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.
Unprobated Wills and Ejectment: Why Probate Is Required Before Claiming Property Rights in the Philippines
An unprobated will has no legal effect in Philippine courts. Learn why probate is mandatory before asserting inheritance rights in property disputes.
Ejectment Proceedings Ownership Disputes DO NOT Oust Metropolitan Trial Court Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that raising ownership issues in an ejectment case does not divest the Metropolitan Trial Court of jurisdiction over possession disputes.
Forcible Entry in the Philippines: Why Prior Possession Wins Cases
Learn how prior physical possession, not ownership, decides forcible entry cases in the Philippines, guided by Dumo v. Espinas.
When Can a Co-Owner File an Ejectment Suit in the Philippines? The Adlawan Rule
Philippine law lets a co-owner file ejectment, but only for the benefit of all co-owners—not for sole personal gain. Here's what Adlawan v. Adlawan teaches.
Bigamy and Presumptive Death: When a Second Marriage Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court explains why a judicial declaration of presumptive death is required before remarrying, and when bigamy applies.
Waiving Complaint Defects: How Trial Participation Impacts Jurisdiction
Learn how participating in trial can waive defects in an ejectment complaint, affecting jurisdiction over unlawful detainer cases.
Ejectment and Land Ownership: When a Titleholder's Right to Possession Prevails
Unlawful detainer cases focus on possession, not ownership. A Torrens title is conclusive proof of ownership and cannot be collaterally attacked.
Upholding Prior Possession When Courts Must Correct Errors in Forcible Entry Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when appellate courts may review factual findings in forcible entry cases, emphasizing prior physical possession.
Safeguarding the Ballot: Unauthorized Polling Place Transfers and Election Integrity in the Philippines
When can moving a polling place invalidate an election? The Supreme Court explains the rules on unauthorized transfers and election integrity.
Extradition in the Philippines: Balancing Due Process and International Cooperation
Philippine courts can provisionally rule on a plaintiff's death in ejectment cases, balancing due process with the need for swift resolution.
When Summary Proceedings Fail: Protecting Conjugal Property Rights During Spousal Incapacity
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that guardianship, not summary proceedings, governs disposal of conjugal property when a spouse is incapacitated.
Motion for Reconsideration Under Summary Procedure: The Lucas Doctrine
When can a litigant file a motion for reconsideration under summary procedure? The Supreme Court clarifies the exception for dismissal orders.
When Family Ties Meet Election Law: Disqualification for Acts of Terrorism
A spouse can be disqualified from office for election terrorism committed by her husband when the acts enhance her candidacy.
Decoding Stray Votes: How Philippine Courts Uphold Voter Intent in Elections
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on stray votes, nuisance candidates, and the primacy of voter intent in election canvassing.
Challenging Ejectment Delays: Certiorari When Summary Procedure Fails
Learn when certiorari can challenge indefinite suspension of ejectment cases under the Rules on Summary Procedure, per Go v. Court of Appeals.
Ejectment Case Immediate Execution and Tenant Rights in the Philippines
Learn how prescription and proper summons affect ejectment cases in the Philippines, and what tenants and owners should know.
Amending Pleadings When CAN YOU Change Your Legal Strategy
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts must consider late answers and jurisdictional challenges in summary procedure cases.
Indirect Contempt in the Philippines: Due Process and Enforcement of Court Orders
Explaining indirect contempt under Rule 71, due process requirements, and how courts enforce final orders through summary proceedings.