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.
Technical Malversation in the Philippines: When Is Public Fund Misuse Illegal
The Supreme Court clarifies technical malversation under of the Revised Penal Code and when public fund diversion becomes a crime.
When Presence Is Not Enough: Understanding Accomplice Liability in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that mere presence or even physical restraint does not make one an accomplice absent community of criminal design.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Your Property Rights in the Philippines
When is a deed of absolute sale actually an equitable mortgage? Philippine law protects borrowers who sign sale documents to secure loans.
Execution Pending Appeal in the Philippines: When 'Good Reasons' Justify Immediate Judgment Enforcement
Learn when Philippine courts allow execution pending appeal, the 'good reasons' required under Rule 39, and key lessons from Bangkok Bank vs. Lee.
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.
Succession in Lease Agreements: Heirs' Obligations and Contractual Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lease succession, heirs' obligations, and contractual liabilities in property sales with boundaries.
Area vs Boundaries in Philippine Property Sales: What Buyers Must Know
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when stated land area prevails over boundaries in property sales, and when price adjustments apply.
Corporate Officer Liability When Signing Loan Documents Leads to Criminal Charges in the Philippines
Learn when signing loan documents as a corporate officer can trigger criminal liability in the Philippines, based on Supreme Court rulings.
Agricultural Leasehold Contracts: When Are They Void? Land Ownership and Tenancy Rights Explained
Learn when agricultural leasehold contracts are void under Philippine law, and how land ownership and DARAB jurisdiction affect tenancy rights.
Administrative Accountability: When Can You File a Complaint Against a Philippine Court Employee
Learn when a complaint against court personnel prospers or fails, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Mikrostar Industrial Corporation v. Mabalot.
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.
Upholding Ethical Boundaries: Attorney-Client Privilege and Conflict of Interest in Disbarment Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers may be disciplined for representing conflicting interests, even across different cases and clients.
Tax Refund vs Tax Credit: Understanding the Irrevocability of Choices in Philippine Tax Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a tax refund or tax credit choice becomes irrevocable under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Defamation vs. Press Freedom: Balancing Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Journalists v. Thoenen clarifies when media cannot claim privilege for defamatory reports about private individuals.
Falsification of Private Documents: Intent to Damage Is Key in Philippine Law
Philippine law requires proof of intent to cause damage for falsification of private documents. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: When the LRA Can Cancel a Sham Torrens Title
The Supreme Court clarifies when the LRA and CA can order cancellation of a spurious Torrens title in administrative reconstitution proceedings.
Tenant Rights in the Philippines: Proving Agricultural Tenancy and Its Implications
Learn how Philippine courts determine agricultural tenancy, tenant rights to redemption, and what a Certificate of Land Transfer means for landowners and lessees.
Delegation of Authority in Tax Assessments: When a Subordinate's Demand Letter Becomes Final
Learn when a demand letter from a BIR subordinate officer counts as the Commissioner's final decision on a protested tax assessment, and why timing matters.
When Can an Employee Be Dropped From the Rolls? Understanding AWOL and Due Process
The Supreme Court explains when government employees may be dropped from the rolls for AWOL without prior notice or hearing.
Probationary Employment in Academia: Ateneo's Right to Set Standards for Faculty Retention
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that universities may set their own standards for probationary faculty retention, and how the Manual of Regulations for Private Schools applies.
Third-Party Rights in Philippine Contracts: When Can You Enforce an Agreement You Didn’t Sign?
Philippine law generally limits contract enforcement to parties, their assigns, and heirs. Learn the exception under stipulation pour autrui.
Poor Performance vs Neglect: Defining Just Cause for Employee Termination in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when poor work performance justifies termination and when it does not, explaining the legal distinction.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: Why Choosing the Right Court Matters
Learn how Philippine courts penalize lawyer negligence and forum shopping, and why choosing the right court protects your case.
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.