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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Void Deeds: How Forgery Affects Property Titles in the Philippines
A forged deed is void and conveys no title. Learn how the Supreme Court protects family homes from fraudulent sales.
Homestead Patent vs Implied Trust: When Land Ownership Claims Collide
A Supreme Court ruling shows why a homestead patent can defeat claims of implied trust over registered land in the Philippines.
Homestead Patent vs Implied Trust: Protecting Land Ownership in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a homestead patent bars claims of implied trust over agricultural land in the Philippines.
Independent Contractor or Employee? Supreme Court Clarifies Labor-Only Contracting in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a registered contractor is actually labor-only, making the principal the direct employer.
Derivative Works and Copyright Ownership in the Philippines: The Tupaz Case
The Tupaz case clarifies Philippine law on derivative works, copyright ownership, and the idea/expression dichotomy in collaborative designs.
Freeze Orders in the Philippines: Probable Cause and Asset Protection Under AMLA
Learn how Philippine courts protect assets from unjustified freeze orders, and why probable cause is essential under the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
Forcible Entry AND Torrens Title Protecting Registered Landowners IN THE Philippines
Can Religious Corporations Own Land in the Philippines? The RVM Case Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court's RVM ruling clarifies constitutional limits on religious corporations acquiring public land in the Philippines.
Foreign Adoption Recognition in the Philippines: What the Yuta Hayashi Case Means
Philippine courts can recognize foreign adoption decrees involving Filipino citizens if proven as fact and not contrary to public policy.
Judicial Clemency and Reinstatement of Disqualified Public Officials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when dismissed judges may be reinstated through judicial clemency, requiring proof of remorse, reformation, and public apology.
Trademark Ownership in the Philippines: Prior Use vs. Registration
The Supreme Court clarifies that trademark ownership in the Philippines is anchored on actual use, not mere registration, in a landmark ruling.
Trademark Ownership in the Philippines: Prior Use vs. Registration
The Supreme Court clarifies that trademark ownership in the Philippines is rooted in actual use, not mere registration. Learn the rules.
Dual Citizenship by Birth vs. Naturalization: Election Eligibility in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when dual citizens by birth may run for office without renouncing foreign citizenship under R.A. 9225.
Copyright vs Fair Use: Restaurants Playing Radio Music in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules that restaurants playing radio music through speakers must pay license fees to FILSCAP for public performance.
Judicial Clemency in the Philippines: Remorse and Reformation for Reinstatement of Benefits
The Supreme Court denied a dismissed judge's plea to restore retirement benefits, clarifying the strict proof of remorse and reformation required for judicial clemency.
Ancestral Land Disputes and the NCIP's Jurisdictional Limits in the Philippines
Understand when the NCIP has jurisdiction over ancestral land disputes and when courts or other agencies must hear the case.
Right of Way Requisites: Proving Isolation for Easement Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof for compulsory right of way easement claims under Civil Code Articles 649 and 650.
Protecting Marital Property How Spousal Consent Impacts Real Estate Deals IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine law treats property sales without spousal consent, and why timing determines whether a deal is void or voidable.
Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied: The Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when inordinate delay violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, with practical guidance.
Safeguarding Justice: Private Parties' Right to Question Criminal Judgments
The Supreme Court clarifies when private offended parties may question criminal judgments and acquittals in the Philippines.
Proving Foreign Law in Philippine Courts: Republic v. Kikuchi on Divorce Recognition
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves foreign divorce law in the Philippines, remanding a case for failure to establish Japanese law.
No-Spouse Employment Policies: Balancing Business Needs and Marital Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies psychological incapacity rules in Laroco v. Laroco, reshaping how courts evaluate marriage nullity cases.
Foreign Divorce Recognition in the Philippines: Proving Japanese Law Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to recognize a foreign divorce in the Philippines, focusing on proving foreign law.
Tenant Rights vs Landowner Control: Clarifying Agrarian Dispute Jurisdiction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts must refer ejectment cases to the DAR and what the DAR certification must contain.