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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Default Judgments and Proper Notice: Lessons from DBP v. Perez
A 2004 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when default judgments are valid and why notice requirements protect due process in Philippine courts.
Naturalization Hearings: Resetting Dates and Jurisdictional Requirements
The Supreme Court ruled that resetting a naturalization hearing to a date outside prohibited periods does not require republication of the notice when publication rules were met.
Citizenship Reacquisition Completing Repatriation FOR Elective Office Eligibility
When must a repatriated citizen complete the requirements to run for local office? The Supreme Court explains.
Loan Agreements and Legal Interest: Written Requirements and Civil Liability After Acquittal
Explaining Eusebio-Calderon v. People: why oral interest agreements are void, when acquittal still leaves civil liability, and the legal interest rules.
Default Orders and Due Process: The SSS Case on Lifting Defaults
A default order isn't automatically lifted by invoking due process. Learn the strict requirements for setting it aside.
Due Process and Appeal Rights in Land Title Disputes: Apuyan v. Haldeman
A look at Apuyan v. Haldeman on appeal perfection, final orders, and free patent requirements in Philippine land disputes.
Habeas Corpus and the Family Code: When Child Custody Battles Meet Technical Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus petitions for child custody must comply with Article 151 compromise requirements and barangay conciliation rules.
Void Donations: Absence of Public Instrument Nullifies Property Transfer Despite Intent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void oral donations of immovable property and the formal requirements under Article 749 of the Civil Code.
Notice Requirements in Foreclosure: When Lack of Specificity Matters
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when failure to allege lack of publication in foreclosure complaints bars relief for mortgagors.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: The Imperative of Primary Evidence and Due Diligence in Land Registration
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reconstitution of lost titles, emphasizing primary evidence requirements and due diligence in land registration cases.
Protecting Marital Property: Understanding Consent Requirements in Real Estate Sales
The Supreme Court clarifies when spousal consent is required for real estate sales and the difference between contracts to sell and deeds of sale.
When a "Duplicate Original" Becomes a Technicality: Velasco v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when a "duplicate original" copy satisfies appeal requirements, and when dismissal for technicality becomes grave abuse of discretion.
When Self-Defense Fails: Unlawful Aggression and Retaliation in Homicide Cases
Understand when self-defense claims fail in Philippine homicide cases, focusing on unlawful aggression and retaliation requirements.
Self-Defense, Unlawful Aggression, and Firearm Confiscation in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies self-defense requirements, unauthorized firearm use as aggravating circumstance, and rightful confiscation of licensed firearms.
Illegal Dismissal and Employer-Employee Relationship in Philippine Labor Law
Learn how the Supreme Court protects employee rights in illegal dismissal cases, including the employer-employee relationship test and due process requirements.
Illegal Dismissal and Abandonment: What Employers Must Prove in Philippine Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies abandonment and due process requirements in illegal dismissal cases, protecting employee rights under the Labor Code.
Party List Registration: What It Takes to Represent Marginalized Sectors
The Supreme Court clarifies the requirements for party-list registration and representation of marginalized sectors in the Philippines.
Perfected Contract of Sale vs Ejectment: Clarifying Obligations in Property Law
Supreme Court clarifies rules on ejectment, supersedeas bonds, and procedural requirements in property disputes under Philippine law.
Illegal Dismissal: Employer's Burden of Proof and Due Process in Termination Cases
Learn the Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, the employer's burden of proof, and due process requirements in employee termination cases.
Forcible Entry Survey Requirements in Summary Procedure Cases: What the Supreme Court Says
Learn how Philippine courts resolve unlawful detainer cases, why Torrens titles prevail, and what summary procedure means for possession disputes.
Business Closure and Employee Rights: Employer Obligations in Termination
Understand employer obligations when closing a business in the Philippines, including notice requirements, separation pay, and when dismissal is valid.
Tenant Redemption Rights and Land Bank Certification Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a Land Bank certification suffices for tenant redemption under R.A. 3844, and when it fails.
Strict Compliance With Bill of Lading Clauses Upholding Carrier Protection in Cargo Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict compliance with bill of lading notice requirements in cargo damage claims against carriers.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Parent Company Be Liable for Its Subsidiary's Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court explains the strict requirements for piercing the corporate veil and holding a parent liable for subsidiary obligations.