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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Compromise Agreements: When Can a Court Modify a Final Judgment
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a judgment by compromise can be modified, and why finality usually prevails.
Custodia Legis and Garnishment: The BSP v. Judge Lanzanas Ruling
Funds in custodia legis cannot be garnished without court approval. The Supreme Court's ruling in BSP v. Judge Lanzanas explains why.
Option Contract vs. Right of First Refusal: Key Differences Under Philippine Law
Learn the difference between an option contract and a right of first refusal in Philippine real estate, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Tuazon v. Del Rosario-Suarez.
Clerks Of Court Upholding Integrity AND Accountability IN Philippine Judiciary Funds
The Supreme Court affirms that clerks of court are guardians of judiciary funds, holding them accountable for financial integrity and public trust.
Party-List Nominee Qualifications and HRET Jurisdiction After Proclamation
Explains the Supreme Court ruling on party-list nominee qualifications, COMELEC jurisdiction, and HRET's sole authority after proclamation.
Equal Protection and Executive Power: The Philippine Truth Commission Case
The Supreme Court struck down Executive Order No. 1 creating the 2010 Truth Commission for violating equal protection. Learn why.
Sequestration Orders and Property Rights: The PCGG Two-Commissioner Rule
When is a sequestration order void? The Supreme Court explains the PCGG's non-delegable power to sequester alleged ill-gotten wealth.
Contractual Obligations Prevail: Upholding the Christmas Bonus in Collective Bargaining Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that employers cannot bypass a valid CBA by negotiating with a splinter union.
When Can Courts Intervene in Utility Disputes: The Manzanal v. Ilusorio Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a demand letter becomes an actionable wrong and when courts may intervene in club disputes.
Overcoming Inheritance Disputes: Proving Ownership in Philippine Land Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on burden of proof in inheritance disputes over titled land, and the indefeasibility of Torrens titles.
Writ of Execution in the Philippines: A Sheriff's Duty and Liability for Neglect
Explaining a sheriff's ministerial duty in executing writs, and the administrative liability for neglect, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
When a Demand Letter Does Not Create a Cause of Action: Lessons from Ilusorio
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a creditor's demand letter constitutes harassment or simply an exercise of contractual rights.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Understanding the Law and Protecting Children
The Supreme Court clarifies statutory rape rules under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code, including penalties and damages for child victims.
When Can a Judge Reconsider Self-Inhibition? The Bombo Radyo Case
A judge who voluntarily inhibits may later reconsider and re-assume jurisdiction, absent arbitrariness or whimsicality, as the Supreme Court explained.
The Perils of a Forgotten Address: Finality of Judgments and Due Notice in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court nullified an unlawful detainer judgment because substituted service of summons was defective, reminding litigants that proper notice is vital.
Psychological Incapacity Under Article 36: When Marital Refusal Is Not Enough
The Supreme Court clarifies that psychological incapacity under Article 36 requires grave, incurable root causes—not mere refusal or difficulty in marriage.
Workplace Decorum in the Judiciary: Upholding Professional Conduct and Respect
The Supreme Court disciplines a court employee for abusive language and clarifies the limits of a judge's disciplinary authority.
Perfected Contract of Sale: Consent and Price Agreement in Elevator Maintenance
When is a contract of sale perfected? The Supreme Court explains consent and price requirements in Hyatt Elevators v. Cathedral Heights.
Mandamus and Mootness: When a Judge's Action Renders a Petition Unnecessary
The Supreme Court explains when a mandamus petition becomes moot because the judge already acted, using a mining damage case as example.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Proving Ownership Through Deeds and Documents
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a lost land title may be reconstituted from a deed of transfer, and what evidence suffices.
HRET Jurisdiction Over Party List Nominees Ensuring Constitutional Qualifications for House Membership
Supreme Court ruling on COMELEC jurisdiction over party-list nominee qualifications and the continuing residency requirement for elective office.
Unrestricted Retained Earnings and the Appraisal Right of Dissenting Stockholders
When can a dissenting stockholder sue to collect the fair value of shares? The Supreme Court clarifies the timing rule.
Unjust Enrichment in Loan Assumptions: When Can You Recover Your Payments
A bank kept a ₱750,000 payment after rejecting a loan assumption. The Supreme Court ordered its return under unjust enrichment.
Breach of Trust: Understanding Qualified Theft in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court defines qualified theft, including the role of grave abuse of confidence, through a real case example.