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.
Successor Liability in Philippine Labor Law: When Is a Company Responsible for Another's Debts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a company becomes liable for another firm's labor debts under successor liability rules.
Unsigned Stipulations in Mortgages: Philippine Supreme Court Upholds Consent as Key
Philippine Supreme Court rules a mortgage stipulation inserted after signing without the mortgagor's consent is void ab initio.
Falsification of Documents: Proving Intent and Damage in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on notarial falsification, forgery evidence, and lawyer liability in Lingan v. Calubaquib.
Finality of Judgments in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
The Supreme Court enforces final disbarment orders through execution and contempt, underscoring the doctrine of finality of judgment.
Why Exhausting Administrative Remedies Matters in Philippine Property Disputes
Learn from a 2006 Supreme Court ruling why skipping administrative appeals before going to court can be fatal to a property case.
Demand NOT Always Needed When Philippine Banks CAN Foreclose Without Prior Notice
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when banks may foreclose without prior demand, and limits on preliminary injunctions against foreclosure.
Lost Appeal: Why Missing Deadlines in Philippine Courts Can Be Fatal to Your Case
A Supreme Court ruling shows how missed deadlines and a wrong remedy can end a case permanently, even with a meritorious appeal.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When a Corporation Can Be Bound by Unauthorized Acts
Learn when courts may hold a corporation liable for acts done under a trade name, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Ridgewood Estate, Inc. v. Belaos.
Protecting Your Inheritance: Why Heirs' Consent Matters in Estate Partition
Learn how the Supreme Court protects heirs' inheritance rights in estate partition, and why an administrator's failure to follow the decedent's will amounts to extrinsic fraud.
Supreme Court on Lost Appeals: Certiorari Cannot Replace a Missed Appeal
The Supreme Court rules that a petition for certiorari cannot substitute for a lost appeal, affirming dismissal of a case for procedural lapses.
Accion Publiciana: When Can You File to Recover Property Possession in the Philippines
Learn when to file accion publiciana instead of unlawful detainer to recover property possession in the Philippines, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Proving Land Ownership in the Philippines: Tax Declarations and Cadastral Surveys in Quieting Title Cases
Learn how tax declarations, cadastral surveys, and possession determine ownership in Philippine land disputes, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Interest on Maritime Liens in the Philippines: When Does the Clock Start Ticking?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest on a maritime lien begins to accrue—from extrajudicial demand, not from foreclosure sale.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: Extramarital Affair and Child Bar Judicial Office
Supreme Court dismisses a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and child, and suspends him from law practice for three years.
When Can CLOAs Be Canceled? Landowner Rights Under CARP Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when CLOAs may be canceled, who may question farmer-beneficiary qualifications, and landowner rights under CARP.
Constructive Dismissal and OFWs: What the Supreme Court Says About Quitting
The Supreme Court explains when an OFW's resignation is constructive dismissal and how quitclaims affect claims for unpaid wages.
Regular Employment Status: When a Probationary Employee Becomes Regular
Understand when a probationary employee becomes regular under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Dusit Hotel Nikko v. Gatbonton.
Protecting Landowner Rights Due Process and Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform
Learn how the Supreme Court balanced landowner due process rights with farmer-beneficiary qualifications in agrarian reform cases under RA 6657.
Exhausting Administrative Remedies with the COA: A Prerequisite for Money Claims Against Government Agencies
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that money claims against government agencies must first be filed with the COA before going to court.
Execution Pending Appeal in the Philippines: When Can a Judgment Be Enforced Immediately
Philippine Supreme Court explains when execution pending appeal is allowed and why "good reasons" must be compelling, not merely convenient.
When Void Contracts Cannot Support Ejectment: Republic v. La'o
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void contracts under RA 3019 and their effect on ejectment cases and property rights.
Upholding Due Process in Search Warrants: The Kho v. Lanzanas Standard
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies probable cause standards for search warrants and due process in intellectual property cases.
When Can a Lawyer Be Disciplined? No Prescription for Attorney Misconduct
The Supreme Court strikes down the IBP's two-year prescription rule, affirming that lawyer misconduct can be disciplined anytime.
Void Contracts and Ejectment: Property Rights in the Philippines
When a contract is void from the start, it cannot support an ejectment suit. Learn the legal rules from a Philippine Supreme Court case.