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.
Contributory Negligence in Vehicle Accidents: How It Affects Damage Awards
Philippine Supreme Court explains how contributory negligence reduces damage awards in vehicle accidents, using the Lambert v. Heirs of Castillon case.
Motion to Dismiss and the Imperative of Clear Reasoning in Court Resolutions
Why courts must clearly explain their rulings, and how the Supreme Court applies this principle in civil procedure.
Good Faith Builders Retention Rights AND Rental Entitlements
Filial Privilege When CAN A Child Testify Against A Parent IN Philippine Courts
Philippine law on when a child may testify against a parent in court, explained in plain language for lay readers.
Attorney Negligence and Suspension: Lessons from Abiero v. Juanino
A lawyer's failure to file an appeal led to a six-month suspension. Learn the ethical duties and consequences.
Cockfighting Law vs Local Autonomy: Limits on Municipal Power to License Cockpits
The Supreme Court settles how many cockpits a municipality may license, balancing local autonomy against national police power.
Supreme Court Clears Judge of Delay in Injunction Case: Lessons on TRO Rules and Judicial Ethics
Supreme Court dismisses administrative complaint against Judge Lerma, clarifying TRO hearing timelines and standards for judicial liability in injunction cases.
Unlawful Detainer: A Tenant's Admissions and the Inevitable Ejectment
In Mendoza v. Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court ruled that a tenant's own admissions in pleadings can seal an ejectment case.
Upholding Public Trust: A Sheriff’s Liability for Unauthorized Foreclosure Sales
A sheriff who conducted foreclosure sales outside court authority was suspended for six months for breaching public trust in the judiciary.
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.
Civil Liability After Acquittal: Investment Fraud and Due Diligence in the Philippines
When does an acquittal in estafa still leave room for civil liability? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on damages, conspiracy, and investor due diligence.
When a Recommender Is Not Liable: Civil Liability After an Acquittal in Estafa
Explaining when a person who recommends an investment can be held civilly liable after an acquittal in an estafa case.
Judgment on the Pleadings vs Summary Judgment: When Genuine Issues Must Be Addressed
The Supreme Court clarifies the key distinction between judgment on the pleadings and summary judgment in Wood Technology v. Equitable Bank.
Malicious Prosecution: Proving Malice and Lack of Probable Cause in Criminal Complaints
The Supreme Court explains when filing criminal complaints becomes malicious prosecution, requiring proof of both malice and lack of probable cause.
Judicial Accountability Fines FOR Delayed Case Resolutions
Upholding Integrity Accountability FOR Negligence IN Handling Court Documents
When fraud is alleged against a notarized deed, clear and convincing evidence is required. This case explains the burden of proof.
Hotel Liability Waivers FOR Lost
Conspiracy and Overt Acts in Bouncing Check Cases: Ladonga v. People
When can a non-signatory spouse be liable for bouncing checks? The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy rules under B.P. 22.
Judicial Accountability: The Price of Delayed Justice in Philippine Courts
A retired judge fined for failing to decide cases within the 90-day constitutional period shows why judicial delay carries real consequences.
Protecting Good Faith Purchasers HOW Land Title Fraud Affects Buyers
Breach of Trust as Just Cause for Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when loss of trust and confidence justifies employee dismissal under Article 282 of the Labor Code.
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.
Ombudsman’s Power to Appoint vs CSC Rules: The Graft Investigation Officer III Case
The Supreme Court rules that the Ombudsman’s appointees to highly technical positions need not secure CES eligibility to gain permanency.
Interlocutory Orders Understanding Appealability IN Philippine Criminal Procedure
Learn when an order denying a motion to quash is interlocutory and not appealable, based on Basa v. People (G.R. No. 152444).