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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Positive Identification Trumps Alibi: Lessons from People v. Balad
In People v. Balad, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that positive identification by credible witnesses prevails over the defense of alibi in Philippine criminal law.
Private vs Common Carriers: Exemption Clauses in Philippine Shipping Law
When can a shipowner validly disclaim liability for lost cargo? The Supreme Court explains the difference between private and common carriers.
Extrajudicial Settlement and Heirs' Rights: When a Co-Owner Is Not Bound
A Supreme Court ruling on extrajudicial settlements, resulting trusts, and why a minor heir who did not participate in partition retains rights to property.
Mortgage Foreclosure in the Philippines: Protecting Your Rights Against Unilateral Interest Rate Hikes
Learn how the Supreme Court protects borrowers from unilateral interest rate hikes and what notice is required in Philippine mortgage foreclosures.
Understanding Acceleration Clauses in Philippine Promissory Notes
Learn how Philippine courts interpret acceleration clauses in promissory notes, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Mendoza v. Court of Appeals.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: What the Supreme Court Looks At
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies what makes illegal recruitment "large scale" and why victim testimony alone can secure a conviction.
Receivership in Foreclosure Disputes: Venue and Real Actions Under Rule 59
When can a court appoint a receiver in a foreclosure dispute? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on receivership, venue, and real actions.
When Can a Motion for Extension Be Denied? A Philippine Law Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may deny motions for extension and the proper requirements for certifications against forum shopping.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: What the Supreme Court Said in People v. Pantaleon
The Supreme Court explains what makes illegal recruitment "large scale" and why it is economic sabotage under Philippine law.
Confidential Employees and Security of Tenure: What PAGCOR v. Salas Teaches
The Supreme Court clarifies that a position's actual functions, not its legal label, determine if an employee is truly confidential.
Navigating Illegal Recruitment: Protecting Yourself From Scams in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court defines illegal recruitment and large-scale schemes, and discover practical tips to avoid overseas employment scams.
SEC Jurisdiction Over Corporate Controversies: The Lozano v. De Los Santos Test
When does the SEC have jurisdiction over corporate disputes? The Supreme Court clarifies the two-element test in Lozano v. De Los Santos.
When Dismissal Is Too Harsh: Proportionality in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court rules that dismissal can be disproportionate to an employee's offense, awarding separation pay instead of reinstatement.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: What Philippine Law Says
Learn how Philippine courts define and penalize large-scale illegal recruitment, based on a 1997 Supreme Court ruling.
When a Judge Reviews His Own Ruling: Due Process in Philippine Labor Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling on why a labor arbiter cannot review his own decision on appeal, and the due process rights of dismissed employees.
Execution Pending Appeal in Philippine Election Protests: When Can a Winner Take Office Early
Learn when Philippine courts allow execution pending appeal in election protests, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Lindo v. COMELEC.
Conspiracy vs Individual Liability in Philippine Criminal Law: A Clear Distinction
The Supreme Court clarifies when separate attacks by co-accused do not amount to conspiracy, requiring proof beyond reasonable doubt for each element.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Force, Penetration, and Damages Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies what proves rape in the Philippines, when aggravating circumstances apply, and the proper awards for damages.
When Self-Defense Fails: Proving Treachery in Philippine Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails, how treachery must be proven, and when nighttime aggravates a crime in People v. Cayabyab.
Lease Extension: When Philippine Courts Can Extend Your Lease Term
Philippine courts can extend a lease even without a fixed term, but only under certain conditions. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court case.
Circumstantial Evidence and Treachery in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery qualifies murder and why conspiracy must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Insurance Claims Understanding Time Limits AND ALL Risks Policies IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that all-risks insurance claims prescribe in 10 years, not the one-year COGSA limit for carriers.
Inadmissible Confessions and Rape Convictions: Lessons from People v. Antipona
A father's rape conviction upheld by the Supreme Court, clarifying evidentiary rules and damages in incestuous rape cases.
Ejectment Actions and Ownership Disputes: When Can You Evict a Tenant
The Supreme Court clarifies that ownership disputes do not stop ejectment cases. Learn the rules on unlawful detainer and possession.