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.
Ensuring Fair Representation: The Constitutionality of Legislative District Creation Based on Population
The Supreme Court struck down a law creating Malolos City's legislative district for failing the 250,000 population requirement and territorial contiguity rule.
Docket Fees and Estoppel in Lease Termination: Metrobank v. Perez
Supreme Court clarifies when late payment of docket fees is allowed and when a party is barred from raising jurisdiction.
Motion for Reconsideration: A Necessary Step Before Filing Certiorari
Learn why Philippine courts require a motion for reconsideration before a Rule 65 certiorari petition, as shown in this Supreme Court ruling.
Corporate Rehabilitation, Foreclosure, and Judicial Independence: Key Lessons from Rombe Eximtrade
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when courts may issue injunctions against foreclosure after a rehabilitation case is dismissed.
From Murder to Homicide When Sudden Attacks Lack Treachery in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden attack qualifies as treachery and when it does not, reducing murder to homicide.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Supreme Court Clarifies Standards in Faustino Co Shu Kiam v. Republic
Supreme Court clarifies rules on reconstitution of lost certificates of title, balancing strict compliance with practical realities of destroyed land records.
Attorney's Fees Need Explicit Justification in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts cannot award attorney's fees without stating factual and legal basis in the decision's text, as clarified by the Supreme Court.
Dismissed Appeal: Why Timely Docket Fee Payment Is Non-Negotiable in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court affirms that paying appellate docket fees on time is mandatory and jurisdictional—late payment can kill an appeal.
Why the Dispositive Portion of a Final Judgment Controls in Philippine Courts
A final judgment is immutable. The dispositive portion, not the body, controls. Learn the rule from Florentino v. Rivera.
Estoppel and Foreign Corporations: Can a Philippine Company Deny a Foreign Firm's Right to Sue?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a local company is estopped from questioning a foreign corporation's capacity to sue after contracting with it.
Lenient Application of Procedural Rules Upholds Justice in Agrarian Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court rules courts may relax procedural rules to serve substantial justice, citing a 2003 agrarian case.
Valid Service of Summons: Protecting Due Process in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on personal service of summons, due process, and annulment of judgments in Lazaro v. Rural Bank.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Court Clarifies Burden of Proof Under RA 26
Supreme Court clarifies the rules on judicial reconstitution of lost titles, emphasizing the order of sources and burden of proof under RA 26.
Independent Counsel Requirement in Custodial Investigation: The Velarde Case
A mayor acting as counsel during custodial investigation is not independent, making confessions inadmissible and leading to acquittal.
Finality of Judgments, Jurisdiction, and Forum Shopping in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains when judgments become final, how appeals affect jurisdiction, and what constitutes forum shopping.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: What the Supreme Court Said in Faustino Co Shu Kiam
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on judicial reconstitution of lost certificates of title under Republic Act No. 26.
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.
Navigating Telecommunications Franchises: Competition vs. Public Interest
A 1996 Supreme Court ruling on government telephone operations clarifies that franchises are not exclusive and competition serves the public interest.
Final Executory Judgments and Ejectment: Why Ownership Disputes Do Not Bar Execution
A final ejectment judgment cannot be blocked by a later ownership ruling. The Soco v. Court of Appeals case explains the limits.
Ethical Boundaries for Court Employees: Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
A court stenographer was fined for processing land titles for litigants. Learn the ethical rules for court personnel.
Child Witness Testimony in Philippine Courts: Competency and Credibility Standards
Philippine courts evaluate child witness competency case-by-case. Learn the standards from People v. Mendoza and practical takeaways.