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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Self Defense Claims in Philippine Criminal Law: When Do They Hold Up
Philippine courts require unlawful aggression, reasonable necessity, and lack of provocation for self-defense. Learn from People v. Tobias.
Unlicensed Firearm Possession and Homicide: Lessons from People v. Tobias
The Supreme Court explains when a firearm is considered unlicensed, and why a belatedly obtained license cannot cure illegal possession.
When a Memo for File Counts as Resignation: Philippine Labor Law Explained
The Supreme Court explains when a memo without the word The company board interpreted this as a resignation and accepted it. Alegre later claimed he never resigned and sued for illegal dismissal.
Arson Conviction: Intentional Burning of an Inhabited House Under PD 1613
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of arson under PD 1613 when an inhabited house is burned, and how alibi and witness credibility are weighed.
Judicial Delay: A Judge's Duty to Decide Cases Promptly in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court reprimands judge for three-year delay in deciding a case, underscoring the 90-day rule and judicial accountability.
Perfected Contract of Sale: Key Elements and Legal Implications in the Philippines
Learn the essential elements of a perfected contract of sale in the Philippines, including the requirement of a definite price, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Passion Provocation and Criminal Liability: Understanding Homicide in the Philippines
When does anger mitigate a killing? The Supreme Court explains passion or obfuscation, treachery, and homicide in People v. Valles.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Supreme Court clarifies the control test distinguishing independent contractors from employees in Philippine labor law, using an insurance agent case.
Venue Stipulations in Contracts: When Do They Override General Rules?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when contractual venue stipulations bind parties and when general venue rules prevail in extrajudicial foreclosures.
Conspiracy and Murder: Understanding Shared Criminal Intent in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how dying declarations, eyewitness testimony, and treachery establish murder liability beyond reasonable doubt.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
When is a deed of sale actually an equitable mortgage? The Supreme Court explains the legal presumption protecting property owners.
Attorney's Fees in the Philippines: Quantum Meruit and Retainer Agreements Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers recover fees by quantum meruit and how retainer agreements govern attorney's compensation.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: Proving Unlawful Aggression and Justifiable Force
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense succeeds in Philippine criminal law—and why it failed in People v. Cahindo.
Doing Business in the Philippines: Jurisdiction Over Foreign Corporations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a foreign corporation is had been the exclusive dealer of BMW vehicles and products in the Philippines. In 1967, Hahn executed a "Deed of Assignment with Specia
Eyewitness Testimony vs Alibi: How Philippine Courts Weigh Evidence in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains why positive eyewitness identification prevails over alibi and denial in murder cases, citing People v. Sarabia.
Lis Pendens and Contract Disputes: When a Pending Case Can Halt Another Suit
Learn when a pending case between the same parties can block a second lawsuit under the lis pendens rule, explained through a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Land Ownership Disputes: How Government Reservations Affect Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how government reservations like national parks affect land ownership rights in the Philippines, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Encroachment Disputes: Property Rights and Ejectment in the Philippines
When a neighbor's house encroaches on your land, can you file ejectment? The Supreme Court explains your rights and remedies.
Conspiracy and Credibility: Understanding Murder Convictions in the Philippines
How the Supreme Court affirmed murder convictions based on conspiracy and the credibility of a young eyewitness in People v. Magallano.
Bail After Conviction for a Lesser Offense: Obosa v. Court of Appeals
When can a convicted accused be granted bail pending appeal? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules in Obosa v. Court of Appeals.
Quantum Meruit: When a Contractor Can Recover Payment Without a Formal Contract
Philippine Supreme Court explains when contractors can recover payment on a quantum meruit basis even without a written contract.
How to Contest a Foreclosure Sale in the Philippines: A Guide from GSIS v. Court of Appeals
Learn how to contest a foreclosure sale in the Philippines, including the remedy under Act No. 3135, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in GSIS v. Court of Appeals.
Foreclosure Sale Remedies in the Philippines: Act 3135 Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the remedy to set aside a foreclosure sale under Act 3135, and when courts may relax procedural rules.
Wage Disputes: Understanding Regional Director Jurisdiction in the Philippines
Explaining when DOLE Regional Directors can decide wage claims, based on the Supreme Court ruling in M. Ramirez Industries.