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.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can Stockholders Be Held Liable for Corporate Debts
The Supreme Court clarifies that stockholders of a close corporation are not automatically personally liable for corporate debts, explaining the limits of piercing the corporate veil.
Replevin Actions: Proving Ownership and Rightful Possession in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that replevin requires proof of ownership or rightful possession, not just a claim of wrongful detention.
When Attorney Negligence Doesnt Equal Extrinsic Fraud Protecting Final Judgments
The Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's negligence, without malice or connivance with the adverse party, does not constitute extrinsic fraud to annul final judgments.
Client Bound by Counsel's Negligence? SC Relaxes Rules in Pontillas Construction Dispute
Supreme Court reminds courts that procedural rules serve justice, not hinder it, in a case involving counsel's lapses.
Correcting Birth Certificate Entries: When to File with the Civil Registrar or the Court
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when birth certificate corrections need administrative filing under RA 9048 versus judicial action under Rule 108.
Determining Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Balancing Land Value and Legal Mandates
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation is determined in agrarian reform cases, balancing land value factors and legal mandates.
Compromise After Judgment: How a Settlement Can Override a Final Court Decision
The Supreme Court explains when a compromise agreement can validly novate a final judgment, even after execution has begun.
Dismissal With Just Cause Still Requires Procedural Due Process: Ortiz v. DHL
A valid dismissal needs both substantive and procedural due process. Learn the twin notice and hearing rules from Ortiz v. DHL.
Union Registration Misrepresentation Claims and the Limits of Cancellation Under the Labor Code
The Supreme Court clarifies that only grounds listed in Article 247 of the Labor Code justify cancellation of union registration, not lack of mutuality of interests.
Valid Consignation Demands Strict Compliance With Legal Requirements
Learn when depositing rent in a bank account is not valid consignation, and what the law requires for debt payment.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Forfeiture of Benefits for Neglect and Misconduct
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on CESB vs. CSC regarding PAO positions, third-level eligibility, and jurisdictional boundaries in civil service.
Production Assessment Fees: Water Districts Must Prove Harm Before Charging Deep Well Users
Water districts can't impose production fees on deep well users without a board finding of financial harm. Here's what the Supreme Court ruled.
Execution Pending Appeal: Balancing Justice and Judicial Discretion in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of execution pending appeal and the requirements for claiming injunction bonds in Abenion v. Pilipinas Shell.
Corporate Representation: The Necessity of Board Resolutions in Legal Actions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers need board resolutions to file or defend legal actions, and the limits of derivative suits.
Quorum Quagmire: Can Non-Unit Owners Decide a Condo's Fate?
Supreme Court rules on quorum in condo meetings, membership of owner-developers, and who can sit on the board.
Notarizing Without the Signatory: When a Lawyer's Carelessness Leads to a Permanent Notarial Ban
A lawyer who notarized a petition while the signatory was abroad was permanently barred from notarial commission. The Supreme Court explains why.
Overcoming Title Presumptions: The Imperative of Clear and Convincing Evidence in Land Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why clear and convincing evidence is required to overturn a free patent and certificate of title.
Insanity as a Defense: Establishing Mental Incapacity in Criminal Proceedings
Understanding how Philippine courts assess insanity as a defense and what evidence is needed to establish mental incapacity in criminal cases.
Safeguarding Impartiality Upholding DUE Process IN Administrative Whistleblowing Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a man convicted of illegal firearm possession due to police failure to mark evidence at the place of seizure, establishing new guidelines for firearms cases.
Improper Levy Voids Execution Sale Protecting Due Process in Debt Recovery
Supreme Court rules labor tribunals cannot hold corporate officers liable without summons, voiding execution sales against them.
Union Dues Increase: Supreme Court Requires Strict Compliance for Agency Fees
The Supreme Court ruled that increased union agency fees require strict compliance with Labor Code approval and documentation requirements.
Taxation and Freeport Zones: The Limits of Executive Power in Revenue Regulation
The Supreme Court strikes down a revenue regulation imposing VAT and excise tax on freeport zone importations, affirming that tax exemptions cannot be revoked by executive issuance.
Compulsory vs. Permissive Counterclaims: What Philippine Litigants Must Know
Learn the difference between compulsory and permissive counterclaims in Philippine courts, including docket fees, forum shopping, and the Alba v. Malapajo ruling.
Probable Cause and Customs Seizure: Protecting Due Process in Forfeiture Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that probable cause must precede customs seizure and forfeiture, protecting claimants from arbitrary government action.