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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Co-Ownership and Good Faith: Understanding Property Rights in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a co-owner can only sell their own share, and buyers must verify ownership of unregistered land.
Disbarment for Bigamy Upholding Marital Sanctity and Legal Ethics in the Philippines
Explore how Philippine courts treat bigamy as a grave offense affecting a lawyer's moral fitness and professional standing.
Duty Free Philippines v. BIR: The Perils of Skipping the CTA En Banc on Appeal
A direct appeal to the Supreme Court from a CTA Division ruling is fatal. Learn the correct appellate route under R.A. 9282.
Forged Documents and Judicial Misconduct: Protecting Land Titles in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on judge misconduct highlights the dangers of unauthorized notarization and the importance of protecting land titles from forged documents.
Res Judicata vs Ownership Claims: Understanding Property Disputes in the Philippines
A forcible entry ruling does not bar a later ownership-based recovery case. Learn the key distinctions from a 2014 Supreme Court decision.
Good Faith vs Actual Knowledge: Resolving Land Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgments, petitions for relief, and banks' duty of diligence in land mortgage disputes.
Closure Due to Losses: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations in the Philippines
Understand the rules on business closure due to losses in the Philippines—what employees are entitled to and what employers must do.
Written Stipulation Is Key: Enforceability of Loan Interest Agreements in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when 12% interest applies versus 6% in construction disputes, emphasizing written stipulations.
Divorce Recognition in the Philippines: What Ando v. DFA Means for Remarriage and Passport Issuance
The Supreme Court clarifies when a foreign divorce is recognized in the Philippines and what a Filipino spouse must prove before remarrying.
Breach of Contract Remedies for Condominium Delivery Delays in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law protects condominium buyers when developers delay delivery, including refund rights and interest rules under PD 957.
Breach of Trust Establishing Conspiracy in Qualified Theft Cases in the Philippines
How a cashier's breach of trust led to 30 counts of qualified theft, and what the Supreme Court ruled on penalties.
Res Judicata Preventing Endless Litigation Over Land Ownership in the Philippines
Learn how res judicata bars relitigation of land ownership disputes in the Philippines and why final judgments must be respected.
Divorce AND Property Rights Protecting Marital Unions IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on divorce and property rights, protecting marital unions under Philippine law.
Forged Signatures and Void Sales: Protecting Conjugal Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court nullified a sale based on forged signatures, protecting conjugal property and heirs' rights under Philippine law.
Probation Revocation in the Philippines: New Offenses and Due Process
Learn when Philippine courts can revoke probation for a new offense, and what due process requires in revocation proceedings.
Good Faith vs Due Diligence: Protecting Land Titles in the Philippines
When can a forged land title become valid? The Supreme Court explains the limits of good faith and due diligence for property buyers.
Strict 120+30 Day Rule for VAT Refund Claims in the Philippines
Learn the mandatory 120+30 day periods for VAT refund claims and why late judicial appeals are fatal under Philippine tax law.
Untimely Appeal Strict Deadlines For VAT Refund Claims In The Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the mandatory 120-day and 30-day deadlines for VAT refund claims, including the exception for premature judicial filings.
Termination Due to Illness in the Philippines: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Protection
The Supreme Court clarifies when employers may validly terminate employees due to disease, and the procedural due process required under Philippine labor law.
Ownership Disputes Tracing Land Titles AND Protecting Successional Rights IN THE Philippines
Explains how Philippine courts resolve land ownership disputes by tracing titles, and why successional rights vest only at death.
Proving Land Is Alienable and Disposable for Registration in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the two documents required to prove land is alienable and disposable for original registration.
Rape and Statutory Rape: Establishing Guilt and Proper Penalties in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when rape becomes qualified rape, the penalties involved, and how courts assess victim testimony.
Protecting Children Parental Abuse AND THE Boundaries OF Family Rights IN THE Philippines
Conditional Sale vs Contract to Sell: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial difference between a conditional sale and a contract to sell, and why buyers must pay the full price to own property.