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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Loan vs Malversation: When Public Funds Become Private After Ownership Transfer
When does public money stop being public? The Supreme Court clarifies how a loan transfers ownership and defeats malversation charges.
Void Donation Private Instrument Insufficient FOR Transferring Real Property Under THE OLD Civil Code
Tax Credit Certificates: Good Faith Transferees Protected Against Fraudulent Issuance
Supreme Court rules transferees in good faith and for value of tax credit certificates cannot be made to pay taxes again when the certificates are later canceled for fraud.
Perfected Sale vs Contract to Sell: Distinguishing Ownership Transfer in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a contract of sale and a contract to sell, and when ownership actually transfers to the buyer.
Stock Transfer Obligations Ministerial Duty VS Corporate Discretion
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: How Ownership Transfers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains the key difference between a contract to sell and a contract of sale, and when property ownership actually transfers.
Untangling Transferees Relief From Judgment AND Timeliness IN Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a transferee pendente lite may file a petition for relief from judgment and the strict deadlines that apply.
Clerk of Court Liability for Lost Evidence: Custody Duties Explained
When a clerk of court loses evidence in his custody, the Supreme Court clarifies administrative liability for unauthorized transfers.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: The Validity of a Special Power of Attorney in Property Transfers
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies jurisdiction in property disputes, the statute of frauds, and rights of first refusal in Philippine real estate law.
Employee Transfers and Constructive Dismissal: The Rural Bank of Cantilan Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a job transfer becomes constructive dismissal, using the Rural Bank of Cantilan v. Julve ruling.
Nemo Dat Quod Non Habet: Why Title Verification Matters in Philippine Property Deals
Philippine law bars transferring property you don't own. Learn the nemo dat rule from Hermosilla v. Remoquillo and how to protect your purchase.
Homestead Rights vs Agrarian Reform: DARAB Jurisdiction in Philippine Land Disputes
When agrarian reform lands are reclassified, DARAB loses jurisdiction. Learn the rules on transfer restrictions and res judicata.
Spousal Consent and Mortgage Validity: Protecting Marital Property Rights
Learn how spousal consent protects marital property from fraudulent transfers, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void titles.
Mining Contract Transfers: When New Laws Don't Apply Retroactively
Supreme Court ruling on FTAA transfers, presidential approval requirements, and the non-retroactive application of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
Piercing the Corporate Veil in Fraudulent Asset Transfers: Labor Claims in the Philippines
When can labor arbiters pierce the corporate veil to enforce judgments? Learn from the Supreme Court's ruling in Jang Lim v. CA.
Property Transfers in Common-Law Relationships: Navigating Legal Restrictions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property transfers to common-law spouses, void sales, and conjugal property rules explained.
Constructive Dismissal and Management Prerogative: When a Transfer Becomes Illegal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a transfer becomes constructive dismissal and the limits of management prerogative.
Constructive Dismissal: When Employee Transfers Become Unfair Labor Practices
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a management transfer becomes constructive dismissal and unfair labor practice.
Breach of Trust Ownership of Club Shares and Fiduciary Duties in Philippine Law
When a club share is transferred temporarily, a trust is created. The Supreme Court explains ownership, fiduciary duties, and the rules on implied trusts in Philippine law.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Forfeiture of Benefits Despite Transfer to Another Agency
Court rules on gross misconduct, bribery, and forfeiture of benefits for court personnel who extort money from litigants.
Falsified Documents Can Transfer Property in the Philippines: The Legal Reality
Can forged deeds transfer land in the Philippines? Philippine law says no—but the legal system has limits. Learn the rules on falsified documents.
When Can Cases Be Reassigned? Understanding Judicial Inhibition and Venue Transfer
The Supreme Court clarifies when cases may be transferred to another judge after inhibition, and why venue transfer is not automatic.
Substantial Compliance in Procedure and Jurisdiction Shifts in Intra-Corporate Disputes
Explaining Suzuki v. De Guzman on procedural rules, substantial compliance, and the transfer of intra-corporate jurisdiction from SEC to RTCs.
Preliminary Injunctions and Bank Deposits: Protecting Depositors' Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies that preliminary injunctions preserve the status quo and cannot be used to transfer bank deposits before trial.