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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Service of Summons on Corporations: Strict Compliance Required in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that service of summons on corporations requires strict compliance with Rule 14, Section 11, listing only specific officers.
Compensation and Delay: When Debts Cannot Offset Judgments in the Philippines
Philippine Trust Co. v. Roxas explains when legal compensation fails—unliquidated debts, waiver, and late defenses at execution stage.
Failure to Prosecute and Counterclaims: Lessons from Roasters Philippines v. Gaviola
When can a case be dismissed for failure to prosecute, and what happens to counterclaims? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Torrens Title vs Mortgage Resolving Property Possession Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on which Torrens title prevails when property claims overlap, tracing validity to the mother title.
Excise Tax Refunds on Petroleum Products Sold to Tax-Exempt Entities in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when oil companies can claim excise tax refunds for fuel sold to tax-exempt entities like Clark Development Corporation.
Navigating Land Title Disputes When A Torrens Title Fails TO Guarantee Ownership IN THE Philippines
A Torrens title is strong evidence of ownership but not absolute. This case shows how courts look beyond titles to determine true ownership.
Fit to Work vs Permanent Disability: Understanding Seafarers' Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's **
Chain of Custody and Its Impact on Illegal Drug Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the chain of custody rule under RA 9165 and when minor lapses will not defeat a drug conviction.
How Marital Status Determines Property Ownership in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains how marital status affects property ownership, co-ownership rules, and the validity of selling property without spousal consent.
Obstructing Justice When Removing Evidence Leads to Criminal Liability
Learn when removing evidence becomes obstruction of justice in the Philippines, based on a Supreme Court ruling on tampering and misconduct.
Possession Rights After Mortgage Foreclosure: Third Party Claims in the Philippines
When can third parties stop a writ of possession after extrajudicial foreclosure? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on adverse possession.
Fatal Omission: Why the People Must Be Parties in Challenges to Search Warrants
Learn why the Supreme Court ruled that the People of the Philippines is an indispensable party in certiorari petitions challenging search warrants.
Reconveyance vs Annulment of Judgment: Protecting Real Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a complaint is for reconveyance rather than annulment of judgment, protecting rightful owners of registered land.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Limits of Personal Liability for Corporate Acts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may be held personally liable and why certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal.
Tax Assessment Waivers and the Statute of Limitations in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when waivers of the tax assessment period are invalid, and why prescription still bars the BIR from collecting deficiency taxes.
Decoding Labor-Only Contracting: Adidas Employee Rights and Responsibilities
The Supreme Court clarifies labor-only contracting rules in Cusap v. Adidas Philippines, explaining employee rights, employer liability, and regularization.
Bigamy and the Second Spouse: Liability as an Accomplice Under Philippine Law
When can a second spouse be held liable for bigamy in the Philippines? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on accomplice liability and marriage validity.
Establishing Filiation: The Complexities of Inheritance Rights for Illegitimate Children in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how illegitimate children prove filiation and inherit, and why unprobated wills fail in estate claims.
Standing to Sue, Heirs' Rights, and Property Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land registration, heirs' rights, and the standing of the Republic to oppose property claims.
Default Admissions in Philippine Civil Cases: The Go Tong Ruling on Loan Documents
A general denial does not defeat a loan claim. Learn how Rule 8 admissions shape collection suits in the Philippines.
When Courts Can Correct Final Judgments: Erroneous Penalties in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when final and executory judgments may be corrected for erroneous penalties, citing Sumbilla v. Matrix Finance.
Forged Deeds vs Innocent Purchasers: Protecting Land Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when forged deeds defeat innocent purchaser protection under the Torrens system.
Breach of Trust: Understanding Malversation of Public Funds in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the elements of malversation under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code, including the presumption of misappropriation when funds are not forthcoming upon demand.
Taxing Times: Government Instrumentalities and Real Property Tax Exemptions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government instrumentalities like airport authorities are exempt from local real property taxes.