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.
When Can Cases Be Reassigned? Understanding Judicial Inhibition and Venue Transfer
The Supreme Court clarifies when cases may be transferred to another judge after inhibition, and why venue transfer is not automatic.
When a Missing Marriage License Doesn't Void a Marriage: Sevilla v. Cardenas
The Supreme Court explains when a missing marriage license does not automatically make a marriage void, and why proof matters.
Default Judgment Consequences of Missing Pretrial in Philippine Courts
Learn how skipping pretrial can lead to default judgment in Philippine courts, and what the Ramientas v. Reyala case says about procedural rules.
Good Faith Builder Rights Under Article 448: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
Understand the rights of a builder in good faith under Philippine law, including the landowner's options under Article 448 of the Civil Code.
Donations to Unregistered Organizations in the Philippines: When Are They Valid?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on donations to unregistered organizations: why juridical personality matters and what donors and groups must know.
SEC Cease and Desist Orders: When Regulatory Action Violates Due Process
The Supreme Court ruled the SEC acted with grave abuse of discretion by issuing a cease and desist order without proper investigation.
Res Judicata in Philippine Land Disputes: Why a Reconstitution Case Doesn't Block Ownership Claims
A title reconstitution case doesn't settle ownership. Learn how res judicata applies in Philippine land disputes and protects your property rights.
Authority to Sign Certification Against Forum Shopping in Corporate Litigation
Who may sign the certification against forum shopping in corporate cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on authority and false certifications.
Proving Land Ownership in the Philippines: Tax Declarations and Cadastral Surveys in Quieting Title Cases
Learn how tax declarations, cadastral surveys, and possession determine ownership in Philippine land disputes, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Interest on Maritime Liens in the Philippines: When Does the Clock Start Ticking?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest on a maritime lien begins to accrue—from extrajudicial demand, not from foreclosure sale.
Regular Employment Status: When a Probationary Employee Becomes Regular
Understand when a probationary employee becomes regular under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Dusit Hotel Nikko v. Gatbonton.
No-Spouse Policies in the Philippines: What the Star Paper Ruling Means
Philippine employers cannot enforce no-spouse rules without clear business necessity. The Star Paper ruling explains why.
Judicial Admissions in Philippine Courts: How Your Statements Can Decide Your Case
Learn how judicial admissions work in Philippine courts and why your statements in pleadings can bind you and decide your case.
Upholding Integrity: Public Officials Held Accountable for Dishonesty and Misconduct
The Supreme Court reinstates the Ombudsman's ruling against a school principal for dishonesty, grave misconduct, and prohibited private practice under R.A. 6713.
Public Plaza vs. Private Property: Land Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
When can land used as a public plaza be claimed as private property? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on property of public dominion.
Simulated Contracts in the Philippines: Intent, Validity, and the Valerio Case
Learn how Philippine courts decide simulated contracts by examining party intent, absolute vs. relative simulation, and the Valerio ruling.
Lease Renewal in the Philippines: What "Upon Agreement" Really Means
A lease "renewable upon agreement" requires mutual consent—no automatic renewal. Learn the rules from Josefa v. San Buenaventura.
Tax Declaration vs. Deed of Sale: Proving Land Ownership in the Philippines
A tax declaration annotation is not proof of land ownership. Learn what documents legally establish title under Philippine law.
Unreliable Eyewitness Testimony: Rabanal v. People and Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court's ruling in Rabanal v. People shows how inconsistent eyewitness testimony and contradicting physical evidence can lead to acquittal.
SSS Death Benefits: Proving Spousal and Child Dependency in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on SSS death benefit claims, focusing on proving dependency for spouses and legitimacy for children.
Navigating Agrarian Disputes: DARAB Jurisdiction and Tenancy Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when DARAB has jurisdiction over agrarian disputes and what evidence proves tenancy and ownership rights.
Forcible Entry in the Philippines: Why Prior Physical Possession Evidence Wins Cases
Learn how Philippine courts decide forcible entry cases, why prior physical possession evidence matters, and key lessons from Buduhan v. Pakurao.
Implied Tenancy in Philippine Agrarian Law: Security of Tenure Beyond Written Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on implied tenancy, forged contracts, and security of tenure for agricultural tenants under RA 1199.
Transferee Recruitment Agency Liability and OFW Claims: The Grand Placement Case
Explaining when a transferee recruitment agency assumes liability for OFW claims, and why evidence still matters in monetary disputes.