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.
When Death of the Accused Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal and Civil Liability
Philippine Supreme Court explains how an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto under the Revised Penal Code.
Final Judgment Rule: When Court Decisions in Property Disputes Become Immutable
The final judgment rule makes court decisions in property disputes final and executory. Learn the exceptions and practical implications.
Prescription in Estate Settlement: Heirs' Rights and Time Limits Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on prescription periods for heirs contesting extrajudicial estate settlements, fraud discovery, and time limits.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Courts Must Follow DAR Valuation Formula
Philippine Supreme Court rules that courts must apply DAR's mandatory valuation formula under RA 6657 in determining just compensation for agrarian reform lands.
Valid Service of Summons: Ensuring Corporate Officers Are Notified
Learn when substituted service of summons on a corporate officer is valid under Philippine rules, and how courts protect due process.
Mootness Doctrine: Why an Active Legal Dispute Matters in Presidential Eligibility Cases
The Supreme Court explains why a moot case on presidential reelection eligibility was dismissed, and what this means for election law.
Unjust Enrichment: Security Agency Must Return Illegally Garnished NFA Funds
Supreme Court rules security agency must return P8.4M garnished from NFA under a void writ of execution, citing unjust enrichment.
Summary Procedure Default: When Failure to Appear Warrants Judgment on the Complaint
Explains Lazaro v. Brewmaster International on when a court may render judgment based on the complaint's allegations under the Revised Rule on Summary Procedure.
Buyers Can Suspend Payments When Title Is Clouded: Daleon v. Tan
When a property's title is clouded by an adverse claim, buyers may stop paying installments without risking forfeiture of their downpayment.
Judicial Accountability and Timely Resolution of Cases as a Duty
A bank's premature debiting of a postdated check and the judiciary's duty to resolve cases promptly, explained.
Forfeiture of Downpayment: When a Buyer's Stop Payment Is Justified
Supreme Court ruling on when sellers cannot forfeit a buyer's downpayment due to adverse claims on property title.
Contract to Sell Default: When Sellers Can Cancel and Keep the Property Off the Market
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a buyer's failure to pay installments in a contract to sell justifies cancellation by the seller.
Losing the Right to Appeal: Why Timeliness Is Everything in Philippine Law
Timeliness is the lifeblood of appeals in Philippine courts. Learn why missing a deadline can forfeit a litigant's right to be heard.
Treachery and Witness Credibility: Proving Murder Beyond Reasonable Doubt
A Supreme Court ruling explains how treachery is established and why minor witness inconsistencies do not weaken a murder conviction.
Probate Proceedings and Testamentary Provisions: Balancing Testator Intent with Statutory Limits
A Supreme Court ruling on enforcing a testator's 20-year non-partition directive, balancing testamentary intent against Civil Code limits on indivision.
Probable Cause vs Prosecutorial Discretion: The Perjury Case of Verzano v. Paro
A prosecutor cannot presume probable cause simply because a respondent fails to file a counter-affidavit. The Supreme Court explains why.
Rehabilitation Stay Orders and Foreclosure Rights: The Equitable PCI Bank v. DNG Realty Ruling
When a corporate rehabilitation stay order does not stop post-foreclosure steps like title consolidation and writs of possession.
Employer Liability in Criminal Cases: When Civil Liability Is Only Subsidiary
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers are subsidiarily liable for employee crimes, distinguishing quasi-delict from criminal civil liability.
Probable Cause vs Equipoise Rule: Safeguarding Against Unjust Arrest in Arson Cases
When prosecutors flip-flop on probable cause, courts hold the line. Flores v. Gonzalez clarifies the equipoise rule and judicial independence.
Unreasonable Delay in Resolving Ejectment Cases: A Judge's Administrative Liability
Supreme Court holds judge liable for undue delay in ejectment case, emphasizing summary proceedings demand speedy resolution.
Redemption Rights in Tax Sales: When the One-Year Period Starts in Quezon City
The Supreme Court clarifies when the one-year redemption period starts for tax-delinquent properties sold at auction in Quezon City.
Corporate Rehabilitation Dismissed for Rule Violations and Creditor Opposition
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of corporate rehabilitation petition where debtor violated procedural rules and faced substantial creditor opposition.
Void Sale of City-Owned Market Stall: Refund of Price Under Article 1412
When a sale is void because the seller lacked authority to sell city property, the buyer may still recover the price paid under Article 1412.
Void Contracts and Recovery: The Good Faith Exception Under Article 1412
When a contract is void for illegality, can an innocent party recover what was paid? Magoyag v. Maruhom explains the good faith exception.