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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Lingnam Restaurant Case: Labor-Only Contracting Makes Principal the Employer
Supreme Court clarifies when a manpower agency is a labor-only contractor, making the client the true employer liable for illegal dismissal.
Upholding Client Loyalty: Attorney Sanctioned for Representing Conflicting Interests in the Philippines
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for one year for representing conflicting interests, reaffirming the strict duty of loyalty lawyers owe their clients.
Land Registration: Proving Alienable and Disposable Land in the Philippines
Learn the strict rule on proving alienable and disposable land for registration under the Property Registration Decree, explained in plain language.
Proving Land Is Alienable and Disposable: The Strict Rule After Republic v. Bautista
The Supreme Court clarifies that CENRO certifications alone cannot prove land is alienable and disposable for original registration under the Property Registration Decree.
Proving Land Is Alienable and Disposable: Highpoint v. Republic
Land registration applicants must present both a CENRO certification and a certified true copy of the DENR Secretary's land classification.
The Indispensable Role of DENR Certification in Land Registration: Highpoint Development Corp. vs. Republic
A CENRO certification alone cannot prove land is alienable and disposable. Learn the strict requirements for original registration of title in the Philippines.
Lawyer Suspended for Keeping Fees Without Rendering Service: Flora v. Luna
A lawyer who kept fees without rendering service and shouted at a client was suspended for three months and ordered to return P43,500.
Land Registration: Overcoming the State's Presumptive Ownership of Public Lands
The Supreme Court clarifies that buyers and heirs of land must prove it is alienable and disposable—not just show a deed or inheritance—to register title.
Regalian Doctrine and Land Registration: Proving Alienable and Disposable Land
Learn how the Regalian doctrine affects land registration in the Philippines, and why applicants must prove land is alienable and disposable.
Land Registration Revisited: Why Proof of Alienability Remains Paramount
The Supreme Court denies a second land registration bid, reiterating that a CENRO certification alone cannot prove a property is alienable and disposable.
Binding Counsel When Attorney Negligence Impacts Client Rights IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a client is bound by counsel's negligence and why certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal.
Upholding Client Loyalty: Ethical Boundaries in Attorney Representation Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years for representing conflicting interests, committing forum shopping, and neglecting clients.
Land Title Registration Proving Ownership AND Alienability FOR Public Land Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land title registration, ownership proof, and alienability requirements for public land claims.
Investment House Liability When Financial Intermediaries Fail
When a Philippine investment house places client funds with a borrower that fails, who bears the loss? The Supreme Court clarifies liability in Abacus v. Tabujara.
Foreign Land Ownership Constitutionality Prevails Over Execution Sales
Supreme Court nullifies auction sales to a Canadian citizen, reaffirming the constitutional ban on alien land ownership in the Philippines.
When Lawyers Fall Short: Negligence and Client Funds in Philippine Legal Ethics
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer negligence, missed deadlines, and mishandled client funds—and what it means for clients.
Lawyer Suspended One Year for Negligence and Misuse of Client Funds in Property Titling Case
A lawyer's failure to file an appeal brief and return client funds leads to one-year suspension, affirming fiduciary duties.
Disbarment for Forging Court Decisions: A Lesson in Legal Ethics
When a lawyer faked a court decision to deceive a client, the Supreme Court imposed the ultimate penalty: disbarment.
Upholding Attorney Accountability: Disbarment for Faking a Court Decision
A lawyer who notarized without the client present and fabricated a court decision was disbarred by the Supreme Court.
When Lawyers Sign False Documents: A Cautionary Tale from the Supreme Court
A lawyer's suspension for signing a deed with false statements shows why attorneys must uphold the law, not just their client's wishes.
Attorney Suspended for Six Months for Signing Deed With False Statements
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for six months for signing a deed of sale containing false statements, reaffirming that lawyers must uphold truth even when following client wishes.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Client's Ejectment Case Despite Full Payment of Fees
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to file an ejectment case after accepting full payment, despite client's forgiveness and settlement.
Supreme Court Upholds Strict Rules on Certiorari Petitions in Labor Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court enforces strict rules on certiorari petitions and what this means for legal practitioners and clients.
Maritime Liens vs Preliminary Attachment: Enforcement Rules Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a maritime lien suffices and when a writ of preliminary attachment is proper.