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.
Extrinsic Fraud and Indispensable Parties: Protecting Due Process in Civil Actions
When a suit excludes an indispensable party, the judgment may be void. Learn the Rule 47 remedy of annulment for extrinsic fraud.
Attorney Suspended for Failing to Account for Client Funds Withdrawn from Court
Lawyer suspended two years for withdrawing P255,000 in client rentals without accounting, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
The Neighborhood Rule in Philippine Election Law: Abad v. Co Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the neighborhood rule in Abad v. Co, ensuring voter intent prevails over technical ballot errors.
Common Carrier Liability in the Philippines: Breach of Contract of Carriage Explained
Philippine common carriers face a presumption of negligence when passengers are injured or killed. Learn the rules and how to rebut them.
Motion for Reconsideration and Election Protests: The CCP Board Case
The Supreme Court ruled on the constitutionality of filling vacancies in the CCP Board and the limits of the President's appointing power.
Proving Causation in Delayed Illness Claims: Philippine Employee Compensation Law
Learn how Philippine courts decide employee compensation claims when illness or death occurs years after employment ends, and what proof is required.
Land Registration in the Philippines: The Critical Role of Publication
Why publication in the Official Gazette is a non-negotiable jurisdictional requirement in Philippine land registration and cadastral cases.
Behest Loans and the Ombudsman's Discretion: When Courts Refuse to Intervene
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's dismissal of behest loan charges against DBP officials, underscoring the wide discretion given to the Ombudsman in determining probable cause.
Philippine CHR Fiscal Autonomy: Why Budget Independence Doesnt Mean Unchecked Power
The Supreme Court clarifies that fiscal autonomy for constitutional bodies like the CHR does not grant unlimited, unchecked power over public funds.
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.
Quieting Title and Due Process: Notice of Raffle and Voluntary Submission to Jurisdiction
Learn how notice of raffle and voluntary appearance affect jurisdiction in quieting title cases, based on a 2006 Supreme Court ruling.
When Certiorari Cannot Replace a Lost Appeal: Villanueva v. Quisumbing
Supreme Court clarifies that certiorari cannot substitute for a lost appeal, and distinguishes grave misconduct from disgraceful and immoral conduct.
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.
Lessor Liability for Lease Violations: Trespass in Fact vs Trespass in Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lessor is liable for third-party disturbances of a lessee's possession, distinguishing trespass in fact from trespass in law.
Ombudsman's Power to Investigate COA Findings Not a Prerequisite: PAL Officers Case
Supreme Court rules Ombudsman lacks jurisdiction over officers of GOCCs without original charters, like PAL. Learn the limits of Ombudsman power.
Change of Name Petitions: Substantial Compliance with Jurisdictional Requirements
Supreme Court rules on change of name petitions, publication requirements, and jurisdictional compliance under Rule 103.
Morality vs Misconduct: Defining the Boundaries of Public Service Decorum
The Supreme Court clarifies when private immorality becomes administrative misconduct, and why certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal.
Mandamus and Discretionary Powers: Can Courts Compel Agency Action?
Explaining the limits of mandamus in Philippine law, when courts can compel agency action, and the doctrine of qualified political agency.
Adverse Claims vs. Levy on Execution: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn when an adverse claim can defeat a levy on execution in Philippine property law, based on a 2006 Supreme Court ruling.
Ombudsman Jurisdiction Over GOCCs: The Original Charter Requirement
The Supreme Court limits Ombudsman jurisdiction over GOCCs to those with original charters, not corporations merely acquired by government.
Extinguishment of Debt by Overpayment and Nullification of Extrajudicial Foreclosure
When overpayment extinguishes a mortgage debt, a foreclosure based on alleged default has no legal basis and may be voided.
Executive Privilege vs Legislative Oversight: Defining the Limits of Presidential Power
The Supreme Court struck down E.O. 464's blanket ban on executive officials appearing before Congress, clarifying the proper scope of executive privilege in legislative inquiries.
Condominium Assessments: Lien Enforcement and Priority in the Philippines
Learn how condominium assessment liens work in the Philippines, including registration requirements, priority rules, and enforcement limits under the Condominium Act.
Prescription and Foreclosure: Understanding Timelines in Philippine Mortgage Law
Learn when prescription bars mortgage foreclosure actions in the Philippines, and why courts—not litigants—decide the issue.