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.
Indispensable Parties Protecting Lienholder Rights IN Property Disputes
When the government takes private land for public use, it must pay just compensation—even if the owner once reserved the lot for road widening.
Attachment Liens Priority AND Protection IN Real Property Disputes
A prior attachment lien survives title cancellation and transfers, binding the property and subsequent purchasers until the debt is paid.
Beyond the Salary: Defining Dishonesty in Public Office and the Limits of Misconduct
The Supreme Court clarifies when failure to declare assets amounts to dishonesty, not grave misconduct, in Ombudsman cases.
Expired Permits and Regulatory Fines: NTC Authority Over Broadcast Operations
A broadcaster's expired provisional authority and NTC fines explained: the Supreme Court clarifies administrative penalties, prescription, and temporary permits.
Revival of Judgment Equity Prevails Over Strict Procedural Rules in Land Dispute
Supreme Court allows revival of judgment beyond prescriptive period where strict rules would cause injustice to blameless litigants.
Dishonesty in Public Office: The Imperative of Truthful Asset Disclosure
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when SALN misdeclarations constitute dishonesty, not grave misconduct, and the importance of truthful disclosure.
Contempt of Court: Balancing Free Speech and Judicial Integrity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when criticism crosses the line into contempt, using a lawyer's letter to a Court Administrator as the cautionary example.
Nicknames and Election Law: What Counts as Material Misrepresentation in Certificates of Candidacy
A candidate's nickname in a certificate of candidacy is not material misrepresentation unless it affects eligibility or qualification for office.
When an Agent's Mortgage Signed in Own Name Does Not Bind the Principal
A mortgage signed by an agent in a personal capacity, without indicating agency, binds only the agent, not the principal.
Protecting Homebuyers: PD 957 Prevails Over Bank Mortgages in Subdivision Sales
Supreme Court rules banks must honor PD 957 protections for subdivision buyers, even when properties are mortgaged to secure developer loans.
Excise Tax Refunds for Petroleum Sold to International Carriers: Shell Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when domestic petroleum manufacturers can claim excise tax refunds for fuel sold to international carriers.
Children's Surnames: Illegitimate Child's Right to Choose After Father's Recognition
Supreme Court rules an acknowledged illegitimate child may choose whether to use the father's surname; the father cannot compel it.
Psoriasis Seafarers and the Burden of Proof in Work-Related Illness Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on proving work-related illness for disability benefits, with lessons for seafarers.
Surety Bonds Survive Debt Extension: Key Supreme Court Ruling on Article 2079
Extension of a principal's debt without a surety's consent does not automatically extinguish surety bonds, per the Supreme Court.
Balancing Freedom of Speech and the Sub Judice Rule: Protecting Fair Trial Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when public comments on pending cases violate the sub judice rule and constitute contempt.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Robbery and Falsification Case Due to Insufficient Circumstantial Evid
Supreme Court acquits CA employees in robbery and falsification case, ruling circumstantial evidence must form an unbroken chain to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Duty to Disclose Accrued Interest in SALNs and the Limits of Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that public officials must declare accrued interest on time deposits in their SALNs, but penalties consider good faith.
Fixed-Term Employment vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure and Illegal Dismissal
When a fixed-term contract expires but the employee keeps working, regular employment and security of tenure may arise. Illegal dismissal rules apply.
Navigating Unofficial Ties: When COA Can Audit MECO Funds Under the One China Policy
A 2014 Supreme Court ruling clarifies MECO's status and when the Commission on Audit may examine its funds.
When Church Approval Is Key: Validity of Property Sales by Religious Corporations
Supreme Court rules on when a religious corporation's property sale is unenforceable without required church approvals, citing the Corporation Code.
Certiorari Deadlines: No Extensions Without Compelling Reasons in the Philippines
Learn the strict rule on certiorari deadlines under Rule 45, including when extensions may be granted and the limits of court discretion.
When Can a Party Be Held Liable for Another Person's Debt? A Philippine Supreme Court Guide
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a person may be held liable for another's debt under Article 1311 of the Civil Code.
Misconduct and Separation Pay: When Is an Employee Entitled to Separation Pay
The Supreme Court clarifies when a dismissed employee may still receive separation pay, and why theft bars such an award.
Habitual Tardiness in the Judiciary: When Punctuality Becomes a Ground for Dismissal
Court employee dismissed for habitual tardiness and absenteeism. Learn the rules on punctuality and public trust in the Judiciary.