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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Clarifying Notice Requirements in Extrajudicial Foreclosure: Minor Errors Don't Void the Sale
When do errors in a foreclosure notice invalidate the sale? The Supreme Court clarifies that immaterial mistakes won't void an extrajudicial foreclosure.
Breach of Contract and Trust: Obligations in Film Licensing Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a licensee may reject films and whether licensors owe fees to third-party owners in licensing deals.
Venue Stipulations and Contract Validity: When a Forgery Claim Overrides an Exclusive Venue Clause
The Supreme Court rules that a complaint assailing a contract's validity—like forgery—is not bound by its exclusive venue stipulation.
Right of Way: Balancing Dominant Estate Needs and Servient Estate Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to determine the extent and indemnity for a legal easement of right of way under the Civil Code.
Refund of Excess Withholding Taxes: Proving Entitlement Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on refund of excess creditable withholding taxes, the two-year prescriptive period, and evidence required.
Defamation and Privileged Communication: Protecting Reputation in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies libel, privileged communication, and damages in Almendras v. Almendras, balancing free speech with reputation protection.
Proving Forgery in Land Registration: Burden Falls on the Party Alleging It
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who bears the burden of proving forgery in land registration cases and why expert testimony alone is not conclusive.
Default Demand and Interest: Understanding Promissory Note Obligations in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a debtor is in default, how interest is computed, and what makes stipulated rates unconscionable.
Unconscionable Compromises Protecting Employees From Unfair Labor Settlements
Learn how Philippine courts protect employees from unfair labor settlements, illegal strike dismissals, and double compensation risks in this ruling.
Mining Rights vs Land Ownership: Reconstitution Rights Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that mining patent holders cannot seek reconstitution of land titles they do not own.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Integrity of Evidence Prevails
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on chain of custody in drug possession cases, explaining why substantial compliance with Section 21 suffices.
Reassessing Psychological Incapacity Expert Testimony in Philippine Marital Nullity Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how expert testimony on psychological incapacity should be weighed in Philippine marriage nullity cases.
Standardized Salaries vs Additional Compensation: Navigating Government Employee Benefits
The Supreme Court clarifies when government employees may receive allowances beyond standardized salaries under RA 6758, the Salary Standardization Law.
Clarifying Deposit Substitutes: The 20-Lender Rule and Tax Implications in Bond Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies when treasury bonds qualify as deposit substitutes subject to 20% final withholding tax, and the limits of BIR ruling retroactivity.
Cashier Liability for Robbery Losses: Negligence Bars Relief from Accountability
A cashier who negligently keeps government funds outside a vault remains liable for robbery losses, the Supreme Court ruled.
Intent to Kill: Distinguishing Attempted Murder From Physical Injuries in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how intent to kill separates attempted murder from physical injuries, and what evidence proves it.
Vested Mining Rights Prevail Protecting Claims Under THE Philippine Bill OF 1902
The Supreme Court rules that mining patents issued under the Philippine Bill of 1902 are vested rights that cannot be impaired by later laws or agreements.
Ejectment vs Ownership: Defining Jurisdiction in Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a property dispute is ejectment or an ownership action, and limits RTC appellate powers.
Ejectment Appeals: No Trial De Novo and the Boundary Dispute Rule
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ejectment appeals, boundary disputes, and why RTCs cannot conduct trial de novo.
Reconstitution of Torrens Titles: Strict Compliance and the Hierarchy of Courts
A petition to reconstitute a lost Torrens title must strictly follow RA 26; wrong remedy and forum doom the case.
Self-Defense Claims in Murder Cases: Proving Unlawful Aggression in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails in murder cases, explaining the burden of proof and the elements required to invoke this justifying circumstance.
Surety Agreements, Demand Requirements, and Interest on Delayed Payments: G.R. No. 280513 Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when a demand for deficiency payment is valid, and why a statement of account must be substantiated.
Psychological Incapacity Under Article 36: When Falling Out of Love Is Not Enough
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between questions of fact and law in Article 36 nullity cases, and what evidence proves psychological incapacity.
Marital Rape Upholding A Wifes Bodily Autonomy AND Rejecting THE Implied Consent Theory
The Supreme Court affirms that marriage does not imply consent to sexual relations, upholding a wife's bodily autonomy and rejecting the implied consent theory.