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.
Redemption of Foreclosed Property: Full Payment Required, Good Intent Not Enough
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that redeeming a foreclosed property requires full payment of the redemption price within the one-year period, not just partial payments or good intentions.
Self-Defense and Double Jeopardy: Key Lessons from People v. De Leon
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. De Leon clarifies the strict requirements for self-defense and the absolute protection against double jeopardy in Philippine criminal law.
How Appeals Affect Preliminary Attachments: Jurisdiction and Ancillary Remedies
When a main case is appealed, the trial court loses jurisdiction over the attachment. Learn the rule from Northern Islands v. Garcia.
Understanding Documentary Stamp Tax on Trust Agreements: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Case
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when documentary stamp tax applies to trust agreements and the evidence needed for tax refund claims.
Upholding Integrity: Attorney Liability for Notarial Register Errors in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court holds notary public liable for erroneous notarial register entries, stressing the duty to record every notarial act accurately.
When Public Interest Meets Private Contracts: The SM Land v. BCDA Ruling on Development Projects
The Supreme Court ruled that government agencies cannot cancel accepted unsolicited proposals by invoking public interest, upholding contractual obligations.
Passion's Lingering Flame: Redefining Mitigating Circumstances in Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that passion and obfuscation may build over time, not just in the heat of the moment, reducing murder to homicide.
Upholding Stockholder Rights Jurisdiction In Intra Corporate Disputes Involving Sequestered Entities
The Supreme Court clarifies that intra-corporate disputes involving sequestered firms belong to the RTC, not the Sandiganbayan.
Counsel's Receipt of Motion for Execution as Notice of Decision: Due Process Implications
When a counsel receives a motion for execution referencing a decision, that receipt can serve as effective official notice of the decision, even without formal service.
COA Auditors Barred From Agency Benefits: Nacion v. COA
Supreme Court affirms COA's discipline of auditor who received bonuses, housing, and car loans from audited agency MWSS.
Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody: Key Lessons from a Drug Conviction
A Supreme Court ruling on a buy-bust operation clarifies the rules on warrantless arrests, chain of custody, and the defenses of denial and frame-up.
Suspension of Arraignment, DOJ Review, and the Right to Speedy Trial in Copyright Cases
Explaining when courts may suspend arraignment pending DOJ review and how delay affects the right to speedy trial in copyright infringement cases.
Marital Consent IS KEY Voiding Property Sales Without Spousal Agreement
Learn when a sale of conjugal property without spousal consent can be voided under Philippine law, and what buyers must check.
Land Registration Requires Impeccable Proof of Alienability
The Supreme Court nullified a land registration judgment where applicants failed to present documentary proof that the property was alienable and disposable public land.
Satisfaction of Judgment and the Right to Appeal: Navigating Mootness in Philippine Labor Law
When paying a labor award does not end the case: the Supreme Court clarifies the mootness doctrine in seafarer disability disputes.
Upholding Ministerial Duty Dismissal OF Disbarment Complaint FOR Good Faith Registration Actions
Supreme Court dismisses disbarment complaints against lawyers and registrars over good faith registration actions, clarifying ministerial duties.
Quieting of Title: Courts Cannot Consider Outside Evidence in Determining Cause of Action
The Supreme Court clarifies that in resolving a motion to dismiss for failure to state a cause of action, courts must look only at the complaint's allegations.
Indispensable Parties in Partition Suits: Ensuring Complete Justice
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who must be joined in partition actions and why dismissal is the wrong remedy for non-joinder.
Upholding Employee Rights Minor Infractions Dont Justify Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court rules minor infractions like eating on duty or occasional tardiness do not justify employee dismissal.
Assignment of Credit vs. Assumption of Liability: Clarifying a Bank's Role in Property Development
When a bank buys a developer's receivables, does it inherit the developer's obligations to buyers? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction.
Due Process and Administrative Investigations: The Limits of Certiorari
When can a government official question a show cause order through certiorari? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of this remedy.
Workplace Boundaries: When Misconduct Crosses Into Sexual Harassment
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a supervisor's unwanted kiss is grave misconduct, not simple misconduct, in Philippine administrative law.
Practicing Law While Suspended: Consequences and Ethical Considerations
A suspended lawyer who appears as counsel for her husband still practices law. The Supreme Court explains the consequences and ethical duties.
Slippage in Construction Contracts: Government Immunity and Contractor Accountability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on government immunity in construction contracts and contractor liability for project delays and slippage.