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.
Willful Failure to Pay Just Debts: Disciplinary Risks for Philippine Government Employees
Philippine public servants can face administrative discipline for willful failure to pay just debts, even after settlement. Learn the rules and risks.
Boundary Disputes in the Philippines: When Creeks Change Course, Ownership Stays Put
Philippine courts uphold original property boundaries even when creeks are diverted. Learn how Pang-oden v. Leonen protects land titles.
Rescission Rights in Pacto de Retro Sales: When Can a Seller Reclaim Property
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seller can rescind a pacto de retro sale and reclaim property from a defaulting buyer.
Falsifying Time Records in Public Service: A Path to Dishonesty Charges
Learn how falsifying time records leads to dishonesty charges in Philippine public service, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Squatters Rights in Ejectment Cases: Possession Disputes Between Informal Settlers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on squatters rights in ejectment cases—prior physical possession matters even between informal settlers on public land.
Judicial Efficiency vs Due Process: Balancing Speed and Fairness in Case Resolution
A sheriff's failure to implement a writ shows how judicial efficiency and due process must be balanced in Philippine courts.
DOLE Philippines v. Esteva: Labor-Only Contracting and Regular Employment Rights
Supreme Court ruling on labor-only contracting, regular employment, and employer liability in DOLE Philippines v. Esteva (G.R. No. 161115).
Government Incentives When Must Employees Repay Disallowed Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when government employees must refund disallowed incentive benefits, distinguishing good faith recipients from approving officers.
Novation and Insurance Claims: Contractual Obligations in Secured Transactions
When a mortgaged car is carnapped, does insurance payment extinguish the loan? The Supreme Court clarifies novation rules.
Hidden Defects and Time Limits: Understanding Warranty Claims in the Philippines
Learn the prescriptive periods for implied warranty claims in the Philippines, from the Civil Code and Consumer Act, explained simply.
Timber License vs Contract: DENR Authority Over Forest Resources
Supreme Court ruling on whether a timber license agreement and presidential warranty create vested rights against DENR's regulatory authority over forest resources.
Sheriffs Authority Limits and Liabilities in Property Demolition in the Philippines
When can a sheriff demolish property during execution? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of a sheriff's authority and liability in demolition cases.
Conjugal Partnership and Surety Agreements: When a Spouse's Guaranty Does Not Bind the Family
When a husband signs a surety agreement for a third party, the conjugal partnership is not automatically liable. Here's why.
Malicious Prosecution in Estafa Cases: When a Criminal Complaint Becomes a Tort
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing an estafa complaint without probable cause constitutes malicious prosecution, making the complainant liable for damages.
Who's the Boss? Determining Employer Liability in Labor-Only Contracting
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a principal employer becomes solidarily liable with a labor-only contractor for workers' claims.
Spanish Titles vs Torrens System: What Landowners Must Know After SBMA Ruling
A 2006 Supreme Court ruling confirms Spanish-era titles are no longer valid proof of land ownership in the Philippines. Here's what it means for property claims.
Co-Owner's Sale of Undivided Share: When a Second Sale Is Void
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on co-ownership, double sale, and reconveyance actions. Learn the rules on land titles and fraud.
Property Transfers in Common-Law Relationships: Navigating Legal Restrictions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property transfers to common-law spouses, void sales, and conjugal property rules explained.
Lease Extension Balancing Landlord Rights and Tenant Long-Term Occupancy
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may extend a lease under Article 1687 and how to compute reasonable rent after expiration.
Railroad Negligence: Defining the Scope of Duty and Liability at Railroad Crossings
Philippine National Railways v. Brunty clarifies railroad crossing safety duties, contributory negligence, and damage awards under Philippine tort law.
Can an Employee Be Denied Retirement Benefits for Breach of Trust?
The Supreme Court rules on whether a bank manager validly dismissed for breach of trust can still claim retirement benefits after his compulsory retirement date had passed.
Res Judicata Bars Second Nullity Suit on Different Ground
A final denial of a marriage nullity petition bars a second suit, even on a different ground like lack of marriage license.
When a Waiver Revives Rights: Property Disputes and Quitclaims in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a default order in land registration cases does not bar the government from appealing, and explains the limits of waiver in property disputes.
Falsification of Public Documents: When Collective Signatures Do Not Equal Collective Guilt
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies individual criminal liability for falsification of public documents in collective decision-making bodies like the PBAC.