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.
Blood AS A Public Resource Upholding THE National Blood Services ACT AND ITS Phase OUT OF Commercial Blood Banks
Truth and Oath in Attorney Discipline: When Perjury Allegations Against Lawyers Fail
Explaining Asturias v. Serrano, where the Supreme Court dismissed disbarment complaints for lack of clear evidence of willful falsehood.
Waiver and the Family Home Claiming Exemption From Execution in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a family home exemption from execution is lost through waiver or delay in claiming it.
Moral Conduct Standards FOR Court Employees Maintaining Judicial Integrity
Real Estate Installment Cancellation Rules Under the Maceda Law: Key Lessons from Fabrigas v. San Francisco De
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies Maceda Law cancellation rules, novation, and ratification in installment contract disputes.
Presidential Proclamations and Land Ownership: Military Reservations in the Philippines
Can a presidential proclamation override private land claims? The Supreme Court clarifies how military reservations affect ownership rights.
Contract to Sell Cancellation: Maceda Law Rules and Novation Explained
Learn the Maceda Law rules on cancelling a contract to sell, when a new contract can replace the old one, and key takeaways from Fabrigas v. San Francisco Del Monte.
Establishing Cause OF Action IN Investment Disputes KEY Takeaways From Francia V Power Merge Corp
Supervening Events Resolving Property Disputes Between Ownership AND Possession
When a final quieting of title ruling overturns an earlier ejectment judgment, the latter becomes unenforceable.
Land Dispute Priority Rights of Actual Occupants vs Formal Applicants
Supreme Court ruling on whether actual occupants or formal applicants have priority rights in public land disposition cases under Philippine law.
Annulment of Judgment: Abuse of Discretion vs. Lack of Jurisdiction in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that grave abuse of discretion is not a ground for annulment of judgment, which requires extrinsic fraud or lack of jurisdiction.
Easement Rights Prevail: Right of Way Protection Despite Title Deficiencies in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on easement of right-of-way, actual knowledge, and protection despite unregistered title annotations.
POEA Contract or Labor Code: Which Governs Seafarer Rights in Domestic Waters?
Supreme Court clarifies when a POEA-approved seafarer contract ends and the Labor Code takes over for domestic voyages.
Prescription Prevails: Acquiring Ownership Despite Shared Inheritance
When a co-heir openly claims inherited land as their own for decades, prescription can defeat the right to partition.
Lawyer Fined for Unauthorized Representation in Barangay Conciliation: Magno v. Jacoba
A lawyer who appeared for a party in barangay conciliation proceedings was fined P5,000 for violating the Local Government Code.
Trust Receipts vs Mortgage: Who Owns the Goods in Philippine Law?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on trust receipts versus chattel mortgages, ownership disputes, and the rights of entrustors over mortgaged goods.
Prescription of Claims in Maritime Employment: Time Limits and Legal Recourse
When POEA contracts expire, seafarers may fall under Labor Code rules. Learn how Delos Santos v. Jebsen Maritime clarifies rights.
Defiance and Dismissal: Upholding Employers' Right to Terminate for Insubordination and Loss of Trust
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of sales supervisor for willful disobedience and loss of trust, clarifying employer rights under Article 282.
Land Dispute Prior Rights Fraud Allegations IN Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land disputes, prior rights, and fraud allegations in property sales explained for everyday readers.
Tenancy Rights vs Land Ownership: Proving Agricultural Leasehold Agreements
When does a tiller become a tenant? The Supreme Court clarifies the requisites of agricultural leasehold and its effect on ejectment cases.
Agrarian Reform and Jurisdictional Boundaries: Clarifying DARAB's Role in CLOA Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction in CLOA disputes, distinguishing agrarian disputes from administrative implementation of agrarian reform laws.
Oral Loan Agreements in the Philippines: When a Verbal Promise Is Legally Binding
Oral loan agreements can be enforceable in the Philippines. Learn the rules, evidence needed, and key Supreme Court ruling on verbal contracts.
Rape and Intimidation: How Threats Establish Guilt and Determine Penalty
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how threats of posting nude photos constitute intimidation and warrant reclusion perpetua.
When Judges Are Sued for Issuing TROs: The Limits of Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when judicial errors in issuing TROs are administrative offenses or mere judicial discretion.