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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Forum Shopping Rule: Defective Certification Dooms Appeal Before HLURB
A defective certification against forum shopping can prevent an appeal from being perfected, making the original decision final and executory.
Conviction for Rape Based on Credible Victim Testimony Alone
The Supreme Court affirms that a rape conviction may rest solely on the victim's credible testimony, even without medical findings or corroborating witnesses.
Mortgage Foreclosure Rights Prevail When Preliminary Injunction Lacks Legal Basis
Supreme Court nullifies preliminary injunction blocking bank foreclosure, ruling debtors' failure to show clear right constitutes grave abuse of discretion.
Prescription and Marital Consent: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on how prescription and laches can bar claims over conjugal property sold without the wife's consent.
When Is a Consignee Liable for Freight? The MOF v. Shin Yang Rule
A consignee named in a bill of lading is not automatically liable for freight charges. The Supreme Court explains when liability attaches.
Entrapment VS Instigation Upholding Convictions IN Drug Cases Through Valid BUY Bust Operations
Upholding Judicial Independence: The Limits of CSC Authority Over Court Personnel
Supreme Court affirms only it can discipline court personnel, even in civil service exam anomalies.
MMDA Has No Power to Dismantle Billboards on MRT3 Private Property
Supreme Court ruling that MMDA cannot dismantle billboards on MRT3 structures, clarifying the agency's limited administrative powers under RA 7924.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: PEZA Cancellation of Ecozone Registration Upheld
Supreme Court rules on due process and substantial evidence in administrative proceedings involving PEZA cancellation of ecozone enterprise registration.
Advertising Rights vs Public Authority: MMDA's Power Over MRT3 Advertisements
Supreme Court ruling on whether MMDA could dismantle billboards on MRT3, a private property under a build-lease-transfer agreement.
Due Process in PEZA Registration Cancellation: What Fair Administrative Action Requires
The Supreme Court clarifies what due process means in PEZA registration cancellation cases, explaining the notice-and-hearing requirement for ecozone enterprises.
Writ of Possession in Extrajudicial Foreclosure: No Certification Against Forum Shopping Required
Learn why the Supreme Court ruled that an ex parte petition for a writ of possession is not an initiatory pleading, so no certification against forum shopping is needed.
DUE Process AND Forcible Entry Prior Possession Prevails IN Land Disputes
Good Faith and Land Titles: Resolving Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court balances Torrens titles against good faith in ownership disputes, and why buyers must investigate suspicious circumstances.
Annulment of Judgment: Extrinsic Fraud and Due Diligence in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when annulment of judgment is available, emphasizing due diligence and the limits of extrinsic fraud claims.
When Deceit and Misappropriation Tarnish Legal Practice: A Case on Attorney Disbarment
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplines lawyers who deceive clients and mishandle funds, and what this means for ethical practice.
Retroactivity of Laws and Vested Rights in Bank Liquidation: PDIC v. Stockholders of Intercity Bank
When can a new law apply to an ongoing bank liquidation? The Supreme Court explains the rule on retroactivity and vested rights.
Good Faith vs Torrens Title Resolving Land Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a Torrens title or a deed of sale prevails in land possession disputes.
VAT Refund on Capital Goods: Strict Rules on Depreciable Assets
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict requirements for VAT refund claims on capital goods, emphasizing proper accounting treatment as depreciable assets.
Torrens Title vs Deed of Sale: Who Wins a Possession Dispute in the Philippines?
In a Philippine ejectment case, a Torrens title beats an unregistered deed of sale. Learn the rule from Spouses Barias v. Heirs of Boneo.
Adverse Possession Claim OF Title AND THE Acquisition OF Land Ownership
Taxpayers Have Standing to Question Government Contracts: Mamba v. Lara
The Supreme Court affirms that taxpayers can challenge government contracts involving public funds, even without being party to them.
Adverse Possession Claiming Ownership Through Continuous USE
Gambling Debts and Casino Chips: When a Junket Player Cannot Collect
A Korean high roller loses bid to redeem US$2.1 million in casino chips from PAGCOR. Learn the legal rules on gambling debts.