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.
Reasonable Doubt and Conspiracy: The Line Between Suspicion and Criminal Liability
When acquittal on reasonable doubt still leaves civil liability, due process requires a full hearing on damages.
When Constitutional Limits Bar Recovery of Illegally Acquired Property
Philippine Supreme Court explains why an alien who bought land through a Filipino cannot recover the property or his money.
When Contractors Overstate Work: COA's Audit Power and Quantum Meruit in Government Projects
The Supreme Court affirms COA's power to determine actual work accomplished and recover overpayments from government contractors under quantum meruit.
Writ of Possession in Foreclosure: Bank Rights Prevail Over Third-Party Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that a writ of possession in extrajudicial foreclosure is ministerial, and third-party claimants must use proper remedies.
Reservation Requirements in Philippine Civil Actions: Hambon v. Carantes Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court applied Rule 111 reservation rules in Hambon v. Carantes, affecting civil damages claims tied to criminal cases.
Foreclosure Sales: Strict Compliance With Publication Requirements
When a postponed foreclosure sale proceeds without republication of notice, the sale is void. Learn the rules from Ouano v. Court of Appeals.
Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accidents: When Negligence Is Proven
A look at a Supreme Court ruling on quasi-delict liability, negligence, and vicarious liability in a vehicular accident case.
Due Process in Land Disputes: Why Fair Resurveys Matter for Property Owners
The Supreme Court reminds courts that relocation surveys in land disputes must respect due process—both parties need notice and representation.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Agreed Upon Interest Rates in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court affirms 2% monthly interest on unpaid construction balance, enforcing contractual stipulations between owner and contractor.
Culpa Contractual vs Culpa Criminal: Civil Action Can Proceed Despite Criminal Case Dismissal
A dismissed criminal case does not automatically bar a separate civil action based on breach of contract. Learn the distinction between culpa contractual and culpa criminal.
Sale vs Promise to Sell: When Ownership Passes in Real Estate Deals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a contract of sale and a promise to sell, and when ownership actually transfers to the buyer.
Upholding Mortgage Foreclosure Waiver and Estoppel in Property Redemption
A mortgagor who attempts to redeem foreclosed property waives defects in the foreclosure sale and is estopped from later challenging its validity.
Supreme Court Affirms Insurer's Subrogation Claim in Quasi-Delict Case
The Supreme Court upholds an insurer's right to recover damages from a negligent driver and his employer, clarifying rules on quasi-delict liability and traffic violations.
Prescription and Laches Do Not Bar Registered Owners' Rights Under Torrens Title
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why prescription and laches cannot defeat a registered owner's rights under the Torrens system.
Defining Jurisdiction When Specific Performance Claims Outweigh Monetary Demands In Contract Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies RTC jurisdiction over breach of contract cases where specific performance is the main action, not the monetary claim.
Solidary Liability of Co-Principals in Agency: Agent May Collect Full Commission From Any Principal
When co-owners appoint an agent for a common transaction, they are solidarily liable. The agent can collect the full commission from any one of them.
Unveiling Forgery: Securing Document Examination in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts handle forgery claims, document production, and NBI examination under Rule 27, based on a 2002 Supreme Court ruling.
Missed Your Appeal Deadline Philippine Supreme Court ON Finality OF Judgments 2
Learn how the Supreme Court protected a litigant's right to document production in Santos v. PNB, clarifying trial court discretion and NBI examination requirements.
Clerks of Court Limits on Ministerial Duty and the Scope of Executory Writs
A clerk of court's duty to issue writs is ministerial, not judicial. Learn the limits from a 2002 Supreme Court ruling.
Drugs, Murder, and Afterthoughts: Clarifying the Boundaries Between Robbery with Homicide and Multiple Offense
When theft is an afterthought to murder, the crime is not robbery with homicide. This case clarifies the distinction.
Fortuitous Events and Carrier Liability: Navigating the Perils of the Sea
When a vessel sinks in a storm, is the carrier liable? The Supreme Court explains the rules on fortuitous events.
Attorney Negligence: When a Lawyer's Lapses Cost Clients Their Case
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to file briefs, costing clients their property in a recovery case.
Written Authority is Key: Upholding Property Rights in Corporate Transactions
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies why written consent matters in property deals involving mortgaged assets—and what parties must prove to claim possession.
Independent Civil Actions Under the Civil Code: No Reservation Needed, Even With a Pending Criminal Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that civil claims based on the Civil Code may proceed independently of criminal cases, with no prior reservation required.