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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Essential Co-Owner: Indispensable Parties in Property Donation Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on co-owners as indispensable parties in donation disputes, and the requisites of a valid tenancy relationship.
Judicial Overreach Strict Compliance Required IN Civil Registry Corrections
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict compliance with Rule 108 procedures for civil registry corrections and judicial overreach.
Security of Tenure vs Agrarian Reform: Fishpond Tenant's Vested Rights Prevail
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether fishpond tenants retain security of tenure after RA 7881 excluded fishponds from agrarian reform coverage.
Forcible Entry or Tenancy? How Philippine Courts Decide Jurisdiction in Land Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a land dispute is a tenancy matter for the DAR and when it is a forcible entry case for the regular courts.
Proving Land Claims in the Philippines: What a Foreclosure Redemption Case Teaches
A Supreme Court ruling on foreclosure redemption clarifies how blanket mortgage clauses affect land claims and property disputes in the Philippines.
Strikes and Employee Rights: Understanding the Limits of Union Activities in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, union busting, corporate veil piercing, and quitclaims in labor disputes.
Good Faith Exception Absolving Public Officials From Misconduct Charges IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how good faith absolves public officials from administrative misconduct charges, explained in plain language.
Upholding Contractual Obligations Payment Disputes and the Binding Nature of Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling on why a "pay to cash" check violated a Charge Invoice term, and how contracts of adhesion bind parties.
Judicial Accountability: Timely Resolution of Cases and Compliance with Court Directives
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's administrative liability for delayed case resolution and non-compliance with court directives, with practical lessons.
Cashier's Check as Bank's Primary Obligation: Holder in Due Course Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on cashier's checks, holder in due course status, and bank liability explained in plain language.
Redundancy Dismissal: Fair Criteria and Due Notice Under Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on redundancy dismissal: employers must prove fair criteria and give proper notice to DOLE and employees.
Judicial Misconduct and Dishonesty: Upholding Integrity in the Philippine Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge and clerk of court who misappropriated bail bonds and settlement funds, reaffirming accountability in the judiciary.
When Judges and Court Employees Fall Short: Ethical Standards in Personal Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling on judges and clerks who mishandled bail bonds and settlement funds, and the ethical standards for court personnel.
Client Bound by Counsel's Negligence: Lessons from a Philippine Attorney Ethics Case
A Supreme Court ruling on how a lawyer's failure to update addresses and clients' duty to monitor cases affect finality of judgments.
When Can Government Revoke Tax Exemptions in Freeport Zones
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when Congress may withdraw tax exemptions granted to Subic Freeport locators, and limits on injunctions against tax collection.
When Landlocked Property Demands Passage: Establishing a Legal Right of Way in the Philippines
Philippine law allows landlocked owners to demand a right of way, but only after meeting four strict requirements. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Contractual Obligations and Third Party Rights in Property Lease Disputes
Supreme Court ruling on when lease penalties bind only contracting parties, not property owners who are third parties to the contract.
Salary Reclassification in Government: Actual Duties vs Official Position
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether actual duties or official position title governs government salary reclassification under EO 189.
Court Funds Mismanagement and Undue Delay: Lessons from a Judicial Audit
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge who borrowed court funds and delayed cases, and the clerks who allowed it.
Government Liability When Illegal Land Seizure Requires Just Compensation
Supreme Court ruling on government liability for illegally seized property, default judgments, and limits on monetary awards.
Mandatory Foreclosure: GFIs Must Verify Borrower Payments Before Proceeding
Supreme Court ruling on P.D. 385: government financial institutions must verify borrower payments before mandatory foreclosure.
Laches vs Torrens Title: When Delay Overrides Ownership Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when laches, not just prescription, can bar a registered owner from recovering possession of titled land.
Bigamous Marriage and Property Rights: When No Contribution Means No Co-Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property acquired during a bigamous marriage and the crucial role of actual contribution in determining ownership.
Diminished Will Mental Illness As A Mitigating Factor In Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when mental illness reduces criminal liability but does not exempt an accused from guilt.