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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Onerous Donations and Substantial Breach: Upholding the Purpose of a Gift
When can a donor revoke an onerous donation? The Supreme Court explains the substantial breach rule in C-J Yulo & Sons v. Roman Catholic Bishop of San Pablo.
Retroactive Application of Procedural Rules Ensuring Fairness in Certiorari Filings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on retroactive application of curative procedural rules for certiorari filings under Rule 65.
Unregistered Land Sales and Agrarian Reform: The Limits of Ownership Transfer
When do unregistered property sales fail against agrarian reform coverage? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on land transfers and PD 27.
Correcting Election Returns: The Presidential Electoral Tribunal's Authority to Rectify Manifest Errors
The PET may correct manifest errors in election returns and certificates of canvass as part of its constitutional mandate to judge election contests.
Property Rights and Due Process: Lessons from Barcenas v. Tomas on Appeals and Co-Ownership
A Supreme Court ruling reminds property owners that procedural rules on appeals are strict, and that a co-owner may validly sell an undivided share without the consent of the others.
Death and Election Protests: Can a Widow Substitute for a Deceased Protestant?
The Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, ruled on whether a widow could substitute for her deceased husband in a presidential election protest.
Police Misconduct Due Process: Navigating Administrative Dismissals in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court handles police misconduct cases, due process in administrative dismissals, and jurisdiction under RA 6975.
Due Process in Retrenchment: Balancing Employer Prerogative and Employee Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between just and authorized causes in dismissal, and the penalties for violating notice requirements.
Mootness Doctrine Resolving Disputes After A Corporations Dissolution
When a corporation dissolves mid-litigation, courts must decide if the case is moot. Learn the doctrine's application.
Co-Ownership and Ejectment: Clarifying Rights and Remedies in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that any co-owner may file ejectment against occupants by mere tolerance, even before partition.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Upholding Diligence in Court Administration
The Supreme Court holds clerks of court to strict standards of diligence, ruling that delayed transmittal of appeal records constitutes simple neglect of duty.
Supreme Court Upholds PNP Officer’s Dismissal for Grave Misconduct Under RA 6975
SC ruling on PNP summary dismissal powers, grave misconduct, and procedural rules in police administrative cases under RA 6975.
Default Judgments: Voluntary Appearance Cures Defective Summons
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a defendant's voluntary appearance in court cures defective summons, preventing later challenges to default judgments.
Foreclosure Validity: Proper Notice and Publication in Extrajudicial Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies posting and publication requirements for valid extrajudicial foreclosure sales under Act No. 3135.
Lawyer Fined for Unauthorized Appearance as NEA Counsel in GOCC Case
Supreme Court fines lawyer P5,000 for appearing as NEA counsel without required OGCC conformity and COA concurrence.
Sheriffs Duty Enforcing Money Judgments AND Protecting Debtors Rights IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine sheriffs must balance enforcing money judgments with protecting debtors' rights, including proper procedures and remedies.
Modifying Penalties When Retirement Alters Judicial Discipline
When a judge retires before serving a suspension, the Supreme Court may convert the penalty to a fine. Learn how this works.
Protecting Land Titles: Good Faith Purchasers and Forgery in Property Sales
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a forged deed must be proven, not presumed, and how a registered owner's acts can protect an innocent buyer's title.
Mandamus Unveiled: Enforcing Rights vs Contractual Obligations in Property Disputes
Learn when courts versus DARAB resolve property disputes involving CLOAs and agrarian reform lands, based on a 2005 Supreme Court ruling.
Tortuous Interference Purchasers Liability IN THE Absence OF Malice
Express Trusts Upholding Beneficiaries Rights Despite Fictitious Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on express trusts, beneficiaries' rights, and fictitious sales of property.
Conflicting Land Titles: DARAB Jurisdiction Over Annulment of CLOA-Based Titles
When land titles conflict, knowing which court has jurisdiction is crucial. The Supreme Court clarifies DARAB's exclusive authority over CLOA-derived titles.
Insurance Companies Not Taxable as Lending Investors: CIR v. PHILAM Companies
Supreme Court rules insurance companies are not "lending investors" under the NIRC, clarifying tax obligations for lending activities.
Curing Defects: How Amending a Complaint Can Moot a Case in Philippine Bouncing Checks Law (BP 22)
Learn how a second amended complaint cured defects in a BP 22 case and rendered a certiorari petition moot under Philippine rules.