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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Vessel Arrest and Maritime Liens in the Philippines: What Shipowners and Creditors Should Know
Vessel arrest and maritime liens in the Philippines explained: how creditors secure claims against ships and what Philippine law says about admiralty jurisdiction.
Tax Residency Rules for Foreign Executives in the Philippines
Tax residency rules for a foreign executive in the Philippines: how resident and nonresident aliens are taxed, the 15% preferential rate, and treaty relief.
Employing Philippine Staff: What a Foreign Company Must Get Right
Hiring Philippine staff as a foreign company means securing an employment permit for nonresident aliens and complying with the Labor Code.
Tax Liens vs Judgment Credits: Priority Disputes in Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on when a tax lien beats a judgment creditor's levy on real property under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Maritime Liens vs Preliminary Attachment: Enforcement Rules Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a maritime lien suffices and when a writ of preliminary attachment is proper.
Constitutional Limits on Alien Land Ownership: Reversion of Property Acquired in Violation of the Constitution
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reversion of land acquired by aliens in violation of the constitutional ban on foreign land ownership.
Breach of Duty: Immigration Officer Liable for Releasing Aliens Who Used Fraudulent Documents
An immigration officer who releases aliens caught using fake passports without initiating deportation proceedings commits grave misconduct.
Deportation and Due Process: Ensuring Fair Proceedings for Resident Aliens
The Supreme Court clarifies deportation procedures, appeal remedies, and due process rights for resident aliens facing removal from the Philippines.
Attachment Liens Priority AND Protection IN Real Property Disputes
A prior attachment lien survives title cancellation and transfers, binding the property and subsequent purchasers until the debt is paid.
Attachment Liens Priority Rights AND Protection IN Property Disputes
Learn how prior attachment liens survive property transfers and title cancellations, and why courts must preserve these encumbrances.
Preliminary Attachment Lien Survives Compromise Agreement Until Debt Paid
Supreme Court rules attachment liens continue until debt is fully paid, even after a compromise agreement ends the main case.
Breach of Public Trust When Falsification and Deportation Orders Lead to Anti-Graft Convictions
A BID commissioner's conviction for graft and falsification shows how knowingly allowing accused aliens to self-deport breaches public trust.
Attorney's Fees and Estate Liens: Protecting a Lawyer's Right to Be Paid
The Supreme Court ruled that a lawyer may claim attorney's fees in the very case where he served and annotate a lien on the properties of the estate.
Adverse Claims and Execution Liens: Priority Rules in Philippine Property Law
When an adverse claim is annotated on a title before a levy on execution, the earlier claim prevails. This case explains the priority rule.
Passport Validity and Deportation: Re-Entry Requirements for Deported Aliens in the Philippines
A deported alien who re-enters without a valid passport and prior consent may face deportation. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Dacion en Pago Perfecting Ownership Despite Prior Encumbrances
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on dacion en pago, mortgage liens, and the right to compel surrender of a certificate of title.
Constitutional Limits on Land Ownership: Aliens Cannot Indirectly Control Philippine Land Through Filipino Spo
Philippine Supreme Court ruling that alien spouses cannot claim rights over land titled to Filipino wives, citing constitutional prohibitions.
Attorney Disbarred for Defrauding Foreign Client Upholding Trust and Integrity in the Legal Profession
Lawyer disbarred for deceiving a Danish client into buying land aliens cannot own, then absconding with millions.
When Lawyers Draft Illegal Lease Contracts: The Hontanosas Case on Foreign Land Leases
A lawyer who drafts and notarizes lease contracts exceeding legal limits for aliens faces suspension, as the Supreme Court ruled in Kupers v. Hontanosas.
Attorney Suspended for Drafting Illegal Lease Agreements: Ethics in Legal Practice
A lawyer's six-month suspension for drafting lease contracts exceeding legal limits for aliens—a lesson in professional responsibility.
Can a Club Sell a Member's Share for Unpaid Dues? The Valley Golf Rule
When can a non-stock corporation sell a member's share for unpaid dues? The Supreme Court explains the limits of by-laws, liens, and due process.
Rehabilitation Stay Orders vs Maritime Liens: What Creditors Should Know
Supreme Court clarifies that rehabilitation stay orders suspend maritime lien enforcement, preserving creditor preference without allowing immediate vessel arrest.
Filipino Land Ownership Validating Land Transfers TO Citizens Despite Initial Alienation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how land transferred to aliens can be cured when it later passes to Filipino citizens.
Priority of Attachment Liens Over Prior Unregistered Sales of Real Property
When an attachment lien is registered before a sale, the lien prevails. Learn the priority rules under PD 1529.