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.
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.
Discretionary Execution Pending Appeal: When Philippine Courts Can Enforce Judgments Immediately
Learn when Philippine courts may order execution pending appeal, the "good reasons" required, and how the Supreme Court applies Rule 39.
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.
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.
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.
Fighting Eviction: Why Exhausting Administrative Remedies Is Your First Step in Philippine Property Disputes
Learn from Zabat v. Court of Appeals: why exhausting administrative remedies before suing in court is crucial in Philippine property disputes.
Frustrated Murder vs Homicide: The Decisive Role of Premeditation in Philippine Law
When does a killing become murder? The Supreme Court explains why evident premeditation is essential and how its absence downgrades frustrated murder to homicide.
Rescission of Contract to Sell: Your Rights to Refunds and Interest in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contract to sell rescission clarifies buyer's right to refund of installments and interest payments.
Winning Your Case With Evidence Understanding Document Admissibility IN Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts rule on document admissibility, authentication, and probative value from the W-Red Construction case.
Motion to Dismiss Trap: Why Filing One Can Waive Your Right to Claim Damages in Philippine Courts
Learn how filing a motion to dismiss in Philippine courts can waive your right to claim damages, based on a Supreme Court ruling.