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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Oral Partition and Quitclaims Validating Heirs' Agreements Despite Formal Deficiencies
Philippine Supreme Court rules oral partition among heirs is valid, and notarized quitclaims confirming it are binding absent clear fraud.
Oral Partition of Inherited Property: When Heirs' Agreements Prevail Over Unregistered Titles
Learn when an oral partition among heirs is valid and how quitclaims confirm ownership, even without registration.
Pre-Proclamation Controversies: Examining Election Returns on Their Face
A pre-proclamation controversy is limited to examining election returns on their face. Learn from Sebastian v. COMELEC.
Title Reconstitution AND Jurisdictional Requirements Heirs OF Ragua VS Court OF Appeals
Unregistered Stock Transfers: Creditors' Rights vs. Ownership Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unregistered stock transfers and their effect on creditors' rights to levy shares.
Extrajudicial Partition and Property Rights in Philippine Inheritance Disputes
Understand how the Supreme Court upheld a 1951 extrajudicial partition, clarifying heirs' property rights, prescription, and laches in inheritance disputes.
Unions Cannot Waive Individual Workers' Rights Without Their Consent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether unions can compromise individual workers' claims without their consent, and the limits of collective bargaining authority.
Missed the Deadline, Missed Justice: Why Timely Tax Ordinance Appeals Matter
A 1999 Supreme Court ruling shows why taxpayers must appeal local tax ordinances within 30 days or lose their chance to challenge them.
Neglect of Duty by a Process Server: Upholding Timely Justice in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court holds process servers accountable for unjustified delays in serving summons, reaffirming that their duty is ministerial and vital to due process.
Understanding Real Party in Interest in Philippine Contract Law: Agents' Rights and Limitations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when agents may sue on contracts made for principals, and the limits of their rights under Civil Code.
Implied Trusts and Foreign Ownership: The Yap Heirs Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when implied trusts over Philippine land fail, and why constitutional restrictions on foreign ownership bar recovery.
Proving Familial Ties in Rape Cases and Their Impact on Penalties in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts prove father-daughter relationships in rape cases and why this qualifies for the death penalty under Article 335.
Dying Declarations in Philippine Courts: When a Victim's Last Words Speak Justice
Explore how dying declarations are treated as evidence in Philippine courts, their legal basis, and requirements for admissibility.
Simulated Co-Ownership and Legal Redemption: Understanding Implied Trusts in Philippine Property Law
When a deed of sale is simulated, no co-ownership arises, and the right of legal redemption does not apply. The Supreme Court explains implied trusts and their effect on property titles.
Co-Ownership Rights: Protecting Inherited Property From Unauthorized Mortgages
A co-owner cannot mortgage inherited property beyond his own share. Learn the rules protecting co-heirs from unauthorized encumbrances.
Ipso Facto Resignation: When Philippine Politicians Lose Their Seats by Running for Another Office
The Supreme Court explains why elective officials are deemed resigned upon filing a certificate of candidacy for a different position.
Protecting Your Land Rights HOW Heirs Claims CAN BE Defeated IN Philippine Property Disputes
Dual Citizenship and Election Eligibility in the Philippines: How Declaring Filipino Citizenship in Your Candi
The Supreme Court clarifies that dual citizens can run for local office by electing Philippine citizenship in their certificate of candidacy.
The Weight of Circumstantial Evidence and Dying Declarations in Philippine Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on circumstantial evidence, dying declarations, and their weight in murder convictions.
Union Dues and Employee Rights: Ensuring Legal Check-Offs in the Philippines
Philippine law on union dues check-off explained: what employees must know about authorized deductions, consent, and their rights under labor rules.
When a Confirmed Flight Doesn't Extend Ticket Validity: Cervantes v. PAL
Learn from Cervantes v. PAL: confirming a flight does not extend a ticket's validity, and agents cannot bind the airline beyond their authority.
Heirship First, Claim Later: Proving You're an Heir Before Filing Property Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why heirs must first be declared in special proceedings before filing property reconveyance cases.
Protecting Your Inheritance: Co-Ownership and the Right of Legal Redemption in Philippine Property Law
Learn how Philippine law protects heirs from fraudulent property dispositions and when actions for reconveyance may still be filed.
Surname of Illegitimate Children: Mothers Right Prevails Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules illegitimate children must use their mother's surname, even when the father admits paternity.