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.
Beneficial Use Doctrine: Who Pays Real Property Tax on Government-Owned Land
When government property is leased to a private entity, the beneficial use doctrine makes the lessee liable for real property tax. Learn the rule.
Lifting of Mining Closure Orders Revives Writ of Kalikasan Petitions
Supreme Court rules that lifting DENR closure orders revives environmental claims, keeping Writ of Kalikasan petitions alive.
Understanding Illegal Recruitment and Estafa Convictions in Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts convict illegal recruiters and swindlers, and what proof is needed.
Separation of Powers in Local Governance: Valid Appointment of a Building Official
Supreme Court affirms that a city may create a separate building official office under the Local Government Code and National Building Code.
Separation of Powers: Defining the Roles of City Engineers and Building Officials in Local Governance
The Supreme Court clarifies that local governments may create a separate building official office distinct from the city engineer's office.
Co-Ownership vs. Partition: Clarifying Property Rights in the Philippines
A co-owner may sell only his undivided share; buyers become co-owners, and the proper remedy is partition, not annulment.
Protecting Land Titles: Collateral Attacks on Torrens Certificates in Property Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court protects Torrens titles from collateral attacks in property disputes, and what this means for landowners facing title challenges.
Conspiracy in Grave Coercion: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court acquits a mayor of grave coercion, ruling that conspiracy requires proof beyond reasonable doubt, not mere speculation.
Liability for Forged Checks When Collecting Banks Bear the Loss
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on collecting bank liability for forged endorsements, negligence standards, and the fictitious payee rule.
Non-Delegation Doctrine Shields Indigenous Rights in Mining Agreements
Supreme Court voids mining compliance certificate signed under invalid delegation, protecting Mamanwa Tribes' ancestral domain rights.
Tax Amnesty Limits: Withholding Tax Liabilities and Corporate Officer Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that tax amnesty under RA 9480 does not cover withholding tax liabilities, and corporate officers may still face prosecution.
Notarial Disqualifications Familial Relationships AND Contractual Principals
A notary cannot notarize a deed where a relative within the fourth civil degree is a party—even if that relative did not sign.
Missing Land Records Do Not Invalidate Decree: Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court ruled that a land registration decree remains valid even when government records are missing, protecting landowners from administrative oversights.
Motion to Quash in Estafa Cases: Grounds, Waiver, and Double Jeopardy Explained
Learn the procedural rules on motion to quash in estafa cases, including waiver of grounds and double jeopardy, from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Attorney's Fees in Estate Proceedings: When Docket Fees Are Not Required
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers claiming fees from an estate need not pay separate docket fees, and when certiorari is proper.
Notarial Duty to Verify Identity: Lessons from Dionisio v. Padernal
Notarization is not a mechanical act. A notary must verify identity using competent evidence—not community tax certificates—or face sanctions.
Judicial Clemency Requires Remorse and Reformation, Not Just Time Served
The Supreme Court denies a dismissed judge's plea for judicial clemency, ruling that genuine remorse and reformation are indispensable requirements.
Compromise Agreements and Third Party Rights: Protecting Property Interests in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on compromise agreements, third party rights, property interests, and execution of judgments explained in plain language.
Upholding Property Rights: The Binding Effect of Contracts on Subsequent Owners in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains when contracts bind third-party buyers and why timely execution of judgments matters in property disputes.
Probable Cause and Hot Pursuit: When Police Can Make a Warrantless Arrest
The Supreme Court clarifies the "hot pursuit" exception to the warrant requirement, explaining when police may arrest without a warrant.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: No Liability Without Formal Charges
Supreme Court rules a government employee cannot be held administratively liable without a formal charge, reaffirming due process in civil service cases.
Corporate Disputes: Navigating Derivative Suits and Jurisdictional Boundaries in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when derivative suits are proper and how jurisdictional boundaries apply in corporate disputes.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Valuation Must Be as of Filing Date, Not Later Market Data
Supreme Court clarifies just compensation is valued as of complaint filing date, not later market prices, in DPWH expropriation case.
Police Blotter Duties Clarified: Valderas v. Sulse on Neglect of Duty
Supreme Court clarifies police blotter scope and simple neglect of duty in Valderas v. Sulse, protecting officers from baseless administrative cases.