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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Trust AND Title Upholding Heir Rights Despite Torrens Registration
Supreme Court voids a deed transferring conjugal land to illegitimate children, ruling Torrens titles cannot cure a void contract.
Sheriffs' Duty to Timely Execute Writs and Accountability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs' duty to enforce writs promptly and their accountability for actions that delay execution.
Union Misrepresentation Can Void Certification Elections: The DHL-URFA Case
When union officers lie about their affiliation before a certification election, workers may get a new vote. The Supreme Court explains why.
Serving Time Before Deportation: Criminal and Immigration Law Intersect
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that convicted aliens must serve their prison sentence before deportation under the Immigration Act of 1940.
Perils of Independent Action: Why Government Agencies Must Heed Legal Counsel
A Supreme Court ruling reminds government agencies that the Solicitor General is their counsel of record, and that ignoring counsel can cost them their case entirely.
Extending Compassion Death Benefits After Retirement Under THE Employees Compensation ACT
Can a retired teacher's heirs claim death benefits under PD 626 if the illness began during service? The Supreme Court says yes.
Settlement Trumps Appeal: The Binding Force of Compromise Agreements in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on compromise agreements, their binding effect, and limits on appeal rights.
Flight From Justice: How Fugitive Status Can Bar Appeal Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how a fugitive's escape from custody can lead to dismissal of their appeal and loss of legal remedies.
Possession, Donation, and Ejectment: What the Sevilla Florencio Ruling Teaches
A Supreme Court ejectment ruling shows why an unregistered deed of donation cannot defeat the registered owner's heirs and how possession cases are decided.
Unregistered Donation vs Registered Title: Resolving Property Ownership Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether an unregistered deed of donation can defeat the rights of heirs of a registered property owner.
Res Judicata Prevails Reclaiming A Shared Inheritance Despite Past Disputes
Learn how res judicata bars re-litigating inheritance claims after a final judgment, and what this means for co-heirs.
When Ambiguity Clouds Inheritance Agreements: The Quiros v. Arjona Ruling
A barangay settlement left the land unidentified. The Supreme Court ruled the deal valid but unenforceable, pointing heirs to reformation instead of nullity.
When a Lawyer Turns Against a Client: The Price of Delayed Justice
A lawyer who filed a baseless reformation suit against former clients to profit from their land's rising value was suspended for gross misconduct.
Estate Sales Require Court Approval Protecting Heirs Rights In Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why estate property sales need court approval to protect heirs' rights.
Derivative Citizenship: How a Parent's Naturalization Can Grant Citizenship to Their Children
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a parent's naturalization confers derivative citizenship on minor children born in the Philippines.
Corporate Officer Liability: The Fine Line Between Duty and Illegal Recruitment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when corporate officers may be held liable for illegal recruitment committed by their company.
Judicial Accountability: Upholding the Law and Preventing Delays in Election Protests
The Supreme Court reminds courts of their duty to uphold the law and avoid premature dismissals in election protest cases.
How Long Can Someone Occupy Land Before It's Legally Theirs in the Philippines?
Philippine law has no "squatter's rights" that grant ownership by mere occupation. Learn the real rules on prescription and land ownership.
Reassignment Without Consent: Security of Tenure for Philippine Civil Servants
When can a government employee be reassigned against their will? The Supreme Court's ruling in Cariño v. Daoas explains the limits of transfer powers.
Reconveyance Actions and Prescription: Heirs of Pomposa Saludares v. Court of Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when reconveyance actions prescribe and why registered owners can keep indefeasible titles after 10 years.
Heirs May Sue to Protect Estate Before Administrator Appointment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when heirs can file suit to protect estate property before an administrator is appointed.
Illegitimate Children's Rights: Citizenship and Surname Use Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that illegitimate children of Filipino mothers are Filipino citizens at birth and may continue using their father's surname.
When Heirs Cannot Sue to Void Parents' Property Sales Before Death
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when compulsory heirs lack legal standing to challenge parents' sales of property during their lifetime.
Municipal Fees on Goods in Transit Are Unlawful: Palma Development Corp. v. Municipality of Malangas
Municipalities cannot impose fees on goods passing through their territory, even if labeled as police surveillance or service fees.