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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Employer Subsidiary Liability in Philippine Criminal Law: The Catacutan Doctrine
Philippine employers can be held subsidiarily liable for damages from employees' criminal negligence. Learn the rules from Catacutan v. Heirs of Kadusale.
Philippine Estate Law: Why Probate Courts Decide Heirship and Property Disputes
The Supreme Court explains why probate courts have exclusive jurisdiction over heirship and estate property disputes in Ong v. Court of Appeals.
Probate Court Powers Resolving Property Disputes Among Heirs in Philippine Estate Law
When can a probate court resolve property disputes among heirs? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Cortes v. Court of Appeals.
Modal Institutions in Philippine Wills: Heirs' Obligations and the Rabadilla Ruling
Learn how modal institutions in Philippine wills impose enforceable obligations on heirs, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Rabadilla v. Court of Appeals.
Positive Identification Trumps Alibi in Murder Conviction, SC Rules
SC affirms murder conviction based on eyewitness identification over alibi, and increases damages awarded to the victim's heirs.
Guardianship and Estate Rights: Resolving Inheritance Disputes Over Unauthorized Property Sales
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when heirs can redeem property sold on execution and how courts protect estate rights in inheritance disputes.
Heirs Bound by Contractual Duties in Property Leases: DKC Holdings v. Bartolome
When a lessor dies, are heirs bound by the lease contract? The Supreme Court explains transmissible obligations under Article 1311.
When Heirs Disagree: Judicial Partition Over Administration of an Estate
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when courts may convert estate administration proceedings into judicial partition among heirs.
Heir Disputes: When Courts Can Order Partition Instead of Estate Administration
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when heirs may partition an estate without full administration proceedings, and when courts may convert petitions.
When Heirs Can Question a Void Marriage After Death: The Niñal Rule
Heirs may challenge a deceased person's void marriage for successional rights. The Supreme Court explains the limits and rules.
Oral Partition of Inherited Property: When Heirs' Agreements Prevail Over Unregistered Titles
Learn when an oral partition among heirs is valid and how quitclaims confirm ownership, even without registration.
Oral Partition and Quitclaims Validating Heirs' Agreements Despite Formal Deficiencies
Philippine Supreme Court rules oral partition among heirs is valid, and notarized quitclaims confirming it are binding absent clear fraud.
Title Reconstitution AND Jurisdictional Requirements Heirs OF Ragua VS Court OF Appeals
Extrajudicial Partition and Property Rights in Philippine Inheritance Disputes
Understand how the Supreme Court upheld a 1951 extrajudicial partition, clarifying heirs' property rights, prescription, and laches in inheritance disputes.
Implied Trusts and Foreign Ownership: The Yap Heirs Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when implied trusts over Philippine land fail, and why constitutional restrictions on foreign ownership bar recovery.
Co-Ownership Rights: Protecting Inherited Property From Unauthorized Mortgages
A co-owner cannot mortgage inherited property beyond his own share. Learn the rules protecting co-heirs from unauthorized encumbrances.
Protecting Your Land Rights HOW Heirs Claims CAN BE Defeated IN Philippine Property Disputes
Heirship First, Claim Later: Proving You're an Heir Before Filing Property Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why heirs must first be declared in special proceedings before filing property reconveyance cases.
Protecting Your Inheritance: Co-Ownership and the Right of Legal Redemption in Philippine Property Law
Learn how Philippine law protects heirs from fraudulent property dispositions and when actions for reconveyance may still be filed.
Partition Without Prior Estate Settlement: Heirs' Rights Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on heirs' right to demand partition of inherited co-owned property without prior estate settlement proceedings.
Enforcing Partition Decisions Ensuring Heirs Receive Their Fair Share of Inherited Property in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on execution pending appeal in partition cases, protecting heirs' shares of inherited property.
Selling Inherited Property During Probate: What Heirs Should Know
Can an heir sell inherited property while probate is pending? The Supreme Court explains when court approval is needed and when it is not.
Probate Disputes: How Illicit Relationships Impact Will Validity in the Philippines
Philippine law on probate and will validity—how illicit relationships affect testamentary capacity and legal heirs' rights.
Lost Inheritance: The Perils of Delay in Philippine Estate Law
A 1998 Supreme Court ruling shows how heirs who sleep on their rights can lose their inheritance to laches and final judgments.