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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Piercing the Veil When Trust Turns to Deceit in Property Disputes
When a foreigner entrusts money to friends to buy property, but the deed names them as owners, Philippine courts apply solutio indebiti to compel reconveyance.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Why Appeals Matter in Local Government Disputes
Why a mayor's suspension case was dismissed: the rule that appeal must precede certiorari in local government disputes.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: BPI v. National Power Corporation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts determine just compensation in eminent domain cases, emphasizing evidence-based valuation over speculative market data.
Citizenship Reacquisition Completing Repatriation FOR Elective Office Eligibility
When must a repatriated citizen complete the requirements to run for local office? The Supreme Court explains.
Missed Deadlines Dismissed Appeals The High Cost Of Late Docket Fees In Philippine Courts
Learn how paying appellate docket fees late can cost you your appeal, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Upholding Arbitration Timeliness and Good Faith in Construction Contract Disputes
The Supreme Court reinstates a CIAC award, clarifying arbitration deadlines, estoppel, and good faith in construction disputes.
Upholding Relocation Surveys When Court Orders Meet Agency Expertise IN Land Disputes
Accountability on the Road: Determining Guilt in Group Violence
A look at how Philippine courts assign criminal liability when violence breaks out in a group, and what the law requires for a conviction.
Judicial Discretion vs Neglect: Balancing Speed and Justice in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when appellate courts may disturb factual findings and how negligence is proven in quasi-delict cases under Philippine law.
Delay and Damages Interest on Obligations in Compromise Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when legal interest accrues on unpaid compromise agreement obligations and the effect of delay.
Dismissal for Late Docket Fee Payment: Strict Timelines in Certiorari Petitions
Learn how late docket fee payment and wrong remedy choices can doom certiorari petitions, based on Mercado v. Court of Appeals.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Duty and Misrepresentation to Client
A lawyer who failed to file a petition for review and misled his client about the case's status was suspended for four months and ordered to refund P5,000.
When Judges Face Administrative Complaints: The Limits of Judicial Audits and Harassment Suits
The Supreme Court clarifies when errors by judges are judicial matters, not administrative offenses, and warns against harassment suits.
When Can Heirs Sue for Partition: Co-Ownership Rules in Inheritance Disputes
Learn when heirs can demand partition of inherited property, the rules on co-ownership, and how Philippine courts resolve inheritance disputes.
Beyond Irritants: Psychological Incapacity and the Limits of Marital Dissolution in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that marital irritants and incompatibility do not amount to psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Binds the Client: The Barza v. Dinglasan Ruling
The Supreme Court held that a client is bound by counsel's mistakes unless the negligence is so gross it deprives the client of the day in court.
Judicial Misconduct When Orders Reflect Bias AND Compromise Impartiality
Supreme Court fines judge for gross ignorance, grave misconduct, and bias in issuing irregular orders favoring a party's counsel.
RES Judicata Prevails Reversion OF Land Title Denied Based ON Prior Court Ruling
Attorney's Outburst in Court: When Impatience Does Not Violate Ethics
SC rules a lawyer's single outburst in court may not violate ethics if uttered in the heat of the moment, but reminds lawyers to remain circumspect.
Challenging Search Warrants: The Judge's Personal Assessment Requirement
Learn how the Supreme Court requires judges to personally examine complainants and witnesses before issuing search warrants, and why this protects citizens' rights.
Execution Pending Appeal: When Can a Judgment Be Enforced Early
Learn the strict rules for discretionary execution pending appeal under Rule 39, and the consequences when a judge oversteps.
Navigating Anti-Graft Law: The Balance Between Undue Injury and Unwarranted Benefits
The Supreme Court clarifies the two modes of violating Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law, guiding public officers and prosecutors.
Upholding Ethical Duty Lawyers Cannot Exploit Court Orders FOR Unfair Advantage
Dismissal of Public Official for Grave Misconduct and the Limits of Certiorari
A prosecutor's dismissal for grave misconduct is upheld; certiorari cannot substitute for a lost appeal.