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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Contract of Sale vs Contract to Sell: When Ownership Transfers in Philippine Real Estate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between contract of sale and contract to sell, and when ownership actually transfers in real estate transactions.
When a Judge's Private Misconduct Becomes a Public Offense
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality after an extramarital affair, showing how private conduct affects judicial office.
Judge Dismissed and Suspended From Law Practice for Gross Immorality: A.M. No. MTJ-24-031
Supreme Court dismisses a judge for an extramarital affair and suspends him from law practice for three years, balancing penalties with mitigating circumstances.
When Customary Law Claims Cannot Stop a Final Ejectment Judgment
Supreme Court clarifies when IPRA claims of indigenous status can and cannot block execution of a final unlawful detainer judgment.
Attorney Client Conflicts and Ethical Boundaries: Lessons from a Philippine Disbarment Case
A lawyer's zeal must not cross into harassment. The Supreme Court clarifies ethical limits in Cabarroguis v. Basa.
Navigating Easement Rights: Protecting Property Access in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects voluntary easements and property access rights in the Philippines, using the Castro v. Esperanza case as a guide.
Psychological Incapacity Under Article 36: Lessons from Calingo v. Republic
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves psychological incapacity in marriage nullity cases under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Understanding Estafa by Deceit: Key Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
Explore a landmark Philippine Supreme Court case on estafa by deceit, and the ethical duties it highlights for lawyers.
Navigating Loss of Land Titles: Res Judicata and Your Rights Under Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court applied res judicata to bar a quieting of title claim, and what this means for property owners and heirs in the Philippines.
Ensuring Integrity in Drug Busts: The Critical Role of Chain of Custody in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, ruling that police cannot use religious bias to justify breaking chain of custody rules.
Business Closure and Employee Rights: The Supreme Court's Stance on Good Faith
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on business closure, employee rights, and the critical role of good faith in labor disputes.
Understanding Res Judicata: How Final Judgments Impact Property Disputes in the Philippines
Learn how the doctrine of res judicata bars relitigation of property disputes, as explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling on quieting of title.
Understanding Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriages: Legal Standards and Real-Life Implications
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict standards for declaring marriages void due to psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Valid Land Titles and Res Judicata: Key Lessons from a Philippine Property Dispute
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why tax declarations don't prove ownership and how res judicata bars relitigating property claims.
Filing Frivolous Lawsuits: Ethical Consequences for Philippine Lawyers
When lawyers file baseless suits against opposing counsel, the Supreme Court can suspend them. Learn the ethical rules and penalties.
Self-Defense and Defense of a Relative: Key Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A police officer shot two attackers to protect himself and his pregnant wife. The Supreme Court explains when self-defense and defense of a relative apply.
Local Autonomy and Plebiscite Rights: Insights from the Palawan Division Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies when voters may join a plebiscite on dividing a province, applying the three-factor test for directly affected political units.
Foreign Investment Restrictions in Philippine Construction: Insights from the PCAB v. Manila Water Ruling
The Supreme Court struck down the 60% Filipino equity rule for construction licenses, reshaping foreign investment in the industry.
Understanding Disbarment in the Philippines: Identity Fraud and Professional Misconduct Consequences
A look at how the Supreme Court handles disbarment cases involving identity fraud and grave misconduct by lawyers in the Philippines.
Understanding Lawyer Negligence in Ejectment Cases: The Violago Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's errors in ejectment cases amount to gross negligence warranting discipline, and when they do not.
Forum Shopping in Land Expropriation: When Separate Claims for Just Compensation Are Allowed
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing separate cases for just compensation over different lots taken by the government does not constitute forum shopping.
Foreclosure During Conservatorship: Can a Company's Directors Still Act?
Supreme Court clarifies that a conservator does not replace a company's board; directors may still initiate foreclosure to collect debts.
Investment vs Loan: When a "Pay on Demand" Promise Binds the Investor
The Supreme Court clarifies when an investment becomes a recoverable obligation, and how the parties' own acts define their contract.
Investment Contracts in Lending Businesses: Rights, Risks, and Recovery of Principal
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when investors in lending businesses can recover their principal and how courts distinguish investments from loans and partnerships.