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.
Employer Subsidiary Liability in Philippine Criminal Law: The Catacutan Doctrine
Philippine employers can be held subsidiarily liable for damages from employees' criminal negligence. Learn the rules from Catacutan v. Heirs of Kadusale.
Lease Agreements in the Philippines: Why Written Consent Before Construction Matters
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in Bugatti v. Baguilat underscores the need for a perfected lease contract before construction begins.
Vested Rights in Adoption: Why Filing Date Matters Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that adoption rights vest at filing, not decree. Learn the filing date rule and its practical impact.
Demolition Requires Special Court Order: Morta v. Sañez and Due Process
A writ of execution does not authorize demolition. A special court order after notice and hearing is required under Rule 39, Section 10(d).
Donation Inter Vivos vs Mortis Causa: Philippine Law on Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to distinguish donation inter vivos from mortis causa, and when donations become irrevocable.
Deed of Sale or Loan Understanding: Equitable Mortgage in Philippine Property Law
When is a deed of sale really an equitable mortgage? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on when courts will presume a loan arrangement.
Parol Evidence Rule: When Prior Agreements Can Modify a Contract
Philippine Supreme Court explains when prior negotiations can alter a written contract under the parol evidence rule.
Partition Inter Vivos and Torrens Title Protection: Lessons from Zaragoza v. Morgan
Philippine law allows property owners to partition estates during their lifetime, but only if legitimes are respected and titles are challenged directly.
Work-Related Heart Disease: Proving Your Employee Compensation Claim in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on work-related heart disease claims under PD 626, and what evidence employees need to prove compensability.
Proving Work-Related Illness Claims: Substantial Evidence Standard in Philippine Employee Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies substantial evidence standard for work-related illness compensation claims under P.D. 626, as amended.
Habeas Corpus Appeals in the Philippines: The 15-Day Rule Explained
The Supreme Court confirmed that habeas corpus appeals now follow the 15-day period under the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure, replacing the old 48-hour rule.
Proving Bouncing Checks Cases in Philippine Courts: Actions Speak Louder Than Words
B.P. 22 convictions don't require proving intent or a pre-existing debt. Learn what courts actually look for in bouncing checks cases.
Subleasing Without Landlord Consent: Ejectment Risks in Philippine Unlawful Detainer Cases
Sublessees without landlord consent face eviction when the main lease ends. Learn the rules from Jimenez v. Patricia, Inc.
Extrajudicial Contract Rescission in the Philippines: Reclaiming Property Without Court Intervention
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a party may extrajudicially rescind a contract and retake property, and when court action becomes necessary.
Statute of Limitations in Philippine Contract Law: The 10-Year Rule for Written Contracts
Learn the 10-year prescriptive period for written contracts in the Philippines, when it starts, and how the Supreme Court applied it in a stock pledge dispute.
Unmasking Trust Receipts When a Loan Is Not What It Seems in Philippine Law
When is a trust receipt really just a loan? The Supreme Court clarifies in Colinares v. Court of Appeals.
Equity vs Right of Redemption: Key Lessons From Huerta Alba Resort on Philippine Foreclosure Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between equity of redemption and statutory right of redemption in foreclosure cases.
Presidential Authority Over SBMA Awards and Limits of Injunctions in Government Contracts
Supreme Court ruling on presidential power to overturn SBMA bid awards and the limits of injunctive relief in government contracts.
Forum Shopping and Litis Pendentia: When Filing Two Suits Backfires
Explaining Quinsay v. Court of Appeals: why filing parallel cases for the same relief amounts to forum shopping and litis pendentia.
Forum Shopping in Philippine Courts: The Quinsay Case and Why Multiple Lawsuits Backfire
Forum shopping—filing multiple suits for the same dispute—can get cases dismissed. Learn the rules from the Supreme Court's ruling in Quinsay.
Amended Complaints and Court Jurisdiction: The Que v. Court of Appeals Rule
Amending a complaint to add parties or claims does not automatically strip a Philippine court of jurisdiction if the original cause of action remains intact.
Missed Deadlines Lost Cases Understanding Appeal Periods IN Philippine Real Estate Disputes
Learn how a 15-day appeal period in HLURB cases can bar your claim, from the SGMC Realty case.
Compromise Agreements in the Philippines: Why You Need a Special Power of Attorney
A lawyer cannot compromise a client's case without a special power of attorney. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Borrowers in Financial Distress
When is a deed of absolute sale really a mortgage? The Supreme Court explains how courts protect borrowers who sign sale documents under financial pressure.