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.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Public Servants AND THE Obligation TO Pay Just Debts
Court personnel must pay just debts even in private transactions. A stenographer's loan default led to reprimand under Civil Service rules.
The Perils of Selling Land You Don't Own: Resolving Property Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on adverse claims, constructive notice, and what happens when someone sells or leases property they no longer own.
Navigating Agrarian Disputes: DARAB Jurisdiction in CLOA Cancellation Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified DARAB's exclusive jurisdiction over CLOA cancellation and agrarian disputes in Lopez v. Romero.
Succession in Public Office: Enforcing Court Orders Against a Deceased Official's Successor
When a public officer dies, can a court order be enforced against the successor? The Supreme Court clarifies substitution rules.
How Assessed Value Determines the Court for Land Title Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies why the assessed value of land, not its market value, determines which court has jurisdiction over title disputes.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
The Supreme Court enforces final judgments in disbarment cases, citing a lawyer for indirect contempt and disobedience for defying orders.
Agrarian Court Appeals: Petition for Review, Not Ordinary Appeal, Is the Correct Mode
Appeals from Special Agrarian Courts go to the CA by petition for review under RA 6657, not ordinary appeal. The Supreme Court explains why.
Losing a Land Title: Why Possession at Application Time Matters in Property Registration
Learn why the Supreme Court denied a land registration application because the applicant no longer possessed the property at the time of filing.
The Critical Role of Indispensable Parties in Philippine Estate Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court protects Torrens titles against laches claims, and why registered owners must act promptly.
Agricultural Leasehold vs. Inheritance: Protecting Tenant Rights and Land Use in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land registration, possession, and the distinction between ownership and mere holding in agricultural property disputes.
Laches and Land Titles: When Delay Can Trump Ownership Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how procedural delay and res judicata can bar claims to land, even for alleged owners.
VAT Refund Claims: Proving Input Tax Payments With Proper Documentation
Tax refund claims fail without proper evidence. Learn the documentation rules from a Supreme Court case on input VAT refunds.
Speedy Disposition vs Public Justice: Balancing Rights in Anti-Graft Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that the right to speedy disposition is flexible and may be waived by silence, especially when public funds are involved.
Establishing Ownership: The Decisive Role of Documentary Evidence Over Testimonial Claims in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why documentary evidence outweighs testimonial claims in land registration cases.
Surety Bonds Enforcing Liability Despite Procedural Technicalities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may suspend civil cases for prejudicial questions, and how surety obligations remain enforceable.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Suing Corporate Officers in Their Personal Capacity
The Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may be held personally liable for actions taken under their corporate roles, examining the coconut levy cases.
Absence of Mutual Agreement Nullifies Sale of Vessels: A Philippine Contract Law Primer
Explore when a contract of sale is void for lack of consent, using a Philippine Supreme Court case as a guide.
Land Reclassification vs. Conversion: DAR Approval Still Required After CARL
The Supreme Court clarifies that local reclassification of agricultural land does not remove the need for DAR conversion approval under CARL.
Financial Leasing Agreements Are Valid Contracts Despite Lessee Default
Supreme Court affirms that financial leasing agreements are genuine contracts; defaulting lessees remain bound by their terms and obligations.
Proving Co-Ownership in Philippine Property Disputes: The Bulawin Case
Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves co-ownership of inherited land, and what does not, in a dispute over a Camiguin rice field.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Supreme Court Clarifies Evidence Rules in Faustino Co Shu Kiam v. Republic
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on judicial reconstitution of lost certificates of title, emphasizing that strict evidentiary standards must yield to practical realities.
Forum Shopping and Premature Certiorari: Lessons from an Insurance Claim Dispute
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified preliminary hearings on affirmative defenses and the proper use of certiorari in insurance disputes.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Court Personnel’s Duty to Maintain Judicial Integrity
A sheriff’s cockfight betting draws a reprimand—why court employees must avoid even the appearance of impropriety.
Passport Loss Liability: Negligence and Damages in LBC Express v. Ado
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on carrier liability for lost passport, damages rules, and proof requirements in LBC Express v. Ado.