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.
Accion Publiciana in the Philippines: Recovering Possession of Real Property
Learn how accion publiciana works in the Philippines, when to file it, and what the Ontiveros case means for property owners seeking to recover possession.
Navigating Appeals in Estate Proceedings: The Necessity of a Record on Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that appeals in special proceedings require both a notice of appeal and record on appeal within 30 days.
Homestead Patent vs. Implied Trust: Key Supreme Court Ruling on Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when an implied trust can override a homestead patent under the Public Land Act, and why the case was remanded.
Oral Partition of Inheritance: Proving Verbal Agreements in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when an oral partition of inherited property can override a written extrajudicial settlement, and what evidence is needed.
Proving Intimidation in Contracts: The Ortigas Land Dispute and the Burden of Proof
Philippine law presumes contracts valid. Learn how the Supreme Court requires clear evidence to prove intimidation or undue influence.
Imprescriptibility of Reconveyance Actions Challenging Titles Based on Nonexistent Contracts
When a land title is based on a nonexistent contract, the action for reconveyance does not prescribe, the Supreme Court rules.
Navigating Estate Settlements: Understanding the Limits of Intervention in Probate Proceedings
Learn when courts allow intervention in probate cases, the legal standards applied, and practical tips for protecting estate interests.
When Delay Defeats Title: Laches and Registered Land in Lorenzo v. Eustaquio
The Supreme Court ruled that laches can defeat registered land ownership, even when the original transfer was flawed. Learn the key rules.
Judicial Clemency: When Is a Judge Entitled to a Second Chance?
The Supreme Court explains the strict requirements for judicial clemency, including remorse, reformation, and the five-year waiting period.
Ancestral Land Disputes and the NCIP's Jurisdictional Limits in the Philippines
Understand when the NCIP has jurisdiction over ancestral land disputes and when courts or other agencies must hear the case.
Understanding Fraudulent Property Inclusion Insights From A Landmark Supreme Court Decision
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when ejectment suits fail and why repeated demands don't reset the one-year filing period.
Counsel Negligence and Strict Procedural Rules: PNB v. Spouses Victor
Supreme Court affirms strict 60-day period for petitions for relief, holding clients bound by counsel's negligence absent clear abandonment.
Dead Incorporator in Articles of Incorporation: When Misrepresentation Is Not Fraud
The Supreme Court clarifies when a deceased incorporator in the Articles of Incorporation warrants revocation, and when amendment suffices.
Conditional Donations: Substantial Compliance and Donor Intent in Land Donations
Supreme Court clarifies that substantial compliance with a donation's primary purpose, not perfect performance, governs conditional land donations.
Death of Accused Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal Liability
When an accused dies before final judgment, criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished. Learn the rule and exceptions.
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.
Navigating Will Probate: Key Lessons From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Philippine Supreme Court decision on property under custodia legis offers crucial lessons for lawyers and litigants in estate and will probate cases.
Res Judicata Bars Relitigation of Contract Validity in Loan Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a dismissal order bars a second lawsuit on the same loan contract under res judicata.
Mutuality of Contracts and Foreclosure Rights in Philippine Loans
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that void interest stipulations do not invalidate foreclosure when the principal debt remains unpaid.
Regulating Psychologists: When Professional Standards Meet Constitutional Rights
The Supreme Court upholds the 100-hour training requirement for psychologists seeking registration without examination under RA 10029.
Dacion en Pago: How to Properly Extinguish Loan Obligations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains how dacion en pago works, when loan obligations are extinguished, and the pitfalls lenders must avoid.
Overcoming Inheritance Disputes: How Courts Decide Property Sales Among Heirs
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a sale of inherited property among heirs may be voided and the land partitioned equally.
Can Heirs Challenge a Sale of Conjugal Property Made Without Spousal Consent?
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a sale of conjugal property without spousal consent is voidable, and who may challenge it.
DNA Evidence and Presumption of Legitimacy: Filiation Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled DNA evidence can establish filiation despite the presumption of legitimacy, prioritizing the child's best interests.