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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Ejectment Actions and the Primacy of Registered Titles in Philippine Property Law
Philippine courts uphold registered titles over unregistered claims in ejectment cases. Learn the rules and practical implications.
Justice Delayed Judge Fined FOR Undue Delay IN Case Resolution
The Supreme Court fined a retired MTC judge P10,000 for undue delay in resolving cases, reaffirming that justice delayed is justice denied.
Ejectment Actions: Registered Title Prevails Over Unregistered Claims
In ejectment cases, a registered owner's title prevails over unregistered claims. The Supreme Court explains in Spouses Beltran v. Nieves.
Novation in Philippine Law: Understanding the Requirements for Extinguishing Obligations
Learn how novation extinguishes obligations under Philippine law, its requirements, and how the Supreme Court applies these rules in corporate rehabilitation cases.
Corporate Officers vs Employees: Who Hears Dismissal Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate officer's removal is an intra-corporate dispute, not an illegal dismissal case for labor tribunals.
Buy-Bust Operations and the Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Protecting Rights While Combating Crime
The Supreme Court explains the objective test for buy-bust operations and why chain-of-custody objections must be raised at trial.
Unjust Enrichment in Construction Disputes: Establishing Legal Grounds for Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unjust enrichment claims in construction disputes, explaining legal grounds, burden of proof, and practical guidance.
Trademark Ownership: Prior Use Trumps Earlier Filing in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in trademark disputes, actual prior use in commerce prevails over an earlier filing date under RA 8293.
VAT Refund Denials Strict Compliance With Invoicing Rules Upheld
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on VAT refund claims, emphasizing strict compliance with invoicing and substantiation requirements.
Consolidation of Cases Ensuring Judicial Economy and Preventing Conflicting Decisions
Learn how the Supreme Court applies the doctrine of primary administrative jurisdiction in corporate rehabilitation cases through Nestle Philippines v. Uniwide Sales.
Chain of Custody: Why Drug Sale Convictions Fail Without It
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, underscoring strict compliance with R.A. 9165 procedures.
Upholding Foreclosure Validity: Notice Requirements and Mortgagor Obligations
Supreme Court clarifies posting and publication rules in extrajudicial foreclosure, and when mortgagors are estopped from challenging a sale.
Corporate Officers and Labor Jurisdiction: Lessons from Locsin v. Nissan Lease
The Supreme Court clarifies that corporate officers cannot claim illegal dismissal before labor tribunals; their removal is an intra-corporate dispute.
Zonal Valuation vs. Actual Use: What Governs CGT and DST on Property Sales
The Supreme Court rules that existing zonal valuations, not actual property use, govern capital gains tax and documentary stamp tax computations.
Upholding Judicial Integrity Balancing Free Speech AND Respect FOR THE Courts IN THE Philippines
Court Stenographer Dismissed for Habitual Absences, Tardiness, and Dishonesty
Supreme Court dismisses court stenographer for habitual tardiness, absenteeism, and submitting a falsified medical certificate to cover unauthorized absences.
Toll Regulatory Powers Defining Limits In Public Private Infrastructure
Supreme Court defines TRB's franchise powers, toll regulation, and public bidding requirements in Luzon expressway cases.
Residency for Public Office: Intent, Incremental Moves, and Misrepresentation Claims
The Supreme Court explains how candidates prove residency for public office and when a certificate of candidacy may be challenged.
When a Corporate President Can Sign Verifications Without Board Authority
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate president may sign verification and non-forum shopping certifications without board authorization.
Surety Bonds Solidary Liability Despite Contract Rescission
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on surety bonds: rescission of the principal contract does not automatically release the surety from liability.
Possession vs Ownership: When Land Status Determines Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how land classification as public domain affects possessory rights and estoppel claims.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: Company Doctor's Assessment Prevails Without Substantial Evidence
Supreme Court rules seafarer's brief psychotic disorder not work-related; company-designated physician's assessment prevails absent substantial evidence of work causation.
Plagiarism and Judicial Ethics: Del Castillo Case Sets Standard for Intent
Supreme Court clarifies that plagiarism requires intent to deceive, distinguishing inadvertent attribution errors from judicial misconduct.
Continuing Suretyship Scope and Enforceability in Loan Renewals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a continuing suretyship covers loan renewals and future availments under the same credit agreement.