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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Ending Perpetual Trusts Balancing Testamentary Freedom AND Property Rights IN THE Philippines
Philippine law limits how long trusts can last. This article explains the rule against perpetuities and how courts balance a testator's wishes against property rights.
Reconstitution of Title in the Philippines: Strict Compliance and Proof of Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court explains strict requirements for judicial reconstitution of lost Torrens titles, including notice rules and proof of ownership.
Due Process in Election Appeals: The 30-Day Rule for COMELEC Petitions
The Supreme Court clarifies the 30-day filing period for appeals from COMELEC rulings, emphasizing strict compliance in election cases.
Notarial Misconduct: Lawyers Bound by Commissioned Territory and Responsibilities
A lawyer's notarial commission is territorial and personal. Learn the limits from a Supreme Court ruling on a notary's misconduct.
Lawyers Must Substantiate Claims Against Judges: Notarial Ethics and Administrative Liability
A lawyer's baseless accusations against a judge and notarial violations led to suspension and disqualification from notarial commission.
Judicial Overreach When Injunctions Exceed Legal Boundaries
The Supreme Court rules that courts cannot dismiss just compensation cases based on DARAB rules that conflict with RA 6657.
Just Compensation AND Agrarian Reform Ensuring Landowners Rights IN Valuation Disputes
THE Perils OF Presence Establishing Conspiracy IN Robbery With Homicide Under Philippine LAW
Overseas Dreams vs Deceptive Schemes: Illegal Recruitment and Estafa Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms convictions for illegal recruitment and estafa against a fake recruiter who promised overseas employment in Australia.
Valuation Mandates Upholding Lbps Land Valuation Based ON Prescribed Formula
When Counsel's Gross Negligence Can Win a Client a New Trial
The Supreme Court explains when a lawyer's gross negligence deprives a client of due process and justifies a new trial.
Revocation of Authority and Amendment of Information in Election Cases
Supreme Court clarifies when prosecutors may amend informations and when arraignment may be suspended pending COMELEC appeal.
Derivative Suits and Venue: Lessons from Hi-Yield Realty v. Court of Appeals
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on derivative suit venue, Rule 65 vs. Rule 45, and why certiorari cannot substitute for a lost appeal.
Shareholder Derivative Suits: Venue and Procedure Under Philippine Rules
Learn how Philippine courts determine venue for shareholder derivative suits and why procedural choices like certiorari vs. appeal matter.
Union Shop Steward Is a Union Position: Lessons from Miranda v. Asian Terminals
The Supreme Court clarifies that a shop steward holds a union position, not a company post, and explains the limits of employer liability in intra-union disputes.
Ejectment or Agrarian Dispute? How Philippine Courts Decide Who Has Jurisdiction
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a land dispute was treated as an ejectment case, not an agrarian matter, and how jurisdiction is determined.
Compromise Agreements and Party Autonomy in Philippine Dispute Resolution
The Supreme Court approves a compromise agreement, affirming that parties may settle disputes through mutual concessions under Article 1306 of the Civil Code.
Co-Ownership and Redemption Rights: Key Lessons from Calma v. Santos
Learn how the Supreme Court resolved co-ownership disputes over a fishpond, covering notarized deeds, double sales, and legal redemption.
Perfecting Land Titles: Proving Possession Since June 12, 1945 Is Crucial
The Supreme Court clarifies that land registration applicants must prove possession since June 12, 1945, not just 30 years.
Balancing Rights When Confidential Informants AND Chain OF Custody Meet IN Drug Cases
Compromise Agreements in Philippine Courts: When Parties Settle, the Court Approves
Explaining the Supreme Court's approval of a compromise agreement in Spouses Tankiang v. Alaraz, and what it means for settling litigation in the Philippines.
Compromise Agreements in Philippine Tax Cases: The Supreme Court's Approval in California Manufacturing
When can a taxpayer compromise local tax liabilities? The Supreme Court's ruling in California Manufacturing explains the binding effect of judicial compromises.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When a Corporation Cannot Escape Its Loan Obligations
The Supreme Court explains when courts may disregard corporate fiction to hold a corporation liable for loans received by its affiliates and alter egos.
Leasehold Improvements: Understanding Reimbursement Rights and Obligations in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts handle leasehold improvement reimbursement rights, obligations, and settlement through compromise agreements.