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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Annulment of Judgment vs. Affidavit of Reappearance: Fraudulent Presumptive Death Declarations
When a presumptive death declaration is obtained by fraud, the Supreme Court clarifies why annulment of judgment—not an affidavit of reappearance—is the proper remedy.
Litis Pendentia in Lease Disputes: When Two Cases Can Proceed Separately
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that unlawful detainer and annulment of lease are distinct causes of action, not barred by litis pendentia.
Upholding Client Trust Attorney Suspended FOR Negligence AND Lack OF Diligence
Lawyer suspended six months for neglecting client's annulment case despite receiving P250,000. Learn the duties lawyers owe clients.
Annulment of Judgment: When a Lawyer's Negligence Is Not Extrinsic Fraud
Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's negligence is not extrinsic fraud for annulment of judgment under Rule 47.
Annulment of Judgment: Extrinsic Fraud Must Be Caused by the Adverse Party
The Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's negligence is not extrinsic fraud for annulment of judgment under Rule 47.
Extrinsic Fraud and Annulment of Judgment: What Litigants Must Know
The Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's negligence is not extrinsic fraud, and explains the strict requirements for annulling a final judgment under Rule 47.
Upholding Integrity Notarial Duty AND Consequences OF Falsification
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Torrens title indefeasibility, one-year bar to annulment, and reconveyance prescription periods explained.
Bigamy and Prior Annulment: What the Supreme Court Ruled in People v. Odtuhan
A prior annulment of the first marriage does not automatically erase bigamy liability. The Supreme Court explains why in People v. Odtuhan.
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.
Annulment of Judgment Protects Due Process in Property Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that failure to state "extrinsic fraud" verbatim does not doom a petition for annulment of judgment.
Annulment of Judgment: Extrinsic Fraud and Due Process in Property Disputes
When a property owner loses title without notice, annulment of judgment may lie. The Supreme Court clarifies extrinsic fraud and due process rules.
Safeguarding Due Process: Annulment of Judgment for Excess Interest Rates
A default judgment granting 5% monthly interest when only 12% per annum was prayed for violates due process and may be annulled.
Judicial Accountability: Upholding Procedural Rules in Annulment and Adoption Cases
A judge fined P10,000 for skipping mandatory no-collusion reports in annulments and adoption safeguards—a lesson in judicial accountability.
When Election Irregularities Meet Mootness: Annulment of Proclamation and the Imperative of an Actual Controve
Explore Quiño v. COMELEC, where the Supreme Court dismissed an election case as moot after a re-canvass, explaining why actual controversies matter.
Bigamy Despite Annulment: Understanding Retroactive Effects and Marital Status
A sheriff's affair leads to suspension, clarifying how annulment petitions do not erase marital obligations or authorize new relationships.
Annulment of Judgment: When a Non-Party Can Challenge a Final Court Decision
Learn when Philippine courts allow annulment of judgment under Rule 47, and why non-parties have limited remedies.
Annulment of Judgment: When a Non-Party Can Challenge a Final Court Decision
A non-party cannot seek annulment of judgment under Rule 47 if the decision does not bind or prejudice them. The Supreme Court explains the proper remedies.
Annulment of Judgment: Who Can Sue and When It Is Allowed Under Philippine Law
Learn who may file annulment of judgment under Rule 47, the limited grounds, and why non-parties have other remedies.
Annulment of Judgment: The High Bar for Overturning Final Decisions in the Philippines
Philippine courts rarely overturn final convictions. This case explains the strict standards for credibility, treachery, and finality of judgments.
Judicial Integrity Imperiled When Judges Betray Public Trust Lessons From Falsified Court Decisions
When a judge fabricates annulment decisions without proceedings, the Supreme Court shows why dismissal and disbarment follow.
Rescission of Share Sale: When Broken Promises Do Not Justify Annulment
A Supreme Court ruling on when disappointed investors can—and cannot—rescind a stock sale for fraud or breach.
Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Annulment Cases: Why Expert Testimony Matters
Learn how Philippine courts treat psychological incapacity in annulment cases and why expert testimony can make or break your case.
Annulment of Judgment: When Can You Reopen a Closed Case in the Philippines?
Learn when Philippine courts allow annulment of judgment under Rule 47, and why delay in seeking available remedies bars the remedy.
Service of Judgment to Deceased Lawyer: Ejectment and Annulment in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court rules on validity of judgment service to deceased counsel, finality of ejectment decisions, and limits of preliminary injunction.