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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When a Torrens Title Is Questioned: VSD Realty v. Uniwide and the Remand for Fact-Finding
The Supreme Court remanded a decades-old land dispute to the Court of Appeals to determine which of two conflicting titles traces back to the genuine OCT No. 994.
Agency and Authority: When a Deed Does Not Mean a Done Deal in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a deed of sale is void without proper agency authority under the Civil Code.
Superior Right Prior Land Decree Prevails Over Tax Declarations in Property Ownership Disputes
In property disputes, a prior decree of registration prevails over tax declarations. The Supreme Court explains why in Heirs of Delfin v. Rabadon.
Conflicting Land Titles in the Philippines: Prior Registration vs. Identity of Property
In VSD Realty v. Uniwide Sales, the Supreme Court remanded a land dispute to settle which of two conflicting titles traced back to the genuine OCT No. 994.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Balancing Land Valuation Factors
The Supreme Court explains how courts balance CNI, CS, and MV factors in determining just compensation for agrarian reform lands.
Upholding Client Loyalty Disciplinary Action FOR Attorneys Representing Conflicting Interests IN THE Philippin
A lawyer cannot represent opposing clients even in unrelated cases. The Supreme Court explains the rule on conflicting interests and its consequences.
Judicial Conduct Upholding Impartiality AND Addressing Delays IN Decision Making
Substantial Compliance in Appointing Commissioners for Just Compensation
The Supreme Court clarifies when appointing a committee instead of individual commissioners in expropriation cases amounts to substantial compliance with Rule 67.
Upholding Integrity Dismissal FOR Dishonesty IN Government Service
Proper Documentation Matters: When Belated Birth Registration Fails in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court nullified a correction of birth date in police service records for lack of indispensable parties and weak evidence. Learn the rules.
Rehabilitation Over Liquidation: Protecting Corporate Viability in Financial Distress
The Supreme Court affirms that corporate rehabilitation, not liquidation, is preferred when a distressed firm can be revived and creditors remain protected.
Voluntary Resignation Defense in Illegal Dismissal Cases: The Burden on Employers
When can an employer rely on a resignation letter? The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases involving claims of voluntary resignation.
When Judges Err: Administrative Liability vs. Judicial Remedies in the Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies when judges face administrative sanctions for errors, misconduct, and delay in deciding cases, and when judicial remedies apply instead.
Indispensable Parties: Why Government Agencies Must Be Included in Correction of Public Record Cases
The Supreme Court nullified a correction of birth date ruling because government agencies were not impleaded as indispensable parties. Learn the rules.
Receivership: A Harsh Remedy That Requires Imminent Danger of Loss
The Supreme Court clarifies that receivership is an extreme remedy, requiring proof of imminent danger of loss, not mere financial need.
Project Employees and Voluntary Resignation: Lessons from D.M. Consunji v. Bello
When does a project employee become regular, and what proves voluntary resignation? The Supreme Court clarifies in D.M. Consunji v. Bello.
Due Process Prevails: Protecting the Rights of Unheard Parties in Property Disputes
A property buyer not impleaded in a prior case cannot be bound by its ruling. The Supreme Court affirms the right to due process in separate actions.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: Protecting Employee Rights in the Philippines
When is a resignation voluntary? The Supreme Court clarifies the employer's burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases involving claims of voluntary resignation.
Shared Responsibility: Apportioning Liability Between Carriers and Arrastre Operators for Cargo Damage
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when carriers and arrastre operators share liability for damaged cargo, and the rules on subrogation and prescription.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Fair Valuation of Rubber Lands
The Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation for rubber lands must be determined under agrarian reform, emphasizing the mandatory DAR valuation formula.
The Three-Day Rule: Strict Compliance for Seafarer Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court affirms strict three-day post-employment medical exam rule for seafarers claiming disability benefits; failure forfeits claims.
Limits of Authority: When a Verbal Agreement Doesn't Guarantee Land Sale
Supreme Court ruling on COSLAP jurisdiction, Torrens title, and why long occupation of government land does not create ownership rights.
When Can Medical Records Be Subpoenaed? Patient Privacy Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when hospital records may be subpoenaed and how physician-patient privilege protects medical privacy in civil cases.
Co-Owner's Unauthorized Sale: When a Verbal Deal Binds Only the Seller's Share
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a co-owner's verbal sale of inherited property is valid and what buyers must prove about an agent's authority.