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.
Jurisdictional Boundaries Resolving Ownership Issues In Forcible Entry Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that MTCs retain jurisdiction over forcible entry cases even when ownership issues arise, resolving only for possession.
Revival of Judgment and Venue: When Real Property Interests Determine the Proper Court
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on where to file an action to revive a judgment involving real property, and why venue depends on the nature of the underlying action.
Finality of Judgment and the Limits of Appellate Review in Philippine Courts
When can courts revisit decided cases? The Supreme Court explains finality of judgment, appellate jurisdiction, and contract to sell rules.
Judicial Overreach When Haste in Execution Leads to Administrative Liability
A judge's one-year suspension for gross ignorance of the law after prematurely declaring a decision final and executing it without proper motion.
Jurisdiction and Arbitration in Real Estate Contract Disputes: Frabelle Fishing Case
When do courts, not HLURB, hear real estate contract disputes? The Frabelle Fishing case explains jurisdiction and arbitration rules.
Financial Crisis as Fortuitous Event: Real Estate Contract Obligations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether the 1997 Asian financial crisis excuses a developer's failure to deliver condominium units.
When Contractual Disputes Must Go to Arbitration and Courts, Not the HLURB
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when condominium disputes belong to arbitration or courts, not the HLURB, in Frabelle Fishing Corp. ruling.
Bouncing Checks and Hearsay: BP 22 Conviction Upheld Despite Evidentiary Challenges
The Supreme Court explains when hearsay testimony may be admitted in a Bouncing Checks case, and why a BP 22 conviction can stand.
Safeguarding Public Officers Good Faith AND THE Anti Graft LAW
Explore the PCGG v. Sandiganbayan ruling on res judicata, act of state doctrine, and the duty of public officers to act promptly on requests.
Unfreezing Marcos-Era Assets: When Philippine Courts Can Act on Foreign Freeze Orders
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that allows Philippine courts to hear cases involving foreign freeze orders on Marcos-era assets.
Rape and Intimidation: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Stepdaughter Abuse Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a stepfather's rape conviction, explaining how intimidation and threats can establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Navigating Corporate Disputes: The Boundaries of Forum Shopping and Litis Pendentia in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when two corporate cases are not forum shopping or litis pendentia, using the Taningco dispute as a guide.
Immoral Conduct and Due Process in Termination Cases: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal clarifies labor arbiter jurisdiction, just cause requirements, and due process in termination disputes.
Conspiracy and Witness Credibility in Murder Cases: Lessons from People v. Tan
How Philippine courts weigh witness credibility and establish conspiracy in murder cases, explained through a 2007 Supreme Court ruling.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape of a Mentally Retarded Person and the Weight of Eyewitness Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms rape conviction where a mentally retarded victim was sexually assaulted, relying on eyewitness testimony and medical evidence.
Independent Assessment Prevails: Dismissal Based Solely on DOJ Resolution Is Grave Abuse of Discretion
Philippine Supreme Court rules trial courts must independently assess evidence before granting motions to withdraw information, not merely adopt DOJ resolutions.
Mandatory Tender Offers and Indirect Acquisitions: Protecting Minority Shareholders
The Supreme Court ruled that indirect acquisitions triggering control of a public company are subject to the mandatory tender offer rule.
Barangay Official Removal: Due Process and Immediate Execution Under the Local Government Code
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified that decisions removing barangay officials are immediately executory, despite the right to appeal.
Habeas Corpus and Deportation: When Courts Overstep Immigration Authority
A Supreme Court ruling on when courts may not interfere with Bureau of Immigration deportation orders through habeas corpus petitions.
Clerk of Court Liability for Lost Evidence: Custody Duties Explained
When a clerk of court loses evidence in his custody, the Supreme Court clarifies administrative liability for unauthorized transfers.
Forcible Entry vs Accion Publiciana: Key Distinctions in Philippine Property Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinctions between forcible entry and accion publiciana in Regis v. Garcia, emphasizing proper remedies and procedural rules.
Establishing Landlord-Tenant Relationship: The Core of Ejectment Suits in the Philippines
A landlord-tenant relationship is essential in ejectment cases. The Supreme Court explains who may file an unlawful detainer suit.
Taxing Government Instrumentalities: Real Property Tax and Public Dominion Rules
Philippine Fisheries Development Authority case clarifies when government instrumentalities pay real property tax and why public ports cannot be sold.
Judicial Efficiency: Judge Fined P20,000 for Delayed Case Resolution
A judge's P20,000 fine for delaying a demurrer ruling shows why Philippine courts demand prompt case resolution.