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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Prioritizing Assignment Rights: The Battle Over Promissory Notes in Trust Receipt Agreements
Supreme Court rules on competing claims over promissory notes under trust receipts and deeds of assignment, emphasizing proof and priority.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: Burden of Proof and Unlawful Aggression Explained
Understand the burden of proof in self-defense claims under Philippine law, plus key rules on unlawful aggression and rape evidence.
Challenging Compromise Judgments Protecting Third Party Rights IN Philippine Courts
A look at how Philippine courts treat assignments of delivery receipts, agency claims, and compensation in sugar sale disputes.
Demotion vs Illegal Dismissal: Know Your Rights as an Employee in the Philippines
Understand when a demotion is legal, when it becomes constructive dismissal, and how abandonment claims work under Philippine labor law.
When Is an Injury Considered Work Related Under Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts determine work-related injuries, what evidence matters, and what this means for compensation claims.
Rape Shield Consensual Relationship Claims and the Imperative of Proof in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that a "sweetheart defense" in rape cases requires concrete evidence, not bare assertions, to be credible.
Jurisdictional Boundaries Resolving Employer Employee Damage Claims IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that labor arbiters, not regular courts, have exclusive jurisdiction over employer damage claims arising from employment.
Labor vs Civil Law: Who Hears Employer Damage Claims Against Employees?
Supreme Court clarifies that employer claims for damages against dismissed employees fall under Labor Arbiter jurisdiction, not regular courts.
Malicious Prosecution Claims Must Wait for Final Acquittal, High Court Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a malicious prosecution suit may be filed, requiring final termination of the criminal case first.
Tax Exemption Boundaries: PAGCOR Privileges and the Perils of Misrepresentation
Supreme Court clarifies that PAGCOR's tax exemption on importations does not automatically extend to concessionaires, and warns against fraudulent claims.
When a Title Isn't Truth: Challenging Property Co-Ownership Claims in the Face of Prior Marriage
A Supreme Court ruling on how Torrens titles can be overturned when property was acquired during a subsisting first marriage.
Clouded Titles: Protecting Land Ownership Rights Against Invalid Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court protects land ownership rights when fraudulent claims, invalid mortgages, and void free patents cloud title.
Lis Pendens and Oral Partition: Protecting Property Rights in Real Estate
Explaining how the Supreme Court upheld an oral partition and quitclaims, clarifying quieting of title and property rights.
Oral Partition and Quitclaims Validating Heirs' Agreements Despite Formal Deficiencies
Philippine Supreme Court rules oral partition among heirs is valid, and notarized quitclaims confirming it are binding absent clear fraud.
Oral Partition of Inherited Property: When Heirs' Agreements Prevail Over Unregistered Titles
Learn when an oral partition among heirs is valid and how quitclaims confirm ownership, even without registration.
Delayed Baggage Claims: When Airlines Avoid Moral and Exemplary Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when delayed baggage delivery triggers only limited damages, not moral or exemplary awards.
Lis Pendens in Co-Development Disputes: Protecting Rights Over Real Property
When can a notice of lis pendens be registered? The Supreme Court clarifies in Viewmaster v. Maulit that co-development claims over land qualify.
Protecting the Defenseless: Upholding Conviction for Child Rape Despite Claims of Unreliable Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms that a child of tender years can be a credible witness, upholding a conviction for acts of lasciviousness against a minor.
Upholding Judicial Authority THE Limits OF Contempt AND Recourse TO False Claims
Self Defense Claim Fails Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Murder Cases
Examining the Supreme Court's ruling on self-defense claims in murder cases, and the burden of proof required to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Rape Conviction Stands Even If Accused Claims Consensual Affair
A claim of a romantic relationship does not negate rape if force was used. The Supreme Court explains why consent matters.
When Official Duty Shields a Lawyer from Personal Liability for Conflict Claims
Explaining when government lawyers cannot be held personally liable for alleged conflicts of interest under the Anti-Graft law.
Forgery in Land Sales: Upholding Final Judgments Against Claims of Extrinsic Fraud
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a buyer who admitted a deed of sale was forged cannot later overturn the final judgment by claiming extrinsic fraud.
Unregistered Stock Transfers: Creditors' Rights vs. Ownership Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unregistered stock transfers and their effect on creditors' rights to levy shares.