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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Extrajudicial Settlement in the Philippines: Why Excluding Heirs Can Void the Deal
Learn how the Supreme Court protects excluded heirs in extrajudicial settlements, and what co-owners can still do with their shares.
Co-Owner’s Lease Without Consent: Rights of Heirs and Lessees Explained
Can one co-owner lease shared property without the others’ consent? The Supreme Court explains the limits, the lessee’s rights, and the remedies for non-consenting heirs.
Heirship Disputes: Why Summary Judgments Fail When Inheritance Rights Are Unclear
Supreme Court explains why summary judgment cannot resolve contested heirship and inheritance rights in estate administration cases.
When a Missing Estate Administrator Does Not Void a Contract Case: Heirs of Manzano v. Kinsonic
The Supreme Court clarifies when the absence of an estate administrator is not fatal to a contract dispute, distinguishing indispensable from necessary parties.
Heirs Lose Land Claim Over Maysilo Estate After Appeal Dismissed for Procedural Lapses
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of heirs' land claim over Maysilo Estate due to procedural lapses, including belated appeal brief and defective petition.
Heirship in Property Disputes: Can Ordinary Civil Actions Decide Inheritance?
The Supreme Court clarifies when heirship can be resolved in an ordinary civil action, not just special proceedings, for property disputes.
Illegal Dismissal Claims Survive Employee's Death: Heirs May Substitute
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that illegal dismissal complaints are imbued with public interest, allowing heirs to substitute deceased complainants.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Proving the Work-Related Connection for Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers must prove their illness is work-related by substantial evidence, not merely allege it.
Faculty Rights and Union Membership: Protecting the Right to Self-Organization in Educational Institutions
The Supreme Court clarifies that faculty members are not managerial employees and may form unions, protecting their right to self-organization.
Oral Partition and Mortgage Validity: Protecting Heirs' Rights in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court ruled that an oral partition ("toka") can be valid and that a mortgage over a non-owner's share is void, protecting heirs' property rights.
Lis Pendens and Due Process: Registered Owners Must Be Impleaded in Property Litigation
The Supreme Court rules that registered owners must be impleaded before a notice of lis pendens may be annotated on their title.
Fathers Can File VAWC Petitions for Abused Children Against the Mother
The Supreme Court clarifies that fathers may seek protection and custody orders under RA 9262 on behalf of children abused by their mothers.
Heirs of Landowners Under CARP: No Separate Retention Rights After 1988
Supreme Court rules heirs of landowners who died after 1988 cannot claim separate retention rights under CARP; only the decedent's five-hectare limit applies.
Divorce Abroad and Filipino Spouses: Recognizing Foreign Judgments Under Article 26 of the Family Code
The Supreme Court clarifies when Philippine courts recognize foreign divorces obtained by Filipino spouses and their alien partners under Article 26.
Per Diem vs Honoraria: Defining Compensation Limits for Government Board Members
Supreme Court clarifies when government board members may receive honoraria beyond their per diem, and when approving officers may be held liable.
Quieting of Title: Proving Legal or Equitable Rights in Property Disputes
A quieting of title action requires proof of legal or equitable title. The Supreme Court explains the rules in Heirs of Eñano v. San Pedro Cineplex.
Probate Docket Fees and Publication Rules: What Bollozos v. Heirs of Aguilar Teaches
Supreme Court clarifies probate docket fee rules and publication requirements in allowance of wills cases.
When Delay Becomes Inordinate: Ombudsman's Slow Probe Nullifies Graft Indictment
The Supreme Court nullified a graft indictment against Southern Leyte officials, ruling the Ombudsman's 1,370-day preliminary investigation violated their right to speedy disposition.
Corporate Dissolution and Property Rights: Clarifying Successor Liability in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when dissolved corporations and their officers can be held liable for delivering property titles in subdivision disputes.
Safeguarding Public Trust: Court Personnel and the Duty to Manage Judicial Funds
A Supreme Court ruling holds a cash clerk liable for misappropriating court funds and reminds clerks of court of their supervisory duties.
Corporate Opportunity Doctrine: Directors Cannot Take Business Deals for Themselves
Supreme Court clarifies when corporate directors breach their duty of loyalty by taking business opportunities meant for the corporation.
Negligence of Counsel: Litigants Must Still Monitor Their Cases
Supreme Court rules that a litigant cannot blame counsel's negligence for missing appeal deadlines; clients must monitor their cases.
Double Titling in the Philippines: How to Protect Your Property Rights
Learn how Philippine courts handle double titling disputes and what property owners can do to protect their rights and avoid legal conflicts.
Overcoming Inheritance Disputes: How Courts Decide Property Sales Among Heirs
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a sale of inherited property among heirs may be voided and the land partitioned equally.