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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Estate Creditors Can Demand Examination of Suspected Asset Concealment
Creditors may seek court examination of persons suspected of concealing estate assets, even if heirs present deeds of assignment.
Moral Turpitude and Professional Responsibility: When a Lawyer's Personal Conduct Affects Their Career
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for immorality and for creating the appearance of influencing judges.
Spousal Conspiracy in Rape: When a Parent's Silence Becomes Criminal Liability
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows how a parent's failure to stop a spouse's sexual abuse of their child can create joint criminal liability.
When a Lawyer's Error Binds a Client: The Doctrine of Negligence in Philippine Litigation
Explore how the Supreme Court holds clients bound by their counsel's mistakes, and when courts may grant relief from a lawyer's negligence.
Judicial Employee Misconduct: Court Integrity Hinges on Proper Conduct
A Supreme Court ruling on court employees accepting money outside their duties, and why proper conduct upholds judicial integrity.
Acquisitive Prescription vs Succession: How Heirs Keep Land Ownership in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when prescription and laches cannot defeat inheritance rights over family land.
Personal Surety Liability vs Corporate Rights: When Banks Lose Their Claim
A bank's unauthorized extension of credit deadlines releases personal sureties from liability, even when they signed a continuing guaranty.
Title Registration Indefeasibility CAN CO Heirs Challenge A Registered Title
Workplace Brawl Upholding Conduct Standards FOR Court Employees
Court employees who brawl in office face administrative liability, even if they later settle their differences privately.
Proving Fraud or Undue Influence in Donations: Heirs of Sevilla v. Sevilla
The Supreme Court explains what evidence is needed to void a donation for fraud or undue influence, and when a deed of partition is void.
Reimbursement for Utility Payments When a Subsequent Tenant Pays Another's Debt
When a new tenant pays a former tenant's unpaid utility bills, can they get their money back? The Supreme Court explains.
Challenging Filiation: When Can Heirship Be Contested in Property Disputes
Philippine law sets strict rules on when filiation can be challenged in inheritance cases. Learn the key principles and deadlines.
Judicial Accountability When Judges Notarize Outside Their Authority
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges that the power to notarize ex officio is narrow, and that notarizing a document without the affiant present is a serious breach.
Upholding Partition Agreements: Notarized Deeds as Valid Public Documents in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on notarized deeds of partition as public documents, their presumption of regularity, and evidentiary weight in property disputes.
Upholding Arbitration Agreements in Construction Disputes: The LM Power Case
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that courts should liberally construe arbitration clauses, requiring parties to honor their agreement to arbitrate construction disputes.
Writ of Possession in Foreclosure: What Third-Party Claimants Must Know
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on writs of possession in foreclosure sales and what third-party claimants must do to protect their rights.
Bank Negligence Bars Recovery: Solutio Indebiti and Unjust Enrichment in Check Clearing Errors
Supreme Court rules banks cannot recover funds lost to their own gross negligence in check clearing, explaining solutio indebiti and unjust enrichment.
Co-Ownership and Unauthorized Sales: Property Rights Under Article 493
A co-owner may sell only their own share. Learn how the Supreme Court protected heirs' rights in Coronel v. Constantino.
Heirs AT Odds When Active Participation Waives Formal Substitution Requirements IN Property Disputes
Notarial Duties: Judges Must Certify Lack of Lawyers and Remit Fees to Avoid Sanctions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judges acting as notaries public ex officio, their certification duties, and fee remittance requirements.
Bus Company's Liability: The Duty to Supervise Employees and Prevent Negligence
A bus firm must prove diligence in supervising drivers to avoid liability for their negligence. Victory Liner case explained.
Estate Administration Discretionary Power in Appointing Special Administrators
The Supreme Court clarifies that probate courts have sound discretion in appointing special administrators, and heirs have no absolute right to representation.
Relaxing Rules When Imperfecting an Appeal Serves Justice in the Philippines
Philippine courts may relax procedural rules on appeals when justice demands, but litigants must still prove their claims and avoid forum shopping.
Succession Rights in Agricultural Leases: Landowner's Choice Prevails
In agricultural leaseholds, the landowner chooses the successor-tenant among the deceased lessee's heirs; heirs cannot self-appoint. SC explains.