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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Litis Pendentia: When Foreclosure Bars a Later Collection Suit
A mortgage creditor cannot file foreclosure and collection suits for the same debt. The Supreme Court explains litis pendentia and its limits.
Perfecting Appeals and the Strict Rules on Judicial Reconstitution of Torrens Titles
The Supreme Court reminds courts that petitions for judicial reconstitution of lost Torrens titles demand strict compliance with RA 26.
Double Jeopardy: The Perils of Forum Shopping in Philippine Courts
Filing multiple cases seeking the same relief in different courts is forum shopping. The Supreme Court explains the consequences in Villamor v. Manalastas.
Religious Freedom vs Legal Obligations: When Personal Beliefs Meet Professional Conduct
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lawyers cannot use personal beliefs to evade professional duties and client obligations.
Plaintiff’s Duty to Prosecute: Pre-Trial Setting Not Solely the Court’s Burden
The Supreme Court clarifies that the guidelines on pre-trial do not remove a plaintiff’s duty to move for pre-trial; failure without justifiable cause warrants dismissal.
TAX Amnesty Availment Rights Despite Pending Court Rulings IN Favor OF THE BIR
Real Party in Interest: When Can an Agent Sue on Behalf of a Principal?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an agent may sue in its own name and the limits of an agent's authority to file suit.
Venue in Deficiency Claims: A Personal Action After Foreclosure
The Supreme Court clarifies that an action to recover a mortgage deficiency after extrajudicial foreclosure is a personal action, not a real action.
Judicial Overreach: When Contempt Powers Become Grave Abuse of Authority
A Supreme Court ruling on when a judge's contempt order crosses the line into grave abuse of authority, and the limits of judicial discretion.
Acquittal in Drug Cases: The High Cost of Broken Chain of Custody
Understand why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police failed to prove the chain of custody of seized shabu.
Lawyer Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds in Labor-Adjacent Case
A lawyer's failure to file documents and return client money leads to one-year suspension, highlighting ethical duties under the CPR.
Perfected Contract of Sale When a Preliminary Agreement Becomes Binding
When does a preliminary agreement become a perfected contract of sale? The Supreme Court explains in this Philippine banking liquidation case.
Stringent Compliance is Key: Reconstitution of Torrens Title Requires Strict Adherence to Law
The Supreme Court reiterates that judicial reconstitution of lost Torrens titles demands strict compliance with RA 26, or the petition fails.
SEC Revocation of Securities Registration: When Due Process Is Satisfied
Supreme Court clarifies when SEC revocation of securities registration complies with due process, and what issuers must do.
When a Final Judgment Can Be Recalled: Void Judgments and Judicial Accountability
A judge who recalled a final and executory judgment was cleared of administrative liability because the judgment was void and its execution would have been unjust.
Overcoming Finality When Courts CAN Correct Void Judgments
When can a final judgment be recalled? This case explains the exceptions to the immutability rule.
SEC Revocation of Securities Registration: Due Process in Corporate Filings
Supreme Court clarifies when SEC may revoke a corporation's securities registration for reportorial lapses without a separate hearing.
SEC Revocation of Securities Registration: Due Process in Administrative Regulation
Supreme Court clarifies when SEC may revoke securities registration without a separate hearing, distinguishing regulatory from quasi-judicial powers.
SEC Regulatory Powers: Revocation of Securities Registration and Due Process
Supreme Court clarifies SEC's regulatory power to revoke securities registration and what due process requires in administrative proceedings.
Finality OF Judgments Understanding THE Prohibition Against Second Motions FOR Reconsideration
Mergers and Documentary Stamp Tax: Clarifying Tax Exemptions for Corporate Restructuring
Supreme Court clarifies that real property transfers pursuant to a merger are not subject to documentary stamp tax under the NIRC.
Clerk of Court Penalized for Gross Neglect in Handling Court Funds
Supreme Court rules a clerk of court's failure to remit collections and document cash bonds constitutes gross neglect of duty, not simple neglect.
AGE Verification IN Rape Cases Ensuring Justice Through Evidence
When a Second Spouse Becomes an Accomplice to Bigamy: Santiago v. People
Explaining when a second spouse may be convicted as an accomplice to bigamy, and why a flawed marriage cannot be used to escape liability.