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.
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.
Priority in Litigation: Determining Which Case Prevails in Overlapping Contract Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts resolve overlapping contract disputes and which case prevails when judgments appear to conflict.
Lessor’s Liability for Defects and Repairs: Key Lessons from De Ysasi v. Arceo
Learn when Philippine lessors are liable for property defects and repairs, and why lessee inspection matters under De Ysasi v. Arceo.
Double Sale of Land: Why Prior Registration Alone Does Not Win Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in double sales of land, prior registration only prevails if the second buyer acted in good faith throughout.
Upholding Contractual Agreements: Trust Receipts and Surety Agreements in Loan Obligations
The Supreme Court reaffirms that contracts are the law between parties, enforcing stipulated interest, penalties, and service charges in trust receipt loan transactions.
Right of First Refusal in Property Sales: A Binding Contractual Obligation
When is a right of first refusal enforceable in Philippine property sales? The Supreme Court clarifies in PUP v. Firestone Ceramics.
Extradition in the Philippines: Balancing Due Process and International Cooperation
Philippine courts can provisionally rule on a plaintiff's death in ejectment cases, balancing due process with the need for swift resolution.
Special Appearance and Summons: When It Does Not Mean Consent to Jurisdiction
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that special appearances to question summons do not waive jurisdictional objections, and substituted service has strict rules.
Partnership vs Employment: Sharing Profits in Lending Ventures Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when profit-sharing in a lending business creates a partnership, not an employment relationship, and how profits are computed.
Proving a Lost Lease with Secondary Evidence and Ejectment Rights in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts allow secondary evidence to prove a lost lease contract, and when a lessor may eject a non-paying tenant.
The Fine Line: Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Criminal Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy, evidence, and the burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt in criminal prosecutions.
Interest on Penalties: The Limits of Compounding in Loan Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when interest may be charged on unpaid penalty charges in loan contracts, and when courts may reduce unconscionable penalties.
Simulated Sales in Philippine Law: Why Fictitious Contracts Are Void
A simulated deed of sale has no legal effect, and the resulting title must be cancelled. The Supreme Court explains why in pari delicto does not apply to fictitious contracts.
Questioning Authenticity When A Deed Of Sale Fails The Test Of Due Execution
When can a deed of sale be declared void? The Supreme Court explains the rules on due execution and authenticity.
Acting Secretary's One-Day Salary Counts for Terminal Leave Pay Computation
Supreme Court rules a designated Acting Secretary's higher salary, even for one day, determines terminal leave pay basis.
Acting Secretary's One-Day Salary Counts for Terminal Leave Pay
Supreme Court rules that a government official's terminal leave pay must be computed using the highest salary received, including pay from an acting appointment.
Prescription Period Bars Attorney's Fee Collection After Six Years
Supreme Court rules lawyers have six years to collect fees under oral contracts; failure to timely file bars the claim.
Upholding Tenants' Rights: The Doctrine of Right of First Refusal in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tenants' right of first refusal in property sales, explained in plain language for property owners and lessees.
Foreclosure and the Right to Possession: Protecting Bank Assets in Liquidation
A bank in liquidation can still seek a writ of possession over foreclosed property. Learn the rules on jurisdiction, intervention, and redemption.
Diminished Liability When Lack of Treachery Reduces Murder to Homicide
When does a killing become homicide instead of murder? The Supreme Court explains how the absence of treachery lowers the crime and its penalty.
Alien Land Ownership: Constitutional Ban Survives Even After Heirs Become Filipino Citizens
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land reconstitution, alien ownership bans, and how Filipino heirship cures constitutional defects.
Alien Land Ownership and Pari Delicto: When Title Reverts to the State
Explaining the pari delicto doctrine in alien land sales, and when the State—not the vendor—may pursue reversion of title.
Premature Execution Judgment Required Before Enforcing Court Orders
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a writ of execution requires a final judgment, voiding premature enforcement in David v. Velasco.
Chattel vs Real Property: How Mortgage Classification Affects Foreclosure Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when machinery is chattel or real property, and why classification determines what a mortgage covers.