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.
Perfecting Appeals: The Crucial Difference Between Single and Multiple Judgments in Philippine Law
Learn when a record on appeal is required in Philippine civil procedure, and why missing this step can cost you your appeal.
Reconstituting Lost Land Titles: Supreme Court Clarifies Standards for Judicial Reconstitution
Supreme Court clarifies the rules and evidence needed to reconstitute a lost or destroyed land title under Republic Act No. 26.
Piercing the Corporate Veil When Tax Avoidance Becomes Evasion
The Supreme Court explains when tax planning crosses the line into tax evasion, and when a stockholder's estate can be held liable for corporate tax deficiencies.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Rules on Proof and Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lost certificate of title may be reconstituted, ruling on the sufficiency of evidence under Republic Act No. 26.
When Heirs Cannot Sue to Void Parents' Property Sales Before Death
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when compulsory heirs lack legal standing to challenge parents' sales of property during their lifetime.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: When Certifications from the Register of Deeds Suffice
The Supreme Court clarifies the evidentiary standards for judicial reconstitution of lost certificates of title under Republic Act No. 26.
Redemption Rights: Upholding Mortgagor's Five-Year Redemption Agreement
Supreme Court affirms five-year redemption period for mortgagor, voiding subsequent sales that cut short the agreed term.
Registered Vehicle Owner’s Liability for Accidents: Aguilar v. Commercial Savings Bank
Philippine law holds the registered vehicle owner primarily liable for accidents, even if another person was driving. Learn the rule and its practical impact.
Shareholder Rights vs Corporate Discretion: Mandamus and Stock Transfer Recording
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a corporate secretary must record stock transfers, SEC jurisdiction, and shareholder rights.
Partition Inter Vivos and Torrens Title Protection: Lessons from Zaragoza v. Morgan
Philippine law allows property owners to partition estates during their lifetime, but only if legitimes are respected and titles are challenged directly.
Can a Notary Public Also Be a Witness? Philippine Rules Explained
Philippine law generally allows a notary public to also witness the documents they notarize, except for wills. Learn the rules and limits.
Ejectment vs. Ownership: Why Forcible Entry Cases Can Proceed Despite Ownership Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that forcible entry cases proceed independently of ownership disputes; RTC erred in dismissing ejectment appeal.
Lis Pendens and Due Diligence: Why Philippine Property Buyers Must Investigate Title Defects
Learn how the lis pendens rule and the Po Lam case show why Philippine property buyers must go beyond a title check to avoid costly legal disputes.
Customs Forfeiture in the Philippines: Illegal Removal of Goods and the Buyer Beware Rule
When goods are illegally removed from customs custody, forfeiture can reach any buyer, even one claiming good faith. Learn the rules.
Torrens Title vs. Acquisitive Prescription: Why Registered Land Prevails in the Philippines
A Torrens title defeats claims of ownership by long possession. Learn the Ramos v. Bautista ruling and how to protect registered land.
Ministerial Duty vs Discretion: When a Clerk of Court Must Act and the Consequences of Refusal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a sheriff's duty to execute a deed of sale is purely ministerial, and the penalties for refusal.