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.
Transferee Pendente Lite in Trademark Assignments: The Sunfire Trading Case
Learn how the Sunfire Trading ruling clarifies that buying a trademark during litigation binds the buyer to the case's outcome.
Ante-Nuptial Agreements and Property Waivers: The Delgado v. GQ Realty Case
The Supreme Court's ruling in Delgado v. GQ Realty clarifies how ante-nuptial agreements can waive property rights, even for assets registered under a spouse's family corporation.
Constructive Dismissal: When a "Voluntary" Resignation Is Not Voluntary at All
The Supreme Court clarifies when a signed resignation letter is actually constructive dismissal, protecting employees from forced resignations disguised as voluntary acts.
Quo Warranto and Judicial Integrity: The Sereno Case Explained
The Supreme Court's Sereno ruling clarifies that quo warranto can oust impeachable officers who lack constitutional qualifications like proven integrity.
Statutory Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness: Protecting Children Under Philippine Law
Explaining statutory rape vs. acts of lasciviousness, and why an accused's death extinguishes criminal liability under Article 89 of the RPC.
Conspiracy and Probable Cause in Corporate Criminal Cases: The Ient v. Tullett Prebon Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies when conspiracy and probable cause establish criminal liability for corporate officers under the Corporation Code.
Tax Sales and Due Process: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax sales, due process, and property rights protection for landowners and buyers.
Local Government Representation Legal Officers Exclusive Authority
Supreme Court clarifies that local government units must be represented by their legal officers, not the OSG, in court cases.
Perfecting Land Titles: Possession Requirements for Public Land Registration in the Philippines
Understand the possession rules for registering public land under PD 1529, including the June 12, 1945 requirement clarified by the Supreme Court.
When Can Government Agencies Represent Themselves? The Solicitor General's Exclusive Mandate
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling in Republic v. Cuizon on when government agencies may appear in court without the Solicitor General.
Breach of Trust: Upholding Employers' Right to Terminate Managerial Employees in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers may validly terminate managerial employees for breach of trust, examining the legal standards and evidentiary requirements.
Evidence Rules in Philippine Administrative Cases: The Atienza Case Explained
Administrative bodies in the Philippines follow relaxed evidence rules. Learn what Atienza v. Board of Medicine means for professionals facing administrative scrutiny.
Conspiracy in Philippine Drug Cases: When Shared Intent Leads to Conviction
Learn how Philippine courts prove conspiracy in drug cases, where coordinated actions can convict multiple persons even if drugs are found on only one.
HLURB Jurisdiction Over Condominium Disputes: Peralta v. De Leon Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed HLURB's exclusive jurisdiction over condominium buyer-developer disputes in Peralta v. De Leon.
Authority to Represent: The Limits of Legal Representation for Government-Owned Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when lawyers may appear for GOCCs, requiring OGCC and COA approval before private counsel can act.
Warrantless Arrests When POT Sessions Justify Immediate Police Action IN THE Philippines
When can police act without a warrant? Philippine law and jurisprudence define the limits of warrantless arrests.
Indirect Contempt and Forum Shopping: Safeguarding Judicial Processes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that dismissal of an administrative case does not bar criminal prosecution for the same acts, and warns against forum shopping and delaying tactics.
Serious Physical Injuries in the Philippines: The Pilares Case Explained
Understand serious physical injuries under Philippine law through the Pilares case, including penalties, evidence, and self-defense considerations.
Right of Pre-emption for Adjoining Landowners in the Philippines: A Guide
Learn how Article 1622 protects adjoining landowners of small urban lots, explained through the Supreme Court case Contreras v. Alcantara.
Can an RTC Annul a DARAB Decision? Jurisdiction in Agrarian Disputes
RTCs generally cannot annul DARAB decisions—they are co-equal bodies. Appeals must go to the Court of Appeals.
Nemo Dat Quod Non Habet: Why Title Verification Matters in Philippine Property Deals
Philippine law bars transferring property you don't own. Learn the nemo dat rule from Hermosilla v. Remoquillo and how to protect your purchase.
Unprobated Wills and Ejectment: Why Probate Is Required Before Claiming Property Rights in the Philippines
An unprobated will has no legal effect in Philippine courts. Learn why probate is mandatory before asserting inheritance rights in property disputes.
When Fear Is Not Enough: Unlawful Aggression in Philippine Self-Defense Cases
Philippine law requires actual unlawful aggression for self-defense claims. Learn what counts and what does not under the Revised Penal Code.
Stare Decisis in Philippine Courts: How Prior Rulings Bind Future Cases
The Supreme Court applies stare decisis to bar relitigation of the Pepsi The decision demonstrates how prior rulings on the same controversy can bar subsequent claims and promote consistency in the ad