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.
Partial Summary Judgments: Why They Are Not Immediately Executable
A partial summary judgment is interlocutory, not final. It cannot be executed while the main case is pending, explains Philippine Business Bank v. Chua.
Continuing Suretyship Scope and Enforceability in Loan Renewals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a continuing suretyship covers renewed credit facilities and subsequent loan availments.
Grave Coercion in Property Takeovers: The Navarra Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court ruled that forceful property repossession, even with a debt claim, constitutes grave coercion under Philippine law.
Irrevocable Donations: When a “Donation Mortis Causa” Is Really Inter Vivos
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an irrevocable donation labeled "mortis causa" is actually a donation inter vivos, with practical legal implications.
Conspiracy and Credibility in Philippine Homicide Cases: Key Lessons from Bug-atan v. People
How Philippine courts weigh co-conspirator testimony, conspiracy evidence, and credibility in homicide and murder cases.
Arraignment Delay Denied: Why Speedy Trial Rights Trump Second Motions for Reconsideration
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a second motion for reconsideration may be denied to protect the accused's right to speedy trial.
Security of Tenure vs Academic Standards: The St. Mary's Academy Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on premature dismissal of teachers who failed the LET, balancing security of tenure with professional regulation.
Buyers Can Suspend Payments When Title Is Clouded: Daleon v. Tan
When a property's title is clouded by an adverse claim, buyers may stop paying installments without risking forfeiture of their downpayment.
Void Contracts and Recovery: The Good Faith Exception Under Article 1412
When a contract is void for illegality, can an innocent party recover what was paid? Magoyag v. Maruhom explains the good faith exception.
Demand Is Key to Rescission Rights in Philippine Contract Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that demand is essential before rescission or foreclosure rights can be exercised under contract law.
Freight Forwarder Liability and the $500 Package Limitation Rule in Shipping Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a freight forwarder becomes a common carrier and the COGSA package limitation rule.
Limits of DARAB Jurisdiction: Certiorari Power and Agrarian Dispute Resolution
Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction limits, certiorari power, and the finality of agrarian dispute decisions in just compensation cases.
Forum Shopping and Dismissed Cases: What the Benedicto Ruling Means for Refiled Complaints
The Supreme Court clarifies when a withdrawn case must be disclosed in a certification against forum shopping, and what litis pendentia requires.
When Modified Judgments Can Be Appealed: Protecting Litigants' Rights
Learn when a modified Court of Appeals decision is appealable to the Supreme Court and how litigants' rights are protected in civil procedure.
When Local Officials Break Procurement Rules: Lessons From Sison v. People
A mayor's conviction for skipping public bidding shows how courts review local procurement and graft cases under Philippine law.
Eminent Domain Revisited: When Expropriated Land Must Be Returned After Public Use Ceases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when former owners can reclaim expropriated property if the public purpose is abandoned or never pursued.
Party Expulsions and Due Process: When Can a Political Party Remove Members
The Supreme Court clarifies that political party expulsions are internal matters, not subject to constitutional due process requirements.
Affinity Survives Death But Not Falsification: Estafa and Article 332
The Supreme Court rules on whether a son-in-law can invoke the Article 332 exemption from criminal liability for estafa after his wife's death.
Adverse Claims and Execution Liens: Priority Rules in Philippine Property Law
When an adverse claim is annotated on a title before a levy on execution, the earlier claim prevails. This case explains the priority rule.
Barangay Boundary Disputes: Why Cadastral Maps Beat Tax Records
In boundary disputes between barangays, the Supreme Court gives greater weight to cadastral maps approved by the Director of Lands than to tax declarations.
Retroactivity of Laws and Vested Rights in Bank Liquidation: PDIC v. Stockholders of Intercity Bank
When can a new law apply to an ongoing bank liquidation? The Supreme Court explains the rule on retroactivity and vested rights.
When Is a Statement an Admission? Lessons from a Prawn Feed Dispute
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a written statement counts as an admission and when corporate officers can be held personally liable.
Habeas Corpus for Child Custody: What the Supreme Court Requires
The Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus applies to child custody disputes and why courts must hold a trial, not just produce the child.
Custody Rights and the Child's Welfare: Reassessing Habeas Corpus in Family Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that habeas corpus in child custody cases aims to determine rightful custody, not just produce the child.