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.
Res Judicata in Philippine Land Disputes: Why a Reconstitution Case Doesn't Block Ownership Claims
A title reconstitution case doesn't settle ownership. Learn how res judicata applies in Philippine land disputes and protects your property rights.
Boundary Disputes: Proving Land Ownership in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how courts resolve boundary disputes, emphasizing the importance of approved survey plans and proper identification of property.
Deficiency Judgments in Philippine Foreclosure: Can Banks Recover More After Auction?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when banks can collect deficiency after extrajudicial foreclosure of real estate mortgages.
Attorney's Fees in Estate Settlement: When Can Lawyers Directly Claim From the Estate?
Learn when lawyers may directly claim attorney's fees from an estate in the Philippines, based on Supreme Court rulings and estate settlement rules.
Attorney Negligence in the Philippines: Upholding Client Trust and Diligence
A lawyer's failure to file a memorandum and return a client's money order leads to reprimand, reaffirming duties of diligence and fidelity.
Quasi-Delict Damages and Court Jurisdiction: Filing in the Right Philippine Court
Learn how Philippine courts determine jurisdiction in quasi-delict damage claims, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Iniego v. Purganan.
Mayor's Authority to Sign Contracts: Local Government Powers Under Philippine Law
Learn when a city mayor can validly sign contracts for the local government, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on market stall leases.
When Government Takes Property Without Expropriation: Just Compensation Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to value property taken by government without expropriation proceedings, and when back rentals are due.
Res Judicata in Philippine Property Disputes: Preventing Endless Litigation
When can a co-owner file ejectment alone? The Supreme Court clarifies Article 487 and the rules on indispensable parties.
Power Rates and Public Notice: Why Transparency Matters in Philippine Electricity Regulations
A Supreme Court ruling on Meralco's generation charge increase clarifies when public notice and publication are required for rate adjustments under EPIRA.
Unconscionable Attorneys Fees When Philippine Courts Intervene
Philippine courts may reduce contingent attorney's fees that are excessive or unconscionable, even if clients freely signed the fee agreement.
Sheriff Misconduct and Illegal Demolition: Upholding Due Process in Philippine Law
When can a sheriff demolish structures not named in a writ? The Supreme Court clarifies due process limits on demolition orders.
When Can a Co-Owner File an Ejectment Suit in the Philippines? The Adlawan Rule
Philippine law lets a co-owner file ejectment, but only for the benefit of all co-owners—not for sole personal gain. Here's what Adlawan v. Adlawan teaches.
Succession in Lease Agreements: Heirs' Obligations and Contractual Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lease succession, heirs' obligations, and contractual liabilities in property sales with boundaries.
Tax Credit Claims: Time Limits and Exceptions for Advance Payments
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax credit claims for advance income tax payments, and when the two-year prescriptive period may not apply.
Res Judicata and Dismissal With Prejudice: When a Prior Case Bars a New Lawsuit
A voluntary dismissal with prejudice bars a later suit for the same property, even if the new case is styled differently.
Laches and Land Rights: Why Delay Can Defeat Property Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how laches and inaction can bar property reconveyance claims even when fraud is alleged.
Jurisdiction Clarified When Regular Courts Handle Property Disputes Despite Developer Status
When do regular courts, not HLURB, hear property disputes? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction rules in Lacson Hermanas v. Heirs of Ignacio.
Timely Notice IS KEY Understanding Carrier Liability IN Damaged Goods Claims Under THE Code OF Commerce
When cargo arrives damaged, the clock starts ticking. Learn how Article 366 of the Code of Commerce can bar a claim entirely if notice is late.
Third-Party Complaints: When Can a Defendant Implead Another Party?
Learn when Philippine courts allow third-party complaints and why a mere business connection between transactions is not enough.
When Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Due Diligence in Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's failure to act diligently on an appeal binds the client, and what counts as notice of a decision.
Assessed Value vs Market Value: Key to Court Jurisdiction in Property Disputes
Philippine courts decide jurisdiction over property cases by assessed value, not market value. Learn the rule from Hilario v. Salvador.
Homestead Rights vs Agrarian Reform: What Landowners Must Know
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that homestead patents do not automatically exempt land from agrarian reform coverage under Philippine law.
Perfecting Appeals: The Crucial Difference Between Single and Multiple Judgments in Philippine Law
Learn when a record on appeal is required in Philippine civil procedure, and why missing this step can cost you your appeal.