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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Understanding Corporate Veil Piercing Protecting Employee Rights IN THE Philippines
When can a company be held liable for acts of its retirement fund? The Supreme Court explains corporate veil piercing in employee loan disputes.
Right to Information vs. Exam Confidentiality: The Antolin-Rosero Ruling
The Supreme Court balances the right to information against exam confidentiality in Antolin-Rosero v. PRC, a landmark 2021 ruling.
Understanding Lawyer Misconduct: Consequences of Breaching Professional Ethics in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when illegally obtained evidence cannot be used in administrative cases against court employees, explaining the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine.
Presidential Immunity and Foreign Affairs Discretion: Lessons from Esmero v. Duterte
The Supreme Court explains why the President's foreign affairs decisions are discretionary and cannot be compelled by mandamus.
Writs of Kalikasan and Continuing Mandamus: Scope and Limits in Philippine Environmental Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when the writ of kalikasan and continuing mandamus apply, and why not every environmental case qualifies.
Fruit of the Poisonous Tree Doctrine: When Illegal Searches Taint Evidence in Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court ruled that evidence from an illegal search cannot be used in administrative proceedings, reinforcing the exclusionary rule's reach.
Legal Redemption in the Philippines: Timely Action, Actual Notice, and the Power of Waiver
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies legal redemption rules: actual notice, 30-day period, and when failure to consign the price may be waived.
Navigating Default Orders in Philippine Extradition Cases: Key Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when default orders are valid in extradition cases, protecting the right to due process.
Chain of Custody Integrity Key to Successful Drug Possession Cases in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug possession accused due to unjustified non-compliance with Section 21 witness requirements under RA 9165.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: The Time of Taking Matters
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation in agrarian reform cases is valued at the time of taking, not at later dates.
Mandamus as a Remedy Against Unlawful Exclusion: Lessons from Municipality of Payao v. Municipality of Imelda
The Supreme Court clarifies when mandamus—not quo warranto—is the proper remedy against unlawful exclusion from a right or office.
Understanding the Burden of Proof in Breach of Warranty Cases: Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies bad faith, solidary liability, and the burden of proof in breach of warranty cases involving defective goods.
Understanding Res Judicata: How Final Judgments Impact Property Disputes in the Philippines
Learn how the doctrine of res judicata and stare decisis shape property registration cases in the Philippines, and what applicants must prove.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: When the Land Was Taken Matters
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Land Bank v. Paliza on the reckoning date for just compensation in agrarian reform cases.
Void Contracts When Signatures Are Forged and Owners Are Deceased
A contract signed by deceased owners is void. Learn the rules on forged signatures, imprescriptible actions, and title cancellation.
Capital Reduction Rules in the Philippines: What Shareholders Should Know After Metroplex v. Sinophil
The Supreme Court clarifies the requirements for reducing corporate capital stock under Section 38 of the Corporation Code, and limits SEC review.
Torrens Titles, Inheritance Claims, and Ejectment: Key Lessons from Mariano v. Mariano
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how Torrens titles prevail over inheritance claims in ejectment cases, and why delays in challenging fraudulent partitions can be fatal.
Simulated Loan Contracts and Surety Liability: Lessons from ATCI v. Asset Pool A
A Supreme Court ruling on simulated loan contracts shows when a surety agreement falls with the void principal obligation.
Lost Land Title Replacement: RTC, Not DARAB, Has Jurisdiction Over CLOA Titles
Supreme Court clarifies that the RTC, not the DARAB, has jurisdiction over petitions to replace lost owner's duplicate certificates of title, even if the title originated from a CLOA.
Understanding Kidnapping for Ransom: Key Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A 2021 Supreme Court ruling clarifies kidnapping for ransom elements, conspiracy, accomplice liability, and penalties under Philippine law.
Oral Contracts of Sale: Validity and Enforceability Under Philippine Law
When is a verbal sale agreement binding in the Philippines? Learn the rules on validity, enforceability, and vitiated consent from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Crossed Checks as Proof of Debt: A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court ruled that crossed checks issued to a named payee are strong evidence of debt, reversing the Court of Appeals.
When Just Compensation Is Valued: The Time of Taking in Agrarian Land Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation for agrarian reform lands must be valued at the time of taking, not at later dates.
Understanding Loan Agreements and Foreclosure: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when banks may foreclose and how courts interpret loan agreements, credit lines, and restructuring contracts in the Philippines.