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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Lost Goods in Customs Custody: Government Liability and Revival of Judgments
A guide to government liability for lost goods in customs custody, revival of judgments, and legal interest rules under Philippine law.
Right of Pre-emption for Adjoining Landowners in the Philippines: A Guide
Learn how Article 1622 protects adjoining landowners of small urban lots, explained through the Supreme Court case Contreras v. Alcantara.
When Can a Losing Candidate Face Execution Pending Appeal in Election Cases
Learn the rules for execution pending appeal in election contests, including the good reasons required, based on Diego Lim v. COMELEC.
Rape Conviction Based on Circumstantial Evidence Protecting Victims of Unconscious Assault
Philippine Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction, ruling that a sleeping victim's testimony and medical evidence suffice to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Redemption Denied: Why Tender of Payment Is Crucial in Philippine Foreclosure Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a borrower must actually tender payment to redeem foreclosed property—not just file a case.
When a Writ of Possession Does Not Follow a Win in an Interpleader Case
A Supreme Court ruling explains why winning an interpleader case does not automatically entitle the winner to a writ of possession.
Lease Purchase Agreements Ownership Rights and Remedies in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a writ of possession may issue in lease-purchase disputes, explained for lay readers.
Judicial Redemption in Philippine Foreclosures: Why Tender of Payment Matters
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that filing a judicial redemption case without tendering payment may forfeit the right to redeem foreclosed property.
Judicial Accountability in the Philippines: When Judges Fail Their Duty
Supreme Court ruling on judge who resigned amid administrative cases shows accountability persists even after resignation from the judiciary.
Local Government Authority and Ordinance Enforcement: A Guide for Businesses
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed a city mayor's duty to enforce local ordinances, and what this means for businesses operating under reclassified zones.
Regular vs Contractual Employment: Key Distinctions and Rights in the Philippines
Understand the key distinctions between regular and contractual employment in the Philippines, including employee rights and management prerogatives under labor law.
Judicial Delays and Judge Liability: Lessons from Dela Cruz v. Judge Vallarta
A Philippine judge fined P11,000 for gross inefficiency in resolving motions, plus P5,000 for contempt—what this means for litigants and judicial accountability.
Lack of Property Rights: Why a Valid Claim Is Essential to File a Case in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts require a valid claim or property right to file a case. This article explains the rule and its practical implications.
Rape With a Deadly Weapon: Credibility of Witnesses and Delay in Reporting
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining witness credibility rules and why delay in reporting does not mean fabrication.
Perjury in the Philippines: Proving Willful Falsehood in Legal Statements
The Supreme Court explains when a false statement under oath becomes perjury, requiring willful and deliberate intent beyond mere error.
Perjury in the Philippines: When a False Statement Is Not a Crime
The Supreme Court explains why negligence, not malice, in a sworn statement does not amount to perjury under Philippine law.
Double Sale and Estafa: When a Land Transaction Can Lead to Criminal Charges
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a double sale of land becomes estafa, requiring deceit and damage, not mere breach of contract.
Illegal Strikes and Return-to-Work Orders: What Philippine Labor Law Requires
When can a strike be declared illegal in the Philippines? The Supreme Court explains the binding effect of assumption and return-to-work orders.
Unconscionable Interest Rates: How Philippine Courts Protect Borrowers
Philippine courts void unconscionable interest rates as against public policy. Learn the rules, jurisprudential standards, and practical protections for borrowers.
Defending Your Land Title: Understanding Indefeasibility and Prior Titles in Philippine Property Law
Learn how the Supreme Court protects land titles from fraud claims, explaining indefeasibility and prior titles in Philippine property law.
When Can Courts Compel the Ombudsman to Prosecute? Mandamus Limits Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that mandamus cannot compel the Ombudsman to file criminal charges, as prosecutorial discretion remains with that office.
Final Judgment IS Final: Understanding Forum Shopping AND Res Judicata IN Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when a final DAR order becomes immutable and why Rule 47 annulment cannot replace a timely appeal.
Voluntary Agreement IS KEY Understanding Valid Arbitration IN Philippine Barangay Dispute Resolution
Learn how the Supreme Court treats compromise agreements as binding law, and how filing a second case can constitute forum shopping.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: Avoiding Dismissal of Your Case
Learn how Philippine courts define forum shopping, the test for dismissal, and practical tips to avoid losing your case.