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 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.
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.
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.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: A Prerequisite for Judicial Intervention in Labor Disputes
Learn why exhausting administrative remedies is mandatory before courts can act on labor disputes, based on Philippine jurisprudence.
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.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Circumstances
Explore how Philippine courts assess treachery in criminal cases, focusing on intent, circumstances, and the elements required for conviction.
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.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: When Can You Skip the Line to Court?
Learn when the exhaustion rule applies, its exceptions, and why a replevin suit failed against DENR forfeiture.
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.
Understanding Contract Interpretation: When a Windmill Deal Includes a Deep Well
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when contract terms include extra work, and when a typhoon is not a fortuitous event.
Contract Validity and Enforceability: Lessons from Roblett v. Court of Appeals
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling on contract validity, authority to sign, and estoppel in Philippine obligations law.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Why Notice and Hearing Are Non-Negotiable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why employers must observe notice and hearing requirements before terminating employees, even with alleged just causes.
Treachery in Philippine Law: How Intent and Criminal Liability Are Determined
Learn how Philippine courts define treachery and why the Supreme Court affirmed murder convictions in People v. Tañedo.
Incestuous Acts of Lasciviousness: When Parental Authority Cannot Shield Abuse
Supreme Court clarifies that a father's lewd acts on his sleeping 13-year-old daughter constitute acts of lasciviousness, not RA 7610 violation.
Rape Conviction and the Weight of Victim Testimony and Corroborating Evidence
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a victim's clear testimony, corroborated by medical findings, outweighs a bare denial.
When Can the Ombudsman Investigate Judges? The Dolalas Rule on Judicial Independence
The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary between Ombudsman authority and judicial independence in investigating judges for delay.
Evidence in Court: Why Presenting Evidence Properly Matters in Illegal Dismissal Cases
A Supreme Court ruling shows how evidence presentation and procedural rules shape outcomes in illegal dismissal disputes.
Understanding Forum Shopping in the Philippines: Avoiding Dismissal of Your Case
Learn how the Supreme Court defines forum shopping in the Philippines and why failure to file a motion for reconsideration can doom your case.
Amending Criminal Informations: When a Homicide Charge Can Be Upgraded to Murder
The Supreme Court explains when prosecutors may amend an information to upgrade homicide to murder after the accused has already pleaded not guilty.