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.
Reconstitution of Lost Land Titles: Register of Deeds' Duty Under RA 26
When registry records go missing, who must reconstitute your land title? The Supreme Court clarifies the Register of Deeds' duty under RA 26.
Adverse Claims on Registered Land: When They Can and Cannot Be Annotated
The Supreme Court clarifies when an adverse claim on registered land is valid, and when it must be cancelled under Philippine property law.
Due Process and Summons: Supreme Court Ruling on Unresolved Motions for Reconsideration
The Supreme Court clarifies that ignoring a motion for reconsideration violates due process, while explaining how courts acquire jurisdiction over defendants.
Defective Summons Voids Trustee Appointment: Key Lessons from Diversified Plastic Film v. PI-One
Defective summons can void court proceedings. Learn the jurisdictional limits and SPV Act requirements from this Supreme Court ruling.
Defective Summons and Voluntary Appearance: Due Process in Property Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when defective extraterritorial summons can be cured by voluntary appearance—and why due process still protects the defendant.
Supreme Court Upholds CIAC Jurisdiction, Strikes Down 14-Day Arbitration Limit in Government Contracts
Supreme Court affirms CIAC jurisdiction over government construction disputes and voids unreasonably short 14-day arbitration periods as contrary to public policy.
Tax Evasion in the Philippines: When Can the Government Collect Without an Assessment
The Supreme Court clarifies when the BIR can collect deficiency taxes without a formal assessment in criminal tax evasion cases.
Writ of Kalikasan Requires Concrete Evidence, Not Speculation: Water for All Refund Movement Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that a Writ of Kalikasan demands concrete evidence of environmental harm, not mere speculation or unsubstantiated allegations.
Corporate Dissolution and Property Rights: Real Party in Interest in Unlawful Detainer Cases
When a corporation's registration is revoked, its assets don't automatically pass to a new entity. Learn the real party in interest rule.
Conflict of Interest: When Can a Government Lawyer Represent a Public Official in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government lawyer's representation of a public official becomes a conflict of interest and unauthorized practice of law.
When Can a Provincial Legal Officer Represent a Governor? A Disbarment Case Guide
The Supreme Court reprimands a provincial legal officer for unauthorized practice of law in representing a governor before the Ombudsman.
Probating a Foreign Will in the Philippines: Lessons from a Landmark Case
Learn the formalities for probating foreign wills in the Philippines, from a landmark Supreme Court case on foreign law proof.
Architects vs Engineers: Who Can Sign Building Plans in the Philippines?
Supreme Court ruling on whether civil engineers may prepare, sign, and seal architectural documents under the National Building Code and Architecture Act.
Procurement Rules Family Ties Dont Always Taint THE Deal
Supreme Court clarifies that disclosure-of-relations rules under procurement law apply only to competitive bidding, not to Shopping.
Agrarian Reform Land Transfer Ban: What Beneficiaries and Buyers Must Know
Supreme Court clarifies the 10-year ban on selling agrarian reform lands, the void sale rule, and the buyer's right to recover payment.
Bunkhouse Residency and Voter Registration: The Bascon Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court affirms that workers living in employer-provided bunkhouses can establish voter residency, provided they meet legal requirements.
Discernment in Juvenile Justice: Key Lessons from CICL XXX vs. People
Understand how Philippine courts determine a minor's discernment and criminal liability, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in CICL XXX vs. People.
When Agrarian Disputes Are Really Contract Cases: DAR v. Lapanday Foods
The Supreme Court clarifies when disputes over CARP lands are ordinary contract cases, not agrarian disputes under DAR jurisdiction.
Judicial Accountability: Granting Bail Without Due Process Is Gross Ignorance of the Law
A judge's dismissal for granting bail without due process illustrates the high standard of judicial competence and accountability in the Philippines.
Psychological Incapacity and Marital Nullity: Spousal Rights and Evidentiary Standards in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies who may file for marital nullity based on psychological incapacity and the evidentiary standards required under Article 36.
Heirship Disputes: Why Summary Judgments Fail When Inheritance Rights Are Unclear
Supreme Court explains why summary judgment cannot resolve contested heirship and inheritance rights in estate administration cases.
GSIS Loan Penalties: When Are They Unconscionable?
The Supreme Court ruled that compounded GSIS loan penalties can be unconscionable and subject to reduction. Learn the rules.
Eminent Domain and Prior Rights: Resolving Land Disputes in Infrastructure Projects
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contract rights, port operations, and jurisdictional issues in infrastructure disputes.
Gross Negligence of Counsel Can Restore the Right to Appeal in Criminal Cases
When a lawyer's gross negligence and misrepresentations cause a client to lose the right to appeal, the Supreme Court may recall the entry of judgment and reinstate the appeal.