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.
Third-Party Claims in Property Execution: PSALM v. Maunlad Homes Explained
Learn how Philippine law protects third-party property owners from wrongful levy during judgment execution, based on PSALM v. Maunlad Homes.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Religious Affiliation and Shari'a Court Jurisdiction
Can a municipality be considered Muslim for Shari'a court jurisdiction? The Supreme Court says no, reversing a Shari'a District Court ruling.
Insanity as a Defense: Establishing Mental Incapacity in Criminal Proceedings
Understanding how Philippine courts assess insanity as a defense and what evidence is needed to establish mental incapacity in criminal cases.
Attorney Disbarment for Willful Disobedience Upholding Court Authority in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplines lawyers for willful disobedience, protecting court authority and the integrity of the legal profession.
When Counsel's Negligence Costs the Appeal: Lessons from Dimaandal v. Ilagan
A client is bound by counsel's mistakes unless gross negligence deprives them of due process. The Supreme Court explains the rule.
Upholding Child Protection: Parental Discipline vs. Child Abuse Under R.A. 7610
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between parental discipline and child abuse under R.A. 7610 in a case involving a guardian who burned a child with a flat iron.
Improper Levy Voids Execution Sale Protecting Due Process in Debt Recovery
Supreme Court rules labor tribunals cannot hold corporate officers liable without summons, voiding execution sales against them.
Eminent Domain Easements Just Compensation For Perpetual Restrictions ON Property USE
When a right-of-way easement for transmission lines permanently restricts property use, full just compensation, not a mere easement fee, is due.
Mining Rights vs. Indigenous Peoples: Exhaustion of Remedies and Grave Abuse of Discretion
The Supreme Court in Alecha v. Atienza underscores the exhaustion doctrine and limits of grave abuse of discretion in mining disputes.
Res Judicata in Annulment of Judgments: Prior Relief Bars Subsequent Action
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a petition for annulment of judgment under Rule 47 is barred by a prior petition for relief.
Good Faith in Collective Bargaining: Philippine Rule on Fair Labor Practices
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies good faith bargaining duties, unfair labor practice, and when strikes are justified in CBA negotiations.
Quieting Title vs. Annulment of Title: Key Lessons from Guntalilib v. Dela Cruz
The Supreme Court clarifies when a quieting-of-title action is actually an annulment of title, and why substance prevails over form.
Quieting of Title vs. Annulment of Title: Key Supreme Court Ruling on Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a quieting of title action is actually an annulment of title, and why the substance of a complaint matters.
Breach of Contract and Surety Bonds: When Extensions Don't Discharge a Surety
A contractor's failure to complete works on time triggers liability for breach and its surety's bond, even when extensions are granted.
Reconstitution of Land Titles: Proving Prior Existence Under RA 26
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reconstitution of lost titles: proof of prior issuance is required under RA 26, not just a decree.
Substitution of Parties: Due Process Prevails Despite Procedural Lapses in Estate Cases
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failure to formally substitute deceased parties is not fatal when heirs actively participate in the case.
Forum Shopping by Lawyers: Ethical Duty and the Price of Misconduct
A lawyer's filing of successive petitions constituted forum shopping, resulting in a six-month suspension from the practice of law.
Merit vs Entitlement: Supreme Court on Government Promotions and Dishonesty
The Supreme Court rules that impersonation in civil service exams is serious dishonesty, even after resignation from government service.
COMELEC Authority Over Election Officers and Execution Pending Appeal Rules
Supreme Court clarifies COMELEC's supervisory power over election officers and when courts lose jurisdiction to order execution pending appeal.
Judgment on the Pleadings: When Admissions in an Answer Bind a Party
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when admissions in an answer justify judgment on the pleadings, and why courts cannot look outside the pleadings.
Execution Pending Appeal: Moral Damages and Attorney's Fees Excluded
Supreme Court rules moral damages, exemplary damages, and attorney's fees cannot be included in execution pending appeal. Learn the rules.
Intent to Kill in Philippine Law: How Courts Prove Homicide and Fix Penalties
Philippine courts explain how intent to kill is proven in homicide cases, and when penalty and damages must be corrected on appeal.
DARAB Jurisdiction Over Annulment of Land Sales Under CARP Coverage
Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction over annulment of deeds of sale for agricultural lands covered by CARP, even without notice of coverage.
NCIP Jurisdiction: Protecting Indigenous Rights vs. Rights of Non-Indigenous Parties
The Supreme Court clarifies when the NCIP has jurisdiction over disputes involving indigenous peoples and non-indigenous parties under IPRA.