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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Tax Declarations and Property Ownership: When a Summary Judgment Oversteps
The Supreme Court clarifies when a partial summary judgment ordering a tax declaration constitutes grave abuse of discretion, and the proper remedy to challenge it.
Partial Summary Judgments: When Grave Abuse of Discretion Opens the Door to Certiorari
The Supreme Court clarifies when a partial summary judgment may be assailed via certiorari, and why a tax declaration case involving BCDA fell under grave abuse of discretion.
Protecting Land Rights: Innocent Purchaser Status and Due Diligence in Property Sales
The Supreme Court clarifies when summary judgment is improper in property disputes involving claims of innocent purchaser status and good faith.
Escrow Funds and Execution of Judgments: Rights of Third-Party Banks Clarified
Supreme Court clarifies when escrow funds may be reached in executing money judgments, protecting third-party banks from premature court orders.
Upholding Final Judgments: The Prohibition Against Defiance of Court Orders
The Supreme Court reiterates that final judgments are immutable and must be obeyed, even by government entities, in National Steel Corporation v. City of Iligan.
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.
When a Lawyer Promises a Fixed Outcome: Disbarment for Influence Peddling and Neglect
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer who promised an antedated annulment judgment through connections, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Attorney Disbarred for Promising Favorable Judgment Through Influence Peddling
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer who promised clients a favorable annulment judgment through connections, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Safeguarding Justice: Private Parties' Right to Question Criminal Judgments
The Supreme Court clarifies when private offended parties may question criminal judgments and acquittals in the Philippines.
Candidate Eligibility: No Automatic Disqualification for Unpaid Taxes Absent Express Court Order
Supreme Court clarifies that unpaid taxes do not automatically disqualify a candidate absent an express penalty in a final court judgment.
Annulment of Judgment: Jurisdiction vs. Exercise of Authority in Land Title Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between lack of jurisdiction and excess of jurisdiction in annulment of judgment cases involving land titles.
Genuine Factual Disputes Prevent Summary Judgment: A Deep Dive
Explore when Philippine courts deny summary judgment due to genuine factual disputes, as illustrated by Aljem's Credit Investors Corp. v. Bautista.
Tax Liens vs Judgment Credits: Priority Disputes in Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on when a tax lien beats a judgment creditor's levy on real property under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Disbarment for Attorney Misconduct and Negligence in Handling Client Affairs
Supreme Court disbars lawyer for unauthorized representation, conflict of interest, and mishandling client funds in a revival of judgment case.
Finality of Labor Judgments: DMCI vs Bernadas on Land Registration and Execution
Supreme Court affirms that final labor judgments are immutable and registrable, and that appeals must be filed on time.
Death of Accused Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal Liability
When an accused dies before final judgment, criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished. Learn the rule and exceptions.
Finality of Judgments: Supreme Court's Stance on Modifying Executory Decisions in the Veloso Case
The Supreme Court reaffirms the immutability of final judgments, denying the OSG's bid to modify the Veloso deposition ruling.
Compromise Agreements and Third Party Rights: Protecting Property Interests in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on compromise agreements, third party rights, property interests, and execution of judgments explained in plain language.
Upholding Property Rights: The Binding Effect of Contracts on Subsequent Owners in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains when contracts bind third-party buyers and why timely execution of judgments matters in property disputes.
Enforcing Foreign Judgments Philippine Courts Balance Comity AND Domestic Policy
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on enforcing foreign judgments, service of summons, and limits on interest awards.
Final Judgment Immutability: Why an Order of Execution Cannot Be Appealed
The Supreme Court clarifies that orders of execution are not appealable, upholding the immutability of final judgments in ejectment cases.
Equitable Interest: How Liquidating Dividends Impact Foreign Land Ownership in the Philippines
SC ruling on whether a foreign stockholder's liquidating dividends in Philippine land may be levied to satisfy judgment debts.
Divorce Recognition in the Philippines: Navigating Foreign Judgments and Civil Status Changes
The Supreme Court clarifies the proper procedure for recognizing foreign divorce decrees and changing civil status in the Philippines.
Corporate Veil and Judgment Execution: Can a Successor Corporation Be Held Liable?
When a judgment debtor's assets pass to another corporation, can the winner enforce the judgment against the successor? The Supreme Court explains.