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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When Banks Lose the Right to Collect: Estoppel in Foreclosure Deficiency Claims
When can a bank be barred from collecting a foreclosure deficiency? The Supreme Court explains estoppel's limits in PNB v. Court of Appeals.
When a Lawyer's Actions Lead to Reprimand: The Villaflor v. Sarita Case
A lawyer who deliberately misreads a TRO to enforce a demolition order faces suspension. Learn the ethical limits of client advocacy.
When Civil Courts—Not DARAB—Handle Agrarian Disputes: Morta v. Occidental
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when civil courts, not DARAB, have jurisdiction over agrarian disputes, using Morta v. Occidental as guide.
Lawyer Reprimanded for Losing Client Trust: Fidelity Lessons from Curimatmat v. Gojar
A lawyer's duty of fidelity means keeping clients informed and appealing on time. The Supreme Court's reprimand in Curimatmat v. Gojar explains why.
Protecting Children: Understanding the Nuances of Rape Law and Parental Accountability in the Philippines
A father's conviction for raping his daughter clarifies Philippine rape law, qualifying circumstances, and the death penalty's proper application.
Time Is of the Essence: Prescription and Laches in Philippine Land Title Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how prescription and laches bar reconveyance claims over fraudulently titled land after decades of inaction.
When Can a Claim Be a Compulsory Counterclaim? Lessons from Yulienco v. Court of Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a claim must be raised as a compulsory counterclaim, and when separate suits are allowed.
Upholding Court Authority: Why Lawyers Must Respect TROs and Face Disciplinary Action
A lawyer who defied a Court of Appeals TRO and misled a judge was suspended for two years. Learn the disciplinary rules.
Abuse of Superior Strength as an Aggravating Circumstance in Philippine Murder Cases
Learn how abuse of superior strength elevates homicide to murder under Philippine law, with key insights from a Supreme Court ruling.
When Circumstantial Evidence Speaks Volumes: Rape With Homicide Convictions in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how circumstantial evidence can prove rape with homicide beyond reasonable doubt, with key takeaways.
Collation in Philippine Inheritance Law: When Lifetime Transfers Are Included in Estate Division
Learn when lifetime transfers must be included in estate division under Philippine inheritance law, based on Supreme Court rulings on collation.
Floating Status and Constructive Dismissal: Security Guards' Rights in the Philippines
Security guards placed on floating status for over six months may claim constructive dismissal. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court case.
When Doubt Prevails: How Inconsistent Testimony Leads to Acquittal in Philippine Libel Cases
A look at how the Supreme Court acquitted Roque Vicario in a libel case, emphasizing the need for proof beyond reasonable doubt in criminal prosecutions.
Think Before You Share: Understanding Republication Libel in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when sharing or republishing a news article becomes libel, and the crucial role of malice.
Abandonment vs. AWOL: When Unauthorized Absence Is Not Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when unauthorized absences amount to abandonment of work, and when they only merit suspension instead of dismissal.
Car Plans in the Philippines: Lease or Installment Sale? Key Employee Rights and Employer Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on car plans: when a "lease" is really an installment sale, and what it means for employers and employees.
AWOL vs Abandonment: When Reinstatement and Backwages Still Apply
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between AWOL and abandonment of work, and when illegally dismissed employees get reinstatement with backwages.
When Does a Judge's Private Act Warrant Discipline? The Calimag Case
The Supreme Court explains when a judge's private conduct becomes administratively actionable, distinguishing serious misconduct from mere private acts.
Perfecting Your Appeal: Why Missing the Deadline for Your Appeal Bond Can Be Fatal in Philippine Labor Cases
Learn why filing an appeal bond late—even by days—can kill a labor appeal in the Philippines, and how to avoid this fatal mistake.
When Silence Speaks Volumes Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases
How the Supreme Court found conspiracy from concerted acts in a brutal killing, and why a 13-year-old co-accused was acquitted.
Redundancy vs Retrenchment: Understanding Employee Rights in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between redundancy and retrenchment, and what employers must prove to validly terminate employees for economic reasons.
Habeas Corpus in the Philippines: Understanding Its Limits and Proper Use in Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus is proper in criminal cases, using a 1999 death penalty ruling as guide.
Homicide vs Murder in the Philippines: Intent and Mitigating Circumstances Explained
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish homicide from murder, and when mitigating circumstances like passion, intoxication, or surrender may apply.
Dual Citizenship and Election Eligibility in the Philippines: How Declaring Filipino Citizenship in Your Candi
The Supreme Court clarifies that dual citizens can run for local office by electing Philippine citizenship in their certificate of candidacy.