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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Unraveling Oral Contracts: Dantis v. Maghinang, Jr. on Land Ownership
The Supreme Court clarifies when oral contracts for land sale fail, hearsay and photocopy evidence are inadmissible, and Torrens titles prevail.
Self-Defense Under Scrutiny: When Does a Threat Justify Homicide in the Philippines?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a threat justifies killing in self-defense, requiring actual unlawful aggression, not mere intimidation.
Protecting Third Party Rights in Foreclosure When Possession Trumps Ownership
When a third party adversely possesses foreclosed property, courts must hold a hearing before issuing a writ of possession.
Quantum Meruit: Fair Pay When Contracts Lack Clear Terms
Learn how quantum meruit ensures fair compensation when contracts lack clear payment terms, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in International Hotel Corporation v. Joaquin.
Mortgage Foreclosure: Clarifying Rights and Procedures in Disputed Property Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified extrajudicial foreclosure rules, writ of possession, and procedural requirements in disputed mortgage cases.
When a Judge Assists Family in Court: Conduct Unbecoming and the Ban on Private Practice
A judge who coached his daughter and assisted his wife in an administrative case was fined for conduct unbecoming and practicing law.
Valid Contracts Despite Regulatory Lapses: Moldex Realty vs. Flora Saberon
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a developer's lack of license or failure to register does not void a contract to sell.
Broken Chain of Custody Leads to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect when police fail to document custody of seized shabu, stressing strict compliance with RA 9165.
Incestuous Rape Upholding Victim Testimony AND Parental Responsibility
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Evidence Integrity Determines Guilt or Acquittal
The Supreme Court explains why strict compliance with the chain of custody rule in drug cases is essential to protect the accused from wrongful conviction.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Disciplining Court Personnel FOR Public Misconduct
Direct vs Collateral Attack: Clarifying Land Title Disputes in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a counterclaim to nullify a land title is a permissible direct attack, not a barred collateral one.
Upholding Chain of Custody in Drug Cases:
Writ of Possession After Foreclosure: When Third-Party Claims and Pending Cases Don't Stop the Writ
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a writ of possession is ministerial and how pending annulment cases, third-party claims, and surplus issues affect the rule.
Balancing Technical Rules and Justice When the Court of Appeals Must Review Cases on Merit
The Supreme Court clarifies that failure to attach all pleadings to a Rule 42 petition should not automatically result in outright dismissal.
Challenging Foreclosure When Courts Must Halt Mortgage Proceedings
When can courts dismiss appeals for incomplete attachments? Galvez v. CA clarifies the rules on foreclosure challenges and procedural compliance.
Litis Pendentia When Two Courts Collide Over Amusement Taxes
When two courts hear the same dispute over amusement tax rewards, litis pendentia allows dismissal of the later suit.
Writ of Possession After Foreclosure: When a Purchaser's Right Is Absolute
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a foreclosure sale purchaser may demand a writ of possession and when exceptions apply.
Unraveling Delay When A Party's Change of Heart Revives a Stalled Legal Battle
When parties agree to admit an amended complaint after years of delay, the Supreme Court steps in to restart a stalled case.
Upholding Comelec's Discretion: Balancing Electoral Integrity and Due Process in Special Elections
The Supreme Court affirms Comelec's broad discretion in conducting special elections after failure of elections, balancing integrity against due process concerns.
Jail Officers Negligence Defining Gross Misconduct in Public Service
Supreme Court ruling on when a jail officer's negligence and consent to a prisoner's escape constitutes gross misconduct in public service.
Breach of Public Trust: When Dismissal in Government Service Fails Due Process
A Supreme Court ruling on why a government employee's dismissal for insubordination was void for violating due process requirements.
Affinity and Judicial Disqualification: What the Supreme Court Clarified
The Supreme Court clarifies when family relations by affinity disqualify a judge, and why mere allegations are not enough.
Affinity and Judicial Disqualification: What the Supreme Court Clarified
The Supreme Court explains when a judge's family relationship by affinity requires inhibition, and why a losing litigant's late complaint failed.