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.
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.
Prompt Compensation Imperative in Determining Just Compensation in Philippine Expropriation Cases
Philippine Supreme Court rules just compensation is reckoned from the date of taking, not the filing of the complaint, and must be paid promptly with interest.
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.
When a Lawyer's Dual Clients Create a Conflict of Interest: Lessons from Marcelo-Salud v. Bolivar
A lawyer who represents tenants while also serving as counsel to the alleged property owner may face discipline for conflicting interests, even if the main complaint fails.
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.
Land Registration With Missing Cadastral Records: The Supreme Court's Ruling in Tapay
Can land be registered when government records from a prior cadastral case are missing? The Supreme Court says yes, under certain conditions.
Reconstitution of Title Requires Strict Compliance and Proof of Existence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reconstitution of lost titles: strict compliance with RA 26 and proof of title existence required.
When Can the State Reclaim Private Land? The Rule on Reversion Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarifies the heavy burden the State must overcome to revert titled private land to public domain.
Self-Defense and Treachery in Philippine Law: Proving Unlawful Aggression for Justification
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies killing as murder under Philippine criminal law.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Fair Value for Delayed Government Takings
When the government delays payment in expropriation, landowners are entitled to more than the property's old value—here's why.
Treachery in Robbery with Homicide: The Supreme Court’s Ruling in People v. Juada
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery aggravates robbery with homicide and affirms conviction based on circumstantial evidence in People v. Juada.
Upholding Agrarian Reform: Supervening CLOA Justifies Deviation from Immutability of Judgment
When a final judgment becomes inequitable due to a supervening event like a CLOA issuance, courts may relax the doctrine of immutability of judgment.
Immutability of Judgments When Finality Prevails Over Claims of Minority in Criminal Cases
When does a final judgment yield to supervening events? The Supreme Court clarifies the exceptions to immutability of judgment.
When Can a Mother Challenge Child Legitimacy in the Philippines? The Ordoña Ruling
A mother cannot collaterally attack her child's legitimacy under Philippine law. The Supreme Court's Ordoña ruling explains why.
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.
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.
Can Laches Bar a Registered Owner’s Right to Recover Property in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court rules that laches cannot defeat a registered owner’s right to recover property under the Torrens system.
Estoppel in Mortgage Foreclosures: Protecting Borrowers From Unfair Actions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on co-owner rights in recovery of possession, clarifying when partition is not required before filing ejectment actions.
Shareholder Death and Corporate Meetings: Quorum and Voting Rights Under Philippine Law
How a shareholder's death affects quorum and voting rights in Philippine corporations, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Mallare v. A&E Industrial Corporation.
What Happens to an Administrative Case When the Respondent Dies? (Philippines)
Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether death of a respondent ends a pending administrative case, citing due process and heirs' protection.
Navigating Land Reversion: Who Can Legally Challenge Property Titles in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who may file reversion cases to cancel titles over public lands, and why government agencies cannot act alone.
Attempted Rape with Homicide: Circumstantial Evidence and the Cabornay Case
The Supreme Court affirms that circumstantial evidence can convict in attempted rape with homicide, clarifying the standards under Philippine law.
When a Notarized Deed of Sale Fails: Consent Is Key in Philippine Property Transfers
A notarized deed does not guarantee a valid sale. The Supreme Court explains why genuine consent is essential in property transactions.
Free Patents on Private Land: Nullity and the Limits of Torrens Indefeasibility
When a free patent is issued over private land, it is void. The Supreme Court explains why in Alberto v. Flores.