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.
Lost Your Land to Fraud? Understanding the 10-Year Deadline for Reconveyance in the Philippines
Learn the 10-year prescriptive period for filing reconveyance of fraudulently titled land in the Philippines and how courts apply the discovery rule.
Equitable Mortgage vs Pacto de Retro Sale: Philippine Real Estate Security Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a deed of sale with right to repurchase is actually an equitable mortgage, protecting borrowers from losing property.
Sheriff Duties in Executing Writs: Notice to Vacate and Money Judgment Enforcement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriff duties on notice to vacate and enforcing money judgments in executions, citing Rule 39.
How Minority Affects Criminal Liability: The Larrañaga Case on Privileged Mitigating Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains how the privileged mitigating circumstance of minority lowers penalties under the Revised Penal Code.
Telegram Delay Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Liability FOR Communication Service Failures
Philippine Supreme Court rules on telecom liability for delayed telegram delivery, clarifying breach of contract, quasi-delict, and moral damages.
Rescission of Real Estate Sales: Understanding Breach of Contract and Third Party Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who may sue for rescission of real estate contracts, real party in interest rule, and implied trusts under Article 1448.
Sheriffs Must Execute Writs Ministerially Despite Third-Party Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules sheriffs have ministerial duty to enforce writs; third-party claims require indemnity bond, not delay.
Unconscionable Attorneys Fees When Philippine Courts Intervene
Philippine courts may reduce contingent attorney's fees that are excessive or unconscionable, even if clients freely signed the fee agreement.
Discretion in Government Bidding: When Courts Can Intervene
The Supreme Court explains the wide discretion of government agencies in bidding awards and the limits of judicial review.
Bouncing Checks and Lawyer Discipline: When Professional Ethics Extend Beyond Legal Practice
A lawyer who issues bouncing checks for his corporation can be disciplined. The Supreme Court explains why.
Meeting of Minds in Property Sales: Why Price Agreement Is Key in Philippine Contracts
Philippine contract law requires a meeting of minds on price for property sales. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling on consent and judicial ethics.
Integrity in Public Service: Consequences of Dishonest Civil Service Eligibility in the Philippines
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on dismissing a court employee for fraudulently obtaining civil service eligibility, and its implications for public servants.
Sheriff Misconduct and Illegal Demolition: Upholding Due Process in Philippine Law
When can a sheriff demolish structures not named in a writ? The Supreme Court clarifies due process limits on demolition orders.
Upholding Court Orders: Administrative Liability for Judicial Delay in the Philippines
A look at how the Supreme Court penalizes judges for failing to decide cases within the 90-day constitutional period.
Conditional Donations in the Philippines: When Can a Donor Revoke a Gift?
Philippine law treats onerous donations as contracts. Learn when a donor can revoke a gift if conditions are unmet, and the prescriptive period that applies.
Burden of Proof in Insurance Claims: Insurers Must Prove Policy Exclusions Apply
When an insurer denies a claim citing a policy exclusion, Philippine law requires the insurer to prove the exception applies—mere suspicion is not enough.
Sleeping on the Job: When Can Philippine Employers Terminate for Just Cause?
Philippine employers may terminate employees for sleeping on duty if company rules are violated, but due process and proportionality still matter.
Protecting Seafarer Rights When Letters of Indemnity Don't Hold Water in Illegal Dismissal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court rules that seafarers' letters of indemnity are void when coerced, upholding illegal dismissal claims and wage protections.
Philippine Business Closure: Legally Navigating Employee Terminations to Avoid Costly Disputes
A look at Industrial Timber Corp. v. Ababon on valid business closure, termination pay, and the cost of missing notice requirements.
Philippine Supreme Court Upholds Buyer Rights Subdivision Developer Must Fulfill Obligations Despite Payment S
Buyers may suspend installment payments when a subdivision developer fails to deliver promised improvements, the Supreme Court ruled in Tamayo v. Huang.
Moral Turpitude and Lawyer Disbarment: The Case of Frustrated Homicide in the Philippines
When does a frustrated homicide conviction lead to disbarment? The Supreme Court explains moral turpitude and a lawyer's duty of good character.
Protecting Your Pawned Items: Understanding Proper Auction Procedures in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts protect judgment debtors' property through strict rules on sheriff auctions, garnishment, and payment handling.
Forcible Entry in the Philippines: Why Prior Possession Wins Cases
Learn how prior physical possession, not ownership, decides forcible entry cases in the Philippines, guided by Dumo v. Espinas.
Land Title Registration: Why Government Declassification Is Essential in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why land must be declassified as alienable before it can be privately owned and registered.