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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
GSIS Contributions: Can Dismissed Government Employees Recover Their Personal Shares?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether dismissed government employees can recover personal GSIS contributions and premiums.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Prompt Resolution of Cases and Timely Transmission of Records
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges and clerks of court of their duty to decide cases promptly and transmit records on time.
Attorney Negligence: When a Lawyer's Lapses Lead to Suspension
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for one year for inexcusable negligence—failing to file briefs and appearing in court, causing clients to lose their case.
Torrens Title vs Deed of Sale: Who Wins a Possession Dispute in the Philippines?
In a Philippine ejectment case, a Torrens title beats an unregistered deed of sale. Learn the rule from Spouses Barias v. Heirs of Boneo.
Filial Support When Grandparents Share the Duty to Support Grandchildren
When parents cannot support their children, grandparents may be obliged to help. The Supreme Court explains how this duty works.
Banking Law: Directors Borrowing and the Necessity of Board Approval
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when bank directors and officers may borrow from their own bank and why board approval is mandatory.
Employer Control Determines Employment Status: The PLDT Security Guard Case
When a security agency's contract ends but guards remain at their posts under the principal's direction, an employer-employee relationship may arise.
Perfecting Appeals Strict Compliance With Appeal Bonds In Labor Cases
Learn why the Supreme Court requires strict compliance with appeal bonds and deadlines in labor cases, and what happens when employers fail to perfect their appeals on time.
Foreclosure Rights vs BP 22: Understanding Creditors' Remedies and Their Limits
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that annulment of judgment is only for civil cases, not criminal convictions like swindling.
Appeal Bond Requirements: Strict Compliance Is Key in Labor Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court in McBurnie v. Ganzon upheld the mandatory appeal bond rule, ensuring workers get their just awards.
Heirship Rights and Legal Standing in Stockholder Claims: Puno v. Puno Enterprises
Heirs of a deceased stockholder do not automatically gain stockholder rights. Learn the rules on inspection, dividends, and estate settlement.
Attorney Authority and Due Process After a Client's Death: Protecting Heirs' Rights
When a client dies mid-case, counsel's authority and the heirs' right to due process must be protected. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Indispensable Parties Nullifying Partition Suits Without Complete Joinder
A partition suit fails if all co-heirs are not impleaded. The Supreme Court explains why complete joinder is mandatory.
Heirs Obligation Estate Debt Survival Beyond Death IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that debts survive death—heirs inherit obligations but only up to the estate's value. Learn the rules.
Psychological Incapacity in Marriage: Defining and declared the condition "grave and incurable." The Court of
The Issue The central issue was whether Rowena had sufficiently proven that Edward was psychologically incapacitated at the time of their marriage, as required
Solidary vs Joint Obligations: When Liability Is Not Presumed in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that solidary obligations are not presumed; joint debtors are liable only for their proportionate shares.
Prescription and Land Ownership: Protecting the Rights of Long-Term Land Possessors
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how the right to repurchase land works, when acceptance of a contract benefit is valid, and why builders on their own land need no protection.
Loss of Redemption Rights: Inheriting Property After Mortgage Foreclosure in the Philippines
When a mortgaged property is foreclosed and not redeemed, heirs lose inheritance rights. The Supreme Court explains why.
Judicial Approval of Compromise Agreements: Binding Parties to Mutually Agreed Terms
When parties settle a dispute, court approval of their compromise agreement makes it binding and enforceable as a final judgment.
Membership Termination in Non-Stock Corporations: Safeguarding Property Rights
The Calatagan Golf Club case clarifies that non-stock corporations must strictly follow their own by-laws before terminating membership or selling shares.
Protecting Your Property Purchase: The Innocent Purchaser for Value Doctrine in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court protects innocent purchasers for value under Philippine property law, and what buyers must do to secure their titles.
Safeguarding OFW Rights Supreme Court Strikes Down Unfair Compensation Limits IN Illegal Dismissal Cases
The Supreme Court struck down the three-month cap on illegal dismissal compensation for overseas Filipino workers, affirming full protection of their contractual rights.
Tax Declaration vs Title: Resolving Property Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how tax declarations, birth certificates, and deeds of sale affect property ownership disputes between heirs.