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.
Just Compensation in the Philippines: Value Pegged at Time of Taking, Not Current Market Value
Philippine law pegs just compensation at the time of taking, not current market value. MIAA v. Rodriguez explains the rule.
When Government Takes Property Without Expropriation: Just Compensation Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to value property taken by government without expropriation proceedings, and when back rentals are due.
Public vs Private Entities: Defining Government Control Over Philippine Corporations
The Supreme Court's ruling in Veterans Federation of the Philippines v. Reyes clarifies when a corporation is public and subject to government control.
Demurrage in Philippine Shipping: Consignee Duties and Avoiding Penalties
Philippine law holds consignees liable for demurrage when cargo is not claimed promptly. Learn the rules and practical steps to avoid penalties.
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.
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.
Extradition and Due Process: Bail Cancellation Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when bail in extradition cases can be cancelled, and the due process rights of prospective extraditees.
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.
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.
Stock Trading Risks: Broker and Investor Duties in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when brokers and investors are liable for unpaid stock trades and how the pari delicto rule applies.
Motion for Reconsideration Before Sandiganbayan: No Hearing Required for Finality
A Sandiganbayan decision is not final until it properly resolves a motion for reconsideration—even if the motion was not set for hearing.
Intent to Kill: How Philippine Courts Determine Attempted and Frustrated Homicide
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish attempted from frustrated homicide through intent to kill, based on a 2006 Supreme Court ruling.
Overt Acts and Intent: Understanding Attempted Rape Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when acts amount to attempted rape and when they only constitute light coercion.
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.
Verification and Certification of Non-Forum Shopping: Why Your Personal Signature Matters
A party must personally sign the verification and certification against forum shopping; a lawyer's signature, even with an SPA, may be fatal.
Freeport vs Customs Territory: Navigating Importation Laws in Philippine Economic Zones
Supreme Court ruling on EO 156 clarifies that importation bans in customs territory do not automatically apply inside the Subic Bay Freeport.
Client Bound by Lawyer's Negligence: Finality of Judgments in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how clients are bound by their counsel's actions, finality of judgments, and limits of certiorari.
Torrens Title Indefeasibility: Why Land Registration Must Be Timely and Accurate in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a Torrens title cannot be collaterally attacked and why land registration must be timely and accurate.
Voluntary Inhibition of Judges in the Philippines: Impartiality and Public Trust
How Philippine courts handle voluntary inhibition of judges, ensuring impartiality and public trust in the judiciary, with practical guidance.
Validity of Adoption in Estate Settlement: Why a Decree Stands Until Annulled
A valid adoption decree cannot be attacked collaterally in estate proceedings. Learn the rule from Reyes v. Sotero.
Compromise Agreements: Who Is Actually Bound by a Settlement?
A compromise agreement binds only its signatories. Learn how the Supreme Court protected a co-maker not named in the settlement.
Arraignment Delays and Your Right to Speedy Trial in the Philippines
When repeated postponements of arraignment violate the constitutional right to speedy trial, dismissal of the case and release may be warranted.
Res Judicata in Philippine Property Disputes: Preventing Endless Litigation
When can a co-owner file ejectment alone? The Supreme Court clarifies Article 487 and the rules on indispensable parties.
Can One Co-Owner File an Ejectment Case in the Philippines? Yes, Under Article 487
A single co-owner can file an ejectment suit without the others. The Supreme Court explains how Article 487 of the Civil Code works.