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.
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.
Mootness in Philippine Courts: Understanding Case Dismissal and Justiciable Controversy
Learn how Philippine courts handle moot cases, the justiciable controversy requirement, and what Easycall v. King teaches about jurisdiction.
Contract to Sell Cancellation: Maceda Law Rules and Novation Explained
Learn the Maceda Law rules on cancelling a contract to sell, when a new contract can replace the old one, and key takeaways from Fabrigas v. San Francisco Del Monte.
Barangay Jurisdiction in Property Disputes: Residency of the Real Party in Interest Controls
The Supreme Court clarifies that the real party in interest's residency, not the attorney-in-fact's, determines barangay lupon jurisdiction over disputes.
Retrenchment Rules in the Philippines: Proving Losses and Fair Selection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on retrenchment: what employers must prove to validly dismiss employees due to business losses.
Limits of Ombudsman Discretion When Clarificatory Hearings Are Not Mandatory
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when the Ombudsman may skip clarificatory hearings in preliminary investigations without abusing discretion.
Probate Publication as Sufficient Notice to Interested Parties
Supreme Court clarifies that publication in probate proceedings binds all interested parties, even those not personally notified.
Urban Land Reform: Right of First Refusal in Priority Development Areas
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tenants' right of first refusal under P.D. 1517 in urban land reform zones.
Estafa Through Misappropriation: Liability Even Without Direct Handling of Property
Supreme Court clarifies that estafa under Article 315(1)(b) can arise even when property is received by an employee, not the accused directly.
Local Governments Must Make a Valid Offer Before Expropriation
The Supreme Court nullified Pasig City's expropriation for failing to prove a valid, definite offer to the owner before filing the case.
Due Process and Illegal Dismissal: Why Employers Bear the Burden of Proof in Termination Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies procedural rules on indispensable parties in illegal dismissal cases and the employer's burden of proof.
Lawyer Advertising Balancing Professional Dignity With Public Access TO Legal Services
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between lawyer advertising and professional dignity, balancing public access to legal services with ethical standards.
Judicial Impartiality When Family Ties Conflict With Legal Duty In The Courtroom
A judge who hears a case where his son-in-law appears as counsel violates mandatory disqualification rules, even if the outcome seems fair.
Balancing Justice AND Procedure When Courts CAN Relax Rules FOR Fairness
Philippine Supreme Court explains when procedural rules may be relaxed to serve substantial justice, using a forum-shopping case as example.
Judicial Overreach: Contempt Powers, Due Process, and the Limits of a Judge's Discretion
A judge's contempt power has limits. Learn how the Supreme Court disciplined a judge for denying a lawyer's right to post bond.
Attorney Accountability Understanding Lawyer Neglect of Duty in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer neglect of duty, abandonment of clients, and the ethical obligations of attorneys.
When Redundancy Becomes Illegal Dismissal: Lessons from Lopez Sugar Corporation
The Supreme Court clarifies when a redundancy program is a valid management prerogative and when it becomes an illegal dismissal.
IBP Dues: Why Non-Practicing Lawyers Must Still Pay Membership Fees
The Supreme Court rules that IBP membership dues are mandatory for all lawyers, regardless of active practice status.
Court Clerk Dismissed for Misappropriating Judiciary Funds: Lessons on Fiduciary Duty
Supreme Court dismisses court clerk for misappropriating P171,450 in judiciary funds, underscoring strict accountability for court personnel.
Sheriff's Duty to Execute Writs Is Ministerial: Lessons from Legaspi v. Tobillo
A sheriff's failure to promptly implement a writ of possession constitutes gross neglect of duty, resulting in administrative liability.
Breach of Barangay Settlement: Your Right to Rescind and Sue in Court
When a barangay settlement is breached, Philippine law gives the aggrieved party the right to rescind it and pursue their original claim in court.
Extraterritorial Service of Summons: Due Process for Non-Resident Defendants
Philippine courts must strictly comply with rules on extraterritorial service of summons before declaring non-resident defendants in default.
Prompt Disposition Mandate: Disciplining Judges for Case Delays
The Supreme Court disciplines a judge for undue delay in deciding an ejectment case, underscoring the mandatory nature of the 30-day period under the Revised Rules on Summary Procedure.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: A Prerequisite Before Court Action
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why exhaustion of administrative remedies and motion for reconsideration are mandatory before judicial recourse.