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.
Revocation of Teacher’s License, Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies, and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies due process in administrative cases and the distinction between dishonesty and simple negligence in license revocation proceedings.
Protecting Your Brand Online: Trademark Rights and Domain Names in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects trademark rights in domain names, and what the Kolin case means for your brand's online presence.
Proving Foreign Law in Philippine Courts: Divorce Recognition After Rivera v. Woo Namsun
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to prove a foreign divorce decree and foreign law in Philippine courts.
When Can the State Reclaim Private Land? The Rule on Reversion Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarifies the heavy burden the State must overcome to revert titled private land to public domain.
Ancestral Domain Disputes Between Same Indigenous Community: NCIP Jurisdiction Explained
When both parties belong to the same indigenous cultural community, the NCIP—not regular courts—has jurisdiction over ancestral domain disputes.
DNA Evidence and Presumption of Legitimacy: Filiation Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled DNA evidence can establish filiation despite the presumption of legitimacy, prioritizing the child's best interests.
Supreme Court Upholds Mandatory SOCE Filing Deadline, Balances Rule of Law with Equity
The Supreme Court ruled COMELEC gravely abused discretion in extending the SOCE filing deadline, but applied the operative fact doctrine.
Res Judicata and Foreign Judgments: What Property Disputes Teach Us About Finality
Philippine courts won't take judicial notice of foreign judgments. Learn the rules on res judicata, litis pendentia, and proof of foreign pleadings.
When Property Division Follows a Void Marriage: Philippine Supreme Court Guidance
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies property division rules after void marriages, protecting parties' rights and ensuring equitable outcomes.
Estoppel in Mortgage Foreclosures: Protecting Borrowers From Unfair Actions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on co-owner rights in recovery of possession, clarifying when partition is not required before filing ejectment actions.
Probate of an Alien's Will in the Philippines: Nationality Principle Explained
Philippine courts can probate a foreigner's will executed in the Philippines. The nationality principle does not strip local courts of jurisdiction.
Understanding Mitigating Circumstances in Administrative Penalties: A Case of Fairness in Government Service
Explore how mitigating circumstances affect administrative penalties in Philippine government service, promoting fairness and proportionality in disciplinary actions.
Proving Foreign Divorce in the Philippines: The Authentication Requirement
Philippine courts require strict authentication of foreign divorce decrees and the alien spouse's national law before a Filipino can remarry.
The Doctrine of Reasonable Reliance: When Public Officials Are Not Liable for Subordinates' Errors
The Supreme Court clarifies that heads of office may rely on subordinates in good faith, reversing a gross neglect finding against a Registrar of Deeds.
Navigating Civil Service Misconduct: Penalties and Mitigating Factors in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on fake civil service eligibility explains when mitigating circumstances can reduce dismissal to suspension.
Divorce Abroad: How Philippine Courts Recognize Foreign Decrees After Galapon v. Republic
The Supreme Court clarifies that foreign divorce decrees obtained jointly by a Filipino and alien spouse may be recognized under Article 26(2) of the Family Code.
Quantum Meruit and Government Contracts: Fair Compensation for Completed Projects
When can a contractor recover payment from the government without a written contract? The Supreme Court explains quantum meruit.
Quantum Meruit Claims Against the Government: Payment for Services Without a Written Contract
The Supreme Court clarifies when contractors can recover payment from the government on quantum meruit even without a written contract.
Upholding Watershed Preservation When Ancestral Land Claims Clash With Environmental Protection In Baguio
The Supreme Court rules that pending ancestral land claims do not justify injunctions against demolition in the Busol Watershed, prioritizing environmental preservation.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as Just Cause: Balancing Employer Rights and Due Process in Termination Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal, and when employers still owe employees procedural due process.
Corporate President's Authority to Sign Demand Letters and Verification in Unlawful Detainer
Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate president may validly issue demand letters and sign pleadings without a board resolution.
Divorce Abroad: A Filipino Spouse's Right to Remarry After a Foreign Divorce
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Filipino can remarry after a foreign divorce, even if the Filipino initiated the divorce proceedings abroad.
Divorce Abroad: Clarifying the Scope of Recognition and Remarriage for Filipinos
The Supreme Court clarifies when a foreign divorce decree is recognized in the Philippines and how a Filipino spouse may remarry.
Divorce Decree Recognition in Bigamy Cases: Strict Proof of Foreign Law Required
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that foreign divorce decrees need strict proof and recognition before a Filipino can validly remarry.