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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Reconstitution of Land Titles: Strict Compliance and Jurisdictional Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reconstitution of land titles, emphasizing strict compliance with jurisdictional requirements under RA 26.
Residency Requirements for Elective Office: Domicile and the Electorate's Will
The Supreme Court clarifies residency rules for elective office, emphasizing actual residence and the electorate's will in disqualification cases.
Judges' Marriage Solemnization: Territorial Limits and License Requirements
A judge who solemnizes a marriage outside his court's jurisdiction or without a marriage license faces administrative liability, as this case shows.
Tenant Redemption Rights, Land Bank Financing, and Notice Rules in Agrarian Reform
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tenant right of redemption, Land Bank financing requirements, and written notice under agrarian reform law.
Forum Shopping and Certification Requirements: Ensuring Veracity in Pleadings
The Supreme Court clarifies that only parties, not retained counsel, may sign the certification against forum shopping, and explains litis pendentia rules.
Unlawful Detainer vs. Forcible Entry: Supreme Court Clarifies Jurisdiction in Barba v. Court of Appeals
Supreme Court clarifies unlawful detainer jurisdiction, prior possession requirements, and ownership issues in ejectment cases under Philippine law.
Intrafamilial Rape: Proving Guilt and the Nuances of Consent and Evidence
A father's rape conviction upheld on appeal, clarifying evidence rules, consent issues, and penalty requirements in incestuous rape cases.
Prior Physical Possession and Ejectment: Defining Jurisdictional Requirements in Forcible Entry Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why prior physical possession must be alleged in forcible entry complaints for courts to acquire jurisdiction.
Due Process in Capital Offenses: Ensuring Informed Guilty Pleas in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the mandatory requirements for accepting guilty pleas in capital cases, emphasizing due process and the accused's right to informed judgment.
Self-Defense vs. Unlawful Aggression: Distinguishing Homicide from Murder in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies self-defense requirements and treachery elements, reducing murder conviction to homicide in People v. Cariño.
Search Warrant Validity and Plain View Doctrine in Drug Possession Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on search warrant requirements, plain view doctrine, and inadmissible evidence in drug possession cases.
Forcible Entry in the Philippines: Proving Prior Possession and Unlawful Deprivation
Understand the requirements for forcible entry cases in the Philippines, including prior possession and unlawful deprivation, based on the Ong v. Parel ruling.
Substantial Compliance Prevails: Due Process Over Procedural Lapses in Certiorari Petitions
SC rules substantial compliance with Rule 65 requirements can outweigh technical defects, protecting due process in certiorari cases.
Buyer Beware: Understanding Delivery Delays and Liabilities in Philippine Sales Contracts
Learn how Philippine courts treat conditional sales, court approval requirements, and seller liability when property sales face delays.
Upholding Torrens Titles Ownership Rights Prevail Over Claims Of Prior Possession
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Torrens titles, reconstitution requirements, and laches in land ownership disputes.
Lost Property Due to Foreclosure: Understanding Notice Requirements in the Philippines
A judge who ignored a TRO and demolished a home was disciplined. Learn the notice rules that protect property rights in Philippine foreclosure and ejectment cases.
Insanity Plea in Philippine Law: Proving Mental Capacity at the Time of the Offense
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the insanity defense under Article 12(1) RPC, the burden of proof, and timing requirements for psychiatric examination.
When Self Defense Fails Understanding Unlawful Aggression AND Proportionality IN Philippine LAW
Explore when self-defense fails in Philippine law through People v. Dayuha, examining unlawful aggression and proportionality requirements.
Presidential Authority Over SBMA Awards and Limits of Injunctions in Government Contracts
Supreme Court ruling on presidential control over SBMA bids, injunction limits under RA 7227, and foreign bidder licensing requirements.
Extrajudicial Rescission of Lease Agreements: A Guide for Philippine Landlords and Tenants
Learn how extrajudicial rescission of lease contracts works in the Philippines, including legal grounds, notice requirements, and practical tips for landlords and tenants.
Lost Land Title? Strict Posting Rules Are Key to Reconstitution in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules strict compliance with RA 26 posting requirements is jurisdictional in land title reconstitution cases.
Dying Declarations: When Can a Victim's Last Words Be Used in Court?
Learn the legal rules on dying declarations in Philippine courts, including admissibility requirements and how courts weigh a victim's final words.
Lis Pendens and Judicial Authority: When Can a Court Cancel a Notice of Pending Litigation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies which court has authority to cancel a notice of lis pendens and the procedural requirements that must be followed.
Reconstitution of Land Titles: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial reconstitution of lost titles, emphasizing due process and jurisdictional requirements to protect property rights.