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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Successor Beware: Why Due Diligence Is Key to Avoiding Prior Judgments in Philippine Property Law
A buyer of Philippine property can be bound by a court judgment against its seller, even if not named in the suit. Learn the due diligence lesson from Eternal Gardens v. Court of Appeals.
Stock Pledge in the Philippines: When Can a Pledgee Demand Ownership and Stock Transfer
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a pledgee of shares can demand stock transfer and ownership rights under a contract of pledge.
Due Process in Court: Why Proper Notice and Hearing Are Non-Negotiable
A judge dismissed for quashing a search warrant and granting bail without notice—what this means for fair procedure in Philippine courts.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Defenseless Victims
The Supreme Court explains treachery, conspiracy, and self-defense in a murder case involving three brothers who shot an unarmed victim.
Combating Court Delays: The Imperative of Speedy Trial in the Philippine Justice System
A judge's fine for delaying a simple case underscores the mandatory continuous trial rule and the constitutional right to speedy disposition.
Forged Deeds and Fake Titles: Protecting Your Land Ownership in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle forged deeds and spurious titles, and what landowners can do to protect their property from fraud.
Safeguarding Due Process: COMELEC's Jurisdiction in Philippine Election Cases
The Supreme Court nullified a COMELEC en banc resolution for violating due process and the constitutional rule that election cases be decided by division.
Right of Way Easements in the Philippines: The Least Prejudice Rule and Due Process
Philippine courts require hearing all affected landowners in right of way disputes. Learn the least prejudice rule from Almendras v. Court of Appeals.
Sequestration Orders in the Philippines: Validity Rules and Timely Legal Action
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when sequestration orders are valid, how PCGG rules apply, and the constitutional deadline for judicial action.
Upholding Judicial Impartiality: Timely Case Resolution and Ethical Conduct Matter
The Supreme Court affirms Sandiganbayan's lifting of sequestration orders, underscoring strict compliance with PCGG rules and constitutional time limits.
Can Labor Cases Be Decided Solely on Position Papers? Understanding Due Process in Philippine Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court explains when labor arbiters may decide cases based only on position papers without trial, and what due process requires.
When Words Fail and Knives Speak: Self-Defense and Homicide in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails, how accomplices differ from principals, and why a heated argument defeats treachery.
Rape Conviction Upheld: The Importance of Credibility in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a stepfather's four rape convictions, underscoring how trial courts assess witness credibility in sexual assault cases.
Regular vs Casual Employment in the Philippines: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations
Understand the difference between regular and casual employment in the Philippines, and learn how labor-only contracting affects employee rights and employer liability.
Missed Pre-Trial and Default Orders: What Victory Liner v. Viron Means for Businesses
Philippine Supreme Court explains when missing a pre-trial can lead to default orders and why businesses must ensure proper representation.
Disbarment FOR Immoral Conduct Upholding Integrity IN THE Philippine Legal Profession
Victim Testimony in Philippine Rape Cases: Supreme Court Upholds Conviction Despite Assailant's Flight
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction and death penalty even after accused flees trial, citing credible victim testimony and flight as evidence of guilt.
Selling Inherited Property During Probate: What Heirs Should Know
Can an heir sell inherited property while probate is pending? The Supreme Court explains when court approval is needed and when it is not.
Independent Contractor vs Labor-Only Contracting: Key Differences and Employer Responsibilities in the Philipp
Learn the legal distinction between independent contractor and labor-only contracting, and the employer responsibilities that follow, based on a 1998 Supreme Court ruling.
Final Judgment Is Final: Understanding Annulment of Judgment in the Philippines
When can a final criminal judgment be annulled? The Supreme Court explains the limits of annulment of judgment and due process.
Buyer’s Right to Specific Performance When a Seller Backs Out of a Contract to Sell
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that sellers cannot unilaterally rescind a Contract to Sell, and buyers may sue for specific performance.
When Self-Defense Fails: Understanding Burden of Proof in Philippine Criminal Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains why accused persons claiming self-defense must prove it, and how courts assess such claims.
Rape Conviction and the Importance of Consent and Credible Testimony in Philippine Law
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows how courts weigh witness credibility, inconsistencies, and corroboration in affirming a conviction beyond reasonable doubt.
When Does a New Agreement Override an Old One? Philippine Contract Law Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a later agreement novates an earlier contract, and when both documents must be read together.