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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Perfecting Real Estate Sales: Vendee's Rights and Vendor's Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a buyer must pay the balance in a real estate sale and when a vendor can rescind.
Judicial Discretion in Voluntary Inhibition and Maintaining Impartiality in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when judges may voluntarily inhibit from cases and why doing so protects judicial impartiality and public trust.
Wage Order Exemptions Limited to One Year Under NWPC Guidelines
Philippine Supreme Court rules wage order exemptions for distressed firms are non-extendable beyond one year under NWPC guidelines.
Ejectment Suits and Due Process: When Non-Parties Are Bound by Court Decisions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when non-parties to an ejectment case may still be bound by a demolition order.
When Agents Exceed Authority Understanding Reimbursement Rights IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on agency, reimbursement rights, and the limits of an agent's authority under civil law.
Fair Rental Value as Measure of Reasonable Compensation in Lease Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how courts determine fair rental value and reasonable compensation when lease agreements fail to fix rental rates.
False Testimony and Prejudicial Questions: When Criminal Proceedings Must Wait
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when criminal cases for false testimony must be suspended pending resolution of a prejudicial civil question.
Upholding Regulatory Authority: Provisional Authorities and Non-Exclusivity in Telecom Franchises
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on NTC's power to grant provisional authorities and the non-exclusive nature of telecom franchises.
Judicial Authority and Preliminary Investigations: Balancing Power and Procedure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that municipal trial court judges may conduct preliminary investigations, and errors in judgment alone do not warrant administrative liability.
Voidable Contracts: Spousal Consent and Conjugal Property Sales Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a husband's sale of conjugal property without the wife's consent is voidable, not void, and how buyers can lose good faith protection.
Promptness and Truthfulness: Disciplining Judges for Delays and False Certifications
Philippine Supreme Court rulings on disciplining judges for delayed decisions and false certifications of service.
Simple Misconduct vs Grave Misconduct: Ethical Boundaries for Court Personnel in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on DTR falsification by court personnel clarifies grave misconduct penalties and mitigating circumstances.
When Defense Turns Deadly Distinguishing Self Defense From Unjustified Aggression IN Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the line between lawful self-defense and criminal aggression in homicide cases, explaining burden of proof and reasonable belief.
Contempt and Due Process: When Corporate Officers Face Personal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on civil contempt, due process, and personal liability of corporate officers for violating court orders.
Sheriff's Duty to Execute Writs Promptly: Accountability in Civil Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriff's mandatory duty to execute writs promptly and the consequences of dishonesty in civil cases.
Unregistered Mortgage vs Notice of Lis Pendens: Priority Rights in Foreclosure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on priority between unregistered mortgages and notices of lis pendens in property foreclosure disputes.
Custodianship vs Trusteeship: Determining Liability in Investment Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a custodian and a trustee in investment agreements, and who bears liability when investments fail.
Travel Agency Liability: Ordinary Care, Not Common Carrier Duties
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that travel agencies owe ordinary diligence, not the extraordinary care required of common carriers.
Liability Beyond Corporate Veil: Solidary Obligations in Loan Agreements
When officers sign loan documents personally, they become solidarily liable with the corporation. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Unlawful Detainer: Why Prior Physical Possession Is the Core Issue in Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in unlawful detainer cases, prior physical possession—not ownership—is the decisive issue.
Defining Common Carrier: Liability for Cargo Loss Due to Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies common carrier status and extraordinary diligence in cargo loss cases, citing Asia Lighterage case.
Ejectment and Due Process: When Occupants Become Parties in Forcible Entry Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether occupants not named as defendants in forcible entry cases are bound by execution and demolition orders.
Valid Service of Summons: Protecting Due Process in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on personal service of summons, due process, and annulment of judgments in Lazaro v. Rural Bank.
Copyright Protection Scope of Advertising Display Unit Drawings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that copyright over technical drawings does not extend to the depicted object; patents protect inventions.