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.
Zoning Regulations vs Contractual Obligations: Balancing Public Welfare and Private Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on zoning ordinances, police power, and the non-impairment of contracts clause.
When Injunctions Expire: Understanding Functus Officio in Philippine Courts
When a court injunction loses its legal basis, it becomes functus officio. Learn how this doctrine applies in Philippine property disputes.
Barangay vs. Homeowners: Who Administers a Multi-Purpose Hall?
The Supreme Court clarifies the division of authority between barangays and homeowners' associations over government-funded facilities in subdivisions.
Procedural Compliance in Philippine Litigation: The PPSTA Case on Court Rules
A Supreme Court ruling shows why procedural rules matter—and when courts may relax them for substantial justice.
Donations to Unregistered Organizations in the Philippines: When Are They Valid?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on donations to unregistered organizations: why juridical personality matters and what donors and groups must know.
Condominium Assessments: Lien Enforcement and Priority in the Philippines
Learn how condominium assessment liens work in the Philippines, including registration requirements, priority rules, and enforcement limits under the Condominium Act.
Writ of Prohibition in Philippine Courts: Protecting Rights From Court Overreach
Learn how the Supreme Court defines the proper use of prohibition writs and protects non-parties from court orders exceeding jurisdiction.
DARAB Jurisdiction Covers Agrarian Disputes Beyond Landlord-Tenant Relationships
Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction extends to all agrarian disputes, including joint production agreements under CARP, not just traditional landlord-tenant cases.
Breach of Trust Attorney Disbarred for Exploiting Clients Vulnerability and Acquiring Property
Learn how a Philippine attorney's breach of trust and exploitation of a client's vulnerability led to disbarment and property acquisition penalties.
Mutual Life Insurance Companies Tax Exemption as Cooperatives Explained
Supreme Court ruling on Sun Life clarifies tax exemption for mutual life insurance companies as cooperatives under Philippine tax law.
Urban Land Redemption Size Speculation and Neighborly Rights in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when homeowners associations can sue, the limits of mandamus, and the rules on urban land disposition.
Agrarian Dispute vs Recovery of Possession: Defining DARAB Jurisdiction
When does DARAB have exclusive jurisdiction over agricultural land cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between agrarian disputes and ordinary recovery of possession actions.
Homeowners' Open Space Claims vs Subdivision Rules: When Laws Apply Retroactively
Supreme Court ruling on whether P.D. 957's open space requirement applies retroactively to subdivisions approved before 1976.
HLURB Jurisdiction Over Homeowner-Developer Disputes: Key Ruling
The Supreme Court confirms HLURB's exclusive jurisdiction over homeowner-developer construction disputes, not the RTC. Learn the rules and practical implications.
Ejectment Suits and Due Process: When Non-Parties Are Bound by Court Decisions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when non-parties to an ejectment case may still be bound by a demolition order.
The Stay Order and Corporate Rehabilitation: Suspending Claims Against Distressed Companies
Explaining how the stay order in corporate rehabilitation suspends money claims against distressed companies, citing the Philippine Airlines case.
Union Disaffiliation and Freedom of Association: Philippine Skylanders v. NLRC
When can a local union validly disaffiliate from its mother federation? The Supreme Court explains in Philippine Skylanders v. NLRC.
Piercing the Veil of Unregistered Organizations When Philippine Representatives Become Personally Liable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when officers of unregistered associations face personal liability for organizational debts.
Navigating Res Judicata in Property Disputes: When Prior Judgments Bind Future Claims
Learn how res judicata bars relitigation of property disputes, with insights from a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on jurisdiction.
Navigating Homeowners Association Disputes: HIGC Jurisdiction in the Philippines
Learn when the HIGC, not regular courts, has jurisdiction over homeowners association disputes, based on a 1999 Supreme Court ruling.
Lost Your Appeal Understanding Certiorari AND Final Judgments IN Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts treat petitions for review on certiorari, final judgments, and due process in administrative proceedings.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Are Corporate Officers Personally Liable in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may be personally liable and the limits of SEC jurisdiction over suspension of payments.
Failure to File Corporate By-Laws: Not Automatic Dissolution in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that failing to file corporate by-laws on time does not automatically dissolve a corporation.
Motion to Dismiss Denied: Courts Must First Examine the Merits, Not Just Allegations, in Philippine Property D
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a motion to dismiss for lack of cause of action requires courts to examine the merits of a property dispute, not just the allegations.