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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Barangay Conciliation Substantial Compliance Sufficient For Unlawful Detainer Cases
Substantial compliance with barangay conciliation suffices for unlawful detainer cases, even without pangkat proceedings, per Zamora v. Heirs of Izquierdo.
Clerks of Court as Notaries: Limits on Ex Officio Notarial Powers
Clerks of court are ex officio notaries, but their notarial powers extend only to official duties—not private documents.
When Can Heirs Sue for Partition: Co-Ownership Rules in Inheritance Disputes
Learn when heirs can demand partition of inherited property, the rules on co-ownership, and how Philippine courts resolve inheritance disputes.
Recovering Ill-Gotten Wealth: The State's Right to Sue Public Officials' Heirs
The Supreme Court affirms the State's right to recover ill-gotten wealth from the heirs of public officials, free from prescription, laches, or estoppel.
Implied Trust and Reconveyance: When a Lawyer Holds Property for a Brother's Heirs
The Supreme Court explains when a lawyer holds property in implied trust for family, and why laches did not bar the claim.
Option to Purchase vs Contract to Sell: Understanding Property Rights and Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between an option to purchase and a contract to sell, and the consequences of failing to comply with their terms.
Contract of Sale vs Contract to Sell: Clarifying Obligations in Property Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies distinctions between contract of sale and contract to sell, and their impact on property rights and obligations.
Trust AND Title Upholding Heir Rights Despite Torrens Registration
Supreme Court voids a deed transferring conjugal land to illegitimate children, ruling Torrens titles cannot cure a void contract.
Sheriffs' Duty to Timely Execute Writs and Accountability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs' duty to enforce writs promptly and their accountability for actions that delay execution.
Union Misrepresentation Can Void Certification Elections: The DHL-URFA Case
When union officers lie about their affiliation before a certification election, workers may get a new vote. The Supreme Court explains why.
Serving Time Before Deportation: Criminal and Immigration Law Intersect
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that convicted aliens must serve their prison sentence before deportation under the Immigration Act of 1940.
Perils of Independent Action: Why Government Agencies Must Heed Legal Counsel
A Supreme Court ruling reminds government agencies that the Solicitor General is their counsel of record, and that ignoring counsel can cost them their case entirely.
Extending Compassion Death Benefits After Retirement Under THE Employees Compensation ACT
Can a retired teacher's heirs claim death benefits under PD 626 if the illness began during service? The Supreme Court says yes.
Settlement Trumps Appeal: The Binding Force of Compromise Agreements in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on compromise agreements, their binding effect, and limits on appeal rights.
Flight From Justice: How Fugitive Status Can Bar Appeal Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how a fugitive's escape from custody can lead to dismissal of their appeal and loss of legal remedies.
Possession, Donation, and Ejectment: What the Sevilla Florencio Ruling Teaches
A Supreme Court ejectment ruling shows why an unregistered deed of donation cannot defeat the registered owner's heirs and how possession cases are decided.
Unregistered Donation vs Registered Title: Resolving Property Ownership Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether an unregistered deed of donation can defeat the rights of heirs of a registered property owner.
Res Judicata Prevails Reclaiming A Shared Inheritance Despite Past Disputes
Learn how res judicata bars re-litigating inheritance claims after a final judgment, and what this means for co-heirs.
When Ambiguity Clouds Inheritance Agreements: The Quiros v. Arjona Ruling
A barangay settlement left the land unidentified. The Supreme Court ruled the deal valid but unenforceable, pointing heirs to reformation instead of nullity.
When a Lawyer Turns Against a Client: The Price of Delayed Justice
A lawyer who filed a baseless reformation suit against former clients to profit from their land's rising value was suspended for gross misconduct.
Judicial Accountability: Upholding the Law and Preventing Delays in Election Protests
The Supreme Court reminds courts of their duty to uphold the law and avoid premature dismissals in election protest cases.
Corporate Officer Liability: The Fine Line Between Duty and Illegal Recruitment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when corporate officers may be held liable for illegal recruitment committed by their company.
Derivative Citizenship: How a Parent's Naturalization Can Grant Citizenship to Their Children
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a parent's naturalization confers derivative citizenship on minor children born in the Philippines.
Estate Sales Require Court Approval Protecting Heirs Rights In Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why estate property sales need court approval to protect heirs' rights.