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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Due Process and Discretion: When Courts Can Limit Evidence Presentation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that courts may limit rebuttal evidence presentation without violating due process when a party unduly delays proceedings.
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.
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.
Conspiracy and Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Shared Liability
When do accomplices become equally liable for murder? The Supreme Court explains conspiracy and treachery in People v. Relos.
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.
HLURB Jurisdiction Over Condominium Disputes: Peralta v. De Leon Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed HLURB's exclusive jurisdiction over condominium buyer-developer disputes in Peralta v. De Leon.
Attorney Disbarment for Non-Payment of Debts: Ethical Standards in the Philippine Legal Profession
Philippine Supreme Court affirms gross misconduct finding against lawyer for unpaid debts, clarifying limits on double disbarment.
Presidential Appointment Prerequisite Defining the Scope of the Career Executive Service
The Supreme Court clarifies that only presidential appointees belong to the Career Executive Service, exempting PCSO Assistant Department Managers from CSE eligibility.
Lawyer Disbarred for Filing Frivolous Cases Against Former Client in Revenge
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who filed 12 cases against former client and family to exact revenge for suspension. Learn the ethical rules.
Habitual Absenteeism in the Judiciary: When Repeated Absences Justify Dismissal
The Supreme Court dismissed a sheriff for habitual absenteeism, reaffirming that public office demands strict adherence to duty and attendance.
Disbarment for Abuse of Legal Processes: Protecting Clients and the Justice System
A lawyer's failure to pay just debts is gross misconduct. The Supreme Court affirms disbarment for habitual non-payment and deceit.
Homeowners Associations vs Non-Members: HLURB Jurisdiction and CMP Benefits
When can a homeowners association evict non-members from CMP land? The Supreme Court clarifies HLURB jurisdiction in Eugenio v. Sta. Monica Riverside Homeowners Association.
Buy-Bust Operations: Legality of Drug Sales and Possession in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on buy-bust operations, illegal drug sales, and possession under Philippine law.
Preliminary Injunction and Possession Rights: Maunlad Homes v. Union Bank
When can a property owner be barred from collecting rentals? The Supreme Court explains the limits of ownership rights versus possession in Maunlad Homes v. Union Bank.
Conditional Settlement Agreements: Are They Binding in Philippine Labor Disputes?
The Supreme Court ruled on whether a "conditional" settlement of a labor judgment award is valid and binding, and its effect on pending appeals.
Preliminary Injunctions in the Philippines: Preserving Status Quo in Property Disputes
Learn when Philippine courts issue preliminary injunctions to preserve status quo, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Maunlad Homes v. Union Bank.
Substitution of Counsel and Your Right to Appeal: A Philippine Guide
Learn how the Supreme Court handles appeals filed by lawyers who failed to properly substitute the counsel on record.