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.
Successor Beware: Why Due Diligence Is Key to Avoiding Prior Judgments in Philippine Property Law
A buyer of Philippine property can be bound by a court judgment against its seller, even if not named in the suit. Learn the due diligence lesson from Eternal Gardens v. Court of Appeals.
Stock Pledge in the Philippines: When Can a Pledgee Demand Ownership and Stock Transfer
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a pledgee of shares can demand stock transfer and ownership rights under a contract of pledge.
Right of Way Easements in the Philippines: The Least Prejudice Rule and Due Process
Philippine courts require hearing all affected landowners in right of way disputes. Learn the least prejudice rule from Almendras v. Court of Appeals.
Missed Pre-Trial and Default Orders: What Victory Liner v. Viron Means for Businesses
Philippine Supreme Court explains when missing a pre-trial can lead to default orders and why businesses must ensure proper representation.
Final Judgment Is Final: Understanding Annulment of Judgment in the Philippines
When can a final criminal judgment be annulled? The Supreme Court explains the limits of annulment of judgment and due process.
Selling Inherited Property During Probate: What Heirs Should Know
Can an heir sell inherited property while probate is pending? The Supreme Court explains when court approval is needed and when it is not.
Buyer’s Right to Specific Performance When a Seller Backs Out of a Contract to Sell
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that sellers cannot unilaterally rescind a Contract to Sell, and buyers may sue for specific performance.
When Does a New Agreement Override an Old One? Philippine Contract Law Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a later agreement novates an earlier contract, and when both documents must be read together.
Decoding Tax Exemptions: Why Philippine Courts Demand Explicit Language
Philippine courts construe tax exemptions strictly against the grantee. Learn from Davao Gulf Lumber Corp. v. CIR why explicit statutory language is essential.
Stock Dividends and Documentary Stamp Tax: Par Value vs Actual Value in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether documentary stamp tax on stock dividends is based on par value or book value.
Wrong Court, Wrong Remedy: Appeals From Labor Arbiter Decisions in the Philippines
Learn why a Labor Arbiter decision must be appealed to the NLRC, not the RTC, and how choosing the wrong remedy can make a judgment final and executory.
Navigating Litis Pendentia and Forum Shopping: When Multiple Lawsuits Can Proceed in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when two cases involving the same parties can proceed without violating litis pendentia or forum shopping rules.
Illegal Fishing with Explosives: What the Supreme Court Says About Presumptions and Penalties
Learn how Philippine courts handle illegal fishing cases, the legal presumption from fish samples, and why indeterminate sentencing matters.
Presumption of Illegal Fishing: What Fishermen Need to Know About Dynamite Fishing Laws in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts apply the presumption of illegal fishing in dynamite fishing cases, what evidence convicts, and the penalties under P.D. 704.
Due Process in NLRC Appeals: Why Employers Must Be Heard
Philippine Supreme Court rules on due process in labor appeals, explaining why the NLRC cannot decide cases without giving both parties a chance to be heard.
Corporate Mergers and Contract Enforcement: Successor Liability in the Philippines
When a Philippine corporation merges, the surviving company assumes all rights and liabilities—even for contracts signed after the merger agreement.
Objection Sustained: Mastering Evidence Admissibility and Protecting Rights in Philippine Courts
Learn when to object to evidence in Philippine courts. The Macasiray ruling explains the proper timing of objections and the protection of constitutional rights.
Premature Foreclosure and Damages Claims: What Happens After the Auction Sale
Philippine Supreme Court rules foreclosure sale does not moot a damages claim for premature foreclosure. Know the legal implications.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Understanding Sudden Attack in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder cases through a sudden stabbing attack, clarifying the elements and legal consequences.
Perfecting CAR Sales Contracts IN THE Philippines Understanding Buyer Rights AND Seller Obligations
Learn when a car sale contract is perfected in the Philippines, buyer rights, and seller obligations from the Xentrex Automotive case.
Home Lot Rights in Philippine Tenancy: Only the Tenant is Entitled
The Supreme Court clarifies that only the tenant, not family members, may claim a home lot under RA 1199, Section 22(3).
Absolute vs Conditional Sale Understanding Philippine Real Estate Contracts
Learn the key differences between absolute and conditional sales in Philippine real estate, and what the Supreme Court says about buyer and seller rights.
Res Judicata in Philippine Courts: Why Final Judgments Bind Property Disputes
Final judgments bar relitigation of the same property dispute. Learn how res judicata works in Philippine courts.
Lumber vs. Timber: What Illegal Logging Laws Mean for Your Business
The Supreme Court ruled that lumber is timber under Philippine forestry law. Know what documents you need to avoid illegal possession charges.