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.
Disbarred Lawyer's Continued Practice: Indirect Contempt and the Supreme Court's Warning
The Supreme Court held a disbarred lawyer in indirect contempt for continuing to practice law, underscoring the permanence of disbarment and the judiciary's authority.
Financial Crisis as Fortuitous Event: Real Estate Contract Obligations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether the 1997 Asian financial crisis excuses a developer's failure to deliver condominium units.
Bouncing Checks and Hearsay: BP 22 Conviction Upheld Despite Evidentiary Challenges
The Supreme Court explains when hearsay testimony may be admitted in a Bouncing Checks case, and why a BP 22 conviction can stand.
Amending Complaints: Balancing Procedural Rules and the Pursuit of Justice in the Philippines
Explore how Philippine courts balance strict procedural rules with substantive justice, as shown in Ogalisco v. Holy Trinity College.
Unauthorized Real Estate Mortgage: Strict Interpretation of Special Power of Attorney
When a special power of attorney fails to identify the exact property, a mortgage over it is unenforceable. The Supreme Court explains why banks must verify authority.
Reversion of Land Titles: Public Domain vs Private Claims in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling on when certificates of title over public domain land, including timberlands, are void and subject to reversion.
Future Inheritance Contracts Are Void: Arrogante v. Deliarte Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void contracts over future inheritance, and the exceptions that can save family property arrangements.
Possession of Stolen Cattle and Proof of Guilt in Anti-Cattle Rustling Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how possession of stolen cattle establishes guilt beyond reasonable doubt under the Anti-Cattle Rustling Law.
Publication Requirement for Tax Ordinances: A Prerequisite to Enforceability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that publication of local tax ordinances is a condition precedent to their enforceability and collection.
Navigating Forum Shopping: The Consequences of Concealing Related Cases in Habeas Corpus Petitions
The Supreme Court explains why filing a habeas corpus petition while concealing a related certiorari case amounts to forum shopping, with serious consequences.
Theft Is Consummated Upon Taking: Debunking the Myth of Frustrated Theft
The Supreme Court clarifies that theft is consummated the moment the offender takes property with intent to gain, even if later apprehended.
Unlawful Detainer Cases: Jurisdiction, Demand Requirements, and the Perils of Procedural Lapses
Understand the Laraño v. Calendacion ruling on unlawful detainer jurisdiction, demand requirements, and why procedural compliance matters in ejectment cases.
Judicial Integrity: Misappropriation of Court Funds Leads to Dismissal and Restitution
Supreme Court dismisses two court clerks for misappropriating over P4 million in judiciary funds, ordering joint restitution and forfeiture of benefits.
Notarial Wills and Territorial Limits on Notary Public Authority
A will acknowledged before a notary acting outside his commission is void. Learn the territorial limits rule from Guerrero v. Bihis.
Finality of Judgments: Untimely Motion for Reconsideration in Administrative Cases
An untimely motion for reconsideration makes a Court of Appeals decision final and executory, binding all parties in administrative cases.
Finality of Judgments: Why a Belated Appeal Cannot Revive a Case
The Supreme Court explains why a late motion for reconsideration makes a Court of Appeals decision final and executory, binding all parties.
Bare Denials Cannot Overcome Positive Testimony in Buy-Bust Drug Convictions
Explore how the Supreme Court affirmed drug convictions despite denials, emphasizing the weight of positive police testimony in buy-bust operations.
Ballot Box Integrity is Key: Safeguarding Election Results in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Rosal v. Comelec: ballots must be proven untampered before they can overturn election returns.
Employer Liability for Employee Death in the Philippines Even in Fortuitous Events
Philippine employers may be liable for employee death caused by fortuitous events under Article 1711 of the Civil Code, as explained in Candano Shipping Lines v. Sugata-on.
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.
Ejectment Case Jurisdiction in the Philippines: MTC vs RTC After Bejar v. Caluag
Filing an ejectment case in the wrong court risks dismissal. Learn how Bejar v. Caluag clarifies MTC vs RTC jurisdiction.
Preliminary Investigation Rights and the Definition of Rape: Key Lessons from De Castro
Learn when the right to preliminary investigation is waived and why finger insertion constitutes rape through sexual assault under Philippine law.
Estate Settlement Venue and Remarriage After Foreign Divorce: Key Philippine Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies estate settlement venue means actual residence, and a Filipino divorced by a foreign spouse may remarry.
Philippine Wage Orders: The Limits of Regional Wage Board Authority
The Supreme Court rules that regional wage boards cannot grant across-the-board increases to all workers, only minimum wage earners.