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.
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Heirs of Landowners Under CARP: No Separate Retention Rights After 1988
Supreme Court rules heirs of landowners who died after 1988 cannot claim separate retention rights under CARP; only the decedent's five-hectare limit applies.
Divorce Abroad and Filipino Spouses: Recognizing Foreign Judgments Under Article 26 of the Family Code
The Supreme Court clarifies when Philippine courts recognize foreign divorces obtained by Filipino spouses and their alien partners under Article 26.
Per Diem vs Honoraria: Defining Compensation Limits for Government Board Members
Supreme Court clarifies when government board members may receive honoraria beyond their per diem, and when approving officers may be held liable.
Quieting of Title: Proving Legal or Equitable Rights in Property Disputes
A quieting of title action requires proof of legal or equitable title. The Supreme Court explains the rules in Heirs of Eñano v. San Pedro Cineplex.
Probate Docket Fees and Publication Rules: What Bollozos v. Heirs of Aguilar Teaches
Supreme Court clarifies probate docket fee rules and publication requirements in allowance of wills cases.
When Delay Becomes Inordinate: Ombudsman's Slow Probe Nullifies Graft Indictment
The Supreme Court nullified a graft indictment against Southern Leyte officials, ruling the Ombudsman's 1,370-day preliminary investigation violated their right to speedy disposition.
Corporate Dissolution and Property Rights: Clarifying Successor Liability in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when dissolved corporations and their officers can be held liable for delivering property titles in subdivision disputes.
Safeguarding Public Trust: Court Personnel and the Duty to Manage Judicial Funds
A Supreme Court ruling holds a cash clerk liable for misappropriating court funds and reminds clerks of court of their supervisory duties.
Corporate Opportunity Doctrine: Directors Cannot Take Business Deals for Themselves
Supreme Court clarifies when corporate directors breach their duty of loyalty by taking business opportunities meant for the corporation.
Negligence of Counsel: Litigants Must Still Monitor Their Cases
Supreme Court rules that a litigant cannot blame counsel's negligence for missing appeal deadlines; clients must monitor their cases.
Double Titling in the Philippines: How to Protect Your Property Rights
Learn how Philippine courts handle double titling disputes and what property owners can do to protect their rights and avoid legal conflicts.
Overcoming Inheritance Disputes: How Courts Decide Property Sales Among Heirs
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a sale of inherited property among heirs may be voided and the land partitioned equally.
Can Heirs Challenge a Sale of Conjugal Property Made Without Spousal Consent?
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a sale of conjugal property without spousal consent is voidable, and who may challenge it.
The Indispensable Heir: Resolving Intra-Corporate Disputes Over Stock Ownership
The Supreme Court clarifies that failure to implead indispensable parties in intra-corporate disputes warrants remand, not dismissal.
Unilateral Interest Rate Hikes When Banks Overstep Their Bounds In Loan Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules on void unilateral interest rate hikes by banks, mutuality of contracts, and foreclosure validity.
Torrens Title vs. Long Possession: When Laches Bars a Registered Owner's Heir
The Supreme Court clarifies that a Torrens title is not absolute when the registered owner's heir sleeps on their rights for decades.
What a Notarized Deed Must Have: Lessons from a Philippine Property Dispute
A Supreme Court ruling on notarization requirements in a family property dispute, and what it means for heirs and property owners.
Ultra Vires Acts and Contract Validity: The SSS Loan Case Explained
When government agencies exceed their powers, contracts may be void. The Supreme Court explains ultra vires acts and their impact on Philippine contracts.
Unlocking Inheritance Rights Understanding Illegitimate Childrens Entitlement TO Estate Partition IN THE Phili
The Supreme Court clarifies how illegitimate children inherit from their father's estate and when they can demand partition.
Invalid Deeds and Heirs' Rights: The Colmenar Case on Property and Succession
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when heirs can challenge void deeds and how procedural rules protect buyers and property rights.
Prescription Prevails Upholding Land Title Integrity Against Delayed Claims
Supreme Court rules on property relations, donations between spouses, and heirs' rights in partition of land acquired during marriage.
Prescription and Laches Bar Heirs' Claim to Land Despite Prior Possession
Supreme Court rules that a Torrens title issued in 1932 cannot be attacked decades later, even by claimants alleging prior possession.
Understanding the Limits of Government Audit Jurisdiction: Insights from the Pagcor Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of COA audit jurisdiction over government-owned or controlled corporations and their subsidiaries.
What Happens to an Administrative Case When the Respondent Dies? (Philippines)
Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether death of a respondent ends a pending administrative case, citing due process and heirs' protection.