value Right of Way Acquisitions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how courts determine just compensation for right of way acquisitions, using market value at time of taking.
Due Process and Preliminary Investigations: Balancing Rights in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court protects due process rights in Philippine litigation, including the duty to serve pleadings on counsel of record.
Fatal Appeal Errors: Why Choosing the Wrong Mode of Appeal Can End a Case
A Supreme Court ruling shows how filing the wrong mode of appeal can be fatal, even when filed on time.
Public Land vs Private Claim: Military Reservations and the Limits of Land Acquisition in the Philippines
The Supreme Court voids a title over land inside Fort Bonifacio, ruling military reservations are inalienable public land.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Choosing the Right Remedy Against Shari'a Court Resolutions
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies why certiorari cannot substitute for a lost appeal, using a Shari'a court dispute as the case study.
Dower Rights and Evidence Establishing a Muslim Wife’s Entitlement to Mahr Property
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Muslim wife can claim mahr property and why procedural errors can forfeit that claim.
Forfeiture of Retirement Benefits for Dishonest Clerks of Court: A Cautionary Tale
Learn how a clerk of court's failure to remit judiciary funds led to forfeiture of retirement benefits for dishonesty and grave misconduct.
Overseas Worker Repatriation: Agency Duty and Due Process Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that recruitment agencies must repatriate OFW remains without prior hearing, upholding RA 8042 rules.
Attorney's Fees Need Explicit Justification in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts cannot award attorney's fees without stating factual and legal basis in the decision's text, as clarified by the Supreme Court.
Balancing Property Rights: Reimbursement for Improvements on Leased Land
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tenant's right to reimbursement for house built on leased land, offset against unpaid rent.
Good Faith and Due Diligence in Property Transactions: Lessons from Bautista v. Silva
When is a buyer of real property truly in good faith? The Supreme Court clarifies the duty to inquire beyond a special power of attorney.