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.
Protecting Your Property Purchase: The Innocent Purchaser for Value Doctrine in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court protects innocent purchasers for value under Philippine property law, and what buyers must do to secure their titles.
Security of Tenure and Reassignment Limits for Station-Specific Appointments
Supreme Court ruling on reassignment limits for station-specific appointments and security of tenure in government corporations.
Legislative Inquiries vs Sub Judice: Balancing Congressional Power and Individual Rights
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Romero v. Estrada on legislative inquiries, the sub judice rule, and witness rights.
Election Tribunal vs Comelec: Who Resolves Disqualification Cases After Proclamation
The Supreme Court clarifies that once a winning candidate is proclaimed and assumes office, the HRET—not the Comelec—has sole jurisdiction over qualification disputes.
Co-Ownership and Property Recovery: When Must All Owners Join a Lawsuit
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when co-owners must be impleaded in property recovery suits under Article 487 of the Civil Code.
Graft and Corruption: Demanding Grease Money for Government Contracts
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on demanding grease money for government contracts under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Psychological Incapacity Must Exist at Time of Marriage to Nullify It
Supreme Court clarifies that psychological incapacity under Article 36 must be proven to exist at the time of marriage, not just manifested later.
Stockholders' Right to Inspect Corporate Records: When Refusal Becomes a Crime
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on stockholders' inspection rights, prejudicial questions, and criminal liability for refusing access to corporate books.
Carrier Liability for Cargo Damage During Unloading: The Wallem Doctrine
When is a shipping carrier liable for cargo damaged during unloading? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on carrier responsibility and arrastre operator liability.
Execution Pending Appeal: Weighing Discretion and Protecting Creditors' Rights in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on final judgments, execution, and the limits of challenging a labor arbiter's writ of execution.
Bonus Entitlement Discretion VS Contractual Right IN Employment Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when bonuses are discretionary and when they become contractual obligations of employers.
When Foreclosure Is Not Bad Faith: DBP v. Doyon on Mortgagee Rights
Supreme Court clarifies when a bank's foreclosure after withdrawing an earlier case is not bad faith, and upholds mortgage possession and auction rules.
Missed Your Appeal Understanding Finality of Judgments and Procedural Deadlines in Philippine Courts
Learn how missing appeal deadlines makes judgments final and binding, using a Philippine Supreme Court case on union elections as guide.
Graft and Corruption: Ensuring Public Officials Uphold Integrity in Infrastructure Projects
Philippine Supreme Court affirms graft convictions of city and barangay officials for defective infrastructure projects under R.A. 3019.
Litis Pendentia and Consolidation: Preventing Redundant Lawsuits in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court explains when two cases involve litis pendentia and when consolidation, not dismissal, is the proper remedy.
The Imperative of Due Process Hearing Requirement for Preliminary Injunctions in Mortgage Disputes
The Supreme Court nullifies a preliminary injunction issued without hearing, underscoring due process in mortgage foreclosure disputes.
Finality of DARAB Decisions: No Reopening Despite Alleged Errors
A final DARAB ruling is immutable. Learn why the Supreme Court barred a tenant from reopening his case despite claims of jurisdictional errors.
Subic Bay Freeport: When Legal Interest Justifies Intervention in Import Duty Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of legal interest for intervention in challenges to import duties on used motor vehicles in the Subic Bay Freeport.
Three-Term Limit: Voluntary Relinquishment vs. Interruption in Public Office
When a local official wins a higher post mid-term, does the three-term limit reset? The Supreme Court clarifies in Bolos v. COMELEC.
Kidnapping for Ransom with Homicide: Accountability and Admissibility of Confessions
Supreme Court affirms conviction for kidnapping for ransom with homicide, clarifying conspiracy liability and rules on extra-judicial confessions.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Parent Companies Are Not Liable for Subsidiary Debts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may pierce the corporate veil to hold parent companies liable for subsidiary obligations.
Perfecting Appeals: The Critical Role of Timely Docket Fee Payment in Philippine Courts
Learn how the Supreme Court treats late docket fee payments in appeals, and why timing can make or break a case.
Limits of Mandamus Court Discretion in Criminal Case Dismissals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when mandamus can compel a judge to dismiss criminal cases, and when it cannot.
When Late Appeal Briefs Are Allowed: Substantial Justice Over Technical Rules
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when late filing of an appellant's brief may be excused in the interest of substantial justice.