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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Navigating Conflicting Land Titles in the Philippines: Due Diligence and the Doctrine of Indefeasibility
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land title disputes, due diligence, and why factual findings bind appellate review.
Does Filing a Case Stop the Clock? Prescription in Philippine Land Registration Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that prescription and laches do not bar enforcement of final judgments in land registration cases, explaining why.
Substantial Evidence Needed for Loss of Trust and Confidence Dismissals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that loss of trust and confidence requires substantial evidence, not mere suspicion, to justify employee dismissal.
Land Disputes in the Philippines: Why Clear Property Boundaries Are Crucial
A Supreme Court ruling on a Cabuyao land dispute shows why verifying property boundaries and prior titles is essential before buying land in the Philippines.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies in Philippine Forestry Land Disputes
A 2007 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when courts may intervene in forestry land disputes and why administrative remedies must first be exhausted.
Prescription and Laches in Land Registration Cases: The Sta. Ana Doctrine Affirmed
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that prescription and laches do not bar enforcement of final land registration judgments, protecting property owners' rights.
Enforcing Arbitration: Why Contract Validity Doesn't Always Matter in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains the separability doctrine: an arbitration clause survives even if the main contract is challenged.
Surrender of Leased Property: Padlocking Doesn't Always Mean Continued Possession
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when padlocking a surrendered leased unit does not amount to continued possession, and explains the rules on surrender.
Philippine LAW Owner Liability FOR Contractor Debts Understanding Article 1729
When can a building owner be held liable for a contractor's unpaid debts? The Supreme Court explains Article 1729 of the Civil Code.
Habeas Corpus as a Remedy for Excessive Penalties: Understanding Sentence Reclassification in the Philippines
When can habeas corpus challenge an excessive penalty? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of sentence reclassification under R.A. 8353.
Philippine VAT Zero-Rating for Services: The "Doing Business Outside the Philippines" Requirement
Supreme Court clarifies VAT zero-rating for services requires the recipient to be doing business outside the Philippines, not just payment in foreign currency.
Trademark Territoriality and Bad Faith Registration in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies territoriality principle and bad faith in trademark registration under R.A. 166 in Shangri-La case.
Navigating Sequestration: Why Court Approval Is Mandatory for Disposing of Assets in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why sequestered assets, including dividends, cannot be sold without Sandiganbayan approval.
Dishonesty in Public Office: Understanding Administrative Liability in the Philippines
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Apolinario v. Flores on administrative liability for dishonesty, double jeopardy, and substantial evidence.
Online Psychological Abuse and Higher Penalties Under RA 9262 and the Cybercrime Law
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for online psychological abuse under RA 9262 and raises the penalty because the offense was committed through Facebook.
Breach of Trust: When Can a Manager Be Dismissed in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when employers may validly dismiss managerial employees for loss of trust and confidence.
Scope of a Doctor's Duty: No Administrative Liability for Patient's Departure Against Medical Advice
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that doctors are not administratively liable when a patient leaves against medical advice, defining the scope of medical duty.
Judge Dismissed for Extramarital Affair: High Court Reinforces Judicial Morality Standards
Supreme Court dismisses judge for gross immorality over extramarital affair and child, suspends him from law practice for three years.
Bouncing Checks and Unconscionable Interest: BP 22 Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when unconscionable loan interest affects criminal liability for bouncing checks under BP 22.
Lost Titles and Land Disputes: When a Lost Title Isn't Really Lost
The Supreme Court clarifies that a petition to replace a "lost" title requires proof of actual loss—a jurisdictional fact that cannot be assumed.
Construction Contract Disputes: Why Written Agreements and Arbitration Decisions Matter
A Supreme Court ruling on construction disputes shows why written agreements and final arbitration decisions matter in Philippine law.
Upholding Timely Justice: The Consequences of Neglect for Court Stenographers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court holds court stenographers accountable for delayed transcripts, reinforcing the duty to ensure speedy justice for all.
When Must Private Entities Account for Government Funds? Campomanes v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies when private individuals receiving government funds must render accounts to the COA, and when they cannot be held liable under Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code.
When Government Officials Are Personally Liable for Audit Disallowances
The Supreme Court explains when public officials may be held personally liable for disallowed government expenditures, and when good faith approval is enough.