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.
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Cross-Claims Survive Dismissal of Main Complaint Through Compromise Settlements
When a main complaint is dismissed via compromise, cross-claims among co-defendants may still proceed. The Supreme Court explains why.
The Power of Compromise: How Philippine Courts Uphold Settlement Agreements
Philippine courts honor settlement agreements as binding contracts. Learn how compromise agreements are enforced and when they can be set aside.
Foreclosure Redemption Rights: How to Protect Your Property in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle foreclosure disputes, redemption rights, and why settlement agreements often provide the best protection for homeowners facing bank foreclosure.
When Courts Can Invalidate an Extrajudicial Settlement: The Tayco Case
The Supreme Court explains when a notarized deed of extrajudicial settlement can be voided despite formal requirements being met.
Conditional Settlement Agreements: Are They Binding in Philippine Labor Disputes?
The Supreme Court ruled on whether a "conditional" settlement of a labor judgment award is valid and binding, and its effect on pending appeals.
Compromise Agreements in Labor Cases: Upholding Freedom to Contract and Settling Disputes
The Supreme Court affirms a compromise agreement ending a long-running illegal dismissal case, underscoring the validity of amicable settlements in labor disputes.
Compromise Agreements in Labor Cases: When Settlements Are Final and Binding
The Supreme Court affirms a compromise agreement between Coca-Cola and workers, explaining when quitclaims and settlements are valid and binding.
Prescription in Estate Settlement: Heirs' Rights and Time Limits Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on prescription periods for heirs contesting extrajudicial estate settlements, fraud discovery, and time limits.
Revocation of Special Administration: Balancing Discretion and Due Process in Estate Settlement
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on revoking special administrators and appointing regular administrators in estate proceedings.
Lis Pendens Cancellation: Estate Settlement Finality vs Unrelated Agreements
When a judicially approved compromise ends estate proceedings, lis pendens on covered property may be deemed cancelled under PD 1529.
Compromise Agreements and Illegitimate Filiation: When Settlements Violate Public Policy
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: compromise agreements on filiation and civil status are void. Learn the public policy limits on settlements.
Heirship Rights and Legal Standing in Stockholder Claims: Puno v. Puno Enterprises
Heirs of a deceased stockholder do not automatically gain stockholder rights. Learn the rules on inspection, dividends, and estate settlement.
Leasehold Improvements: Understanding Reimbursement Rights and Obligations in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts handle leasehold improvement reimbursement rights, obligations, and settlement through compromise agreements.
Sharia Court Jurisdiction Determining Muslim Status For Estate Settlement
The Supreme Court clarifies when Sharia District Courts may hear estate cases and determine if a deceased person was Muslim.
Imprescriptibility of Actions for Forged Signatures and Void Extrajudicial Settlements
When a signature is forged in an extrajudicial settlement, the action to declare it void does not prescribe. Learn the rule.
Dacion en Pago Without Consent Cannot Nullify Debt Settlement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that dacion en pago requires mutual consent; a mere proposal or appraisal does not perfect the agreement.
Navigating Appeals in Estate Settlements: Avoiding Forum Shopping Pitfalls
Learn when Philippine courts allow separate appeals and certiorari petitions in estate cases without committing forum shopping.
Compromise Agreements in Labor Disputes: When Settlements Are Final and Binding
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on enforceability of compromise agreements in labor cases, even without counsel present, and limits on lawyer's authority.
Deceitful Practices by Lawyers: When Suspension and Disbarment Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers face suspension or disbarment for deceitful conduct, citing a case of forged documents and dishonest estate settlement.
Estate Tax Deductions: Claims Valued at Death, Not Post-Death Settlements
Philippine Supreme Court rules estate tax deductions for claims against the estate are valued at date of death, not reduced by later compromise settlements.
Establishing Filiation in Estate Proceedings: The Illegitimate Child's Claim
Explaining Tayag v. Tayag-Gallor: an illegitimate child may prove filiation during estate settlement, not just via recognition action.
When Judges and Court Employees Fall Short: Ethical Standards in Personal Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling on judges and clerks who mishandled bail bonds and settlement funds, and the ethical standards for court personnel.
Judicial Misconduct and Dishonesty: Upholding Integrity in the Philippine Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge and clerk of court who misappropriated bail bonds and settlement funds, reaffirming accountability in the judiciary.
Binding Amicable Settlements: Understanding Repudiation in Barangay Justice
When is a barangay amicable settlement binding? The Supreme Court explains repudiation rules under the Local Government Code.