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.
Estoppel by Laches and Government Reversion Claims: The Sundiam Ruling
When can the government be barred from recovering public land? The Supreme Court's Sundiam ruling clarifies estoppel by laches and innocent purchasers for value.
Extrajudicial Ejectment in Philippine Leases: What the CJH v. Aniceto Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies when extrajudicial ejectment clauses in lease agreements are valid and enforceable in the Philippines.
Vicarious Liability and Common Carrier Duties: The Mendoza Case Explained
Learn how the Mendoza ruling clarifies employer liability for employee negligence and the obligations of common carriers in the Philippines.
Implied Lease Renewals and Right of First Refusal: What Tenants Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that implied lease renewals do not revive a tenant's right of first refusal unless expressly agreed.
Consent in Contracts: Supreme Court Voids Mortgage for Lack of Genuine Agreement
Supreme Court voids mortgage where a bank misled an elderly woman into signing a loan document she believed was a mere guarantee.
Laches in Philippine Law: How Delay Can Bar Your Legal Claims
Learn how the doctrine of laches can bar legal claims in the Philippines, even before the prescriptive period expires, through the Supreme Court's ruling in Ang v. Abaldonado.
Unconscionable Interest Rates: When 5% Monthly Loan Interest Is Void in the Philippines
Philippine courts void unconscionable loan interest rates even if borrowers agreed to them. Learn the rules, the legal interest substitute, and foreclosure effects.
Encroachment and Good Faith: Land Dispute Remedies Under Article 448
A Supreme Court ruling on encroachment clarifies when a landowner may recover possession and how Article 448 protects builders in good faith.
Civil Registry Corrections: R.A. 9048 vs. Rules 103 and 108 Explained
Learn when to use R.A. 9048 versus Rules 103 and 108 for correcting civil registry entries, based on the Bartolome ruling.
Torrens Title vs. Possession: When a Registered Owner Prevails in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Torrens title prevails over possession claims in accion publiciana cases, reaffirming the indefeasibility of registered land titles.
Condominium Dues and Utility Disconnection: What Unit Owners Must Know
The Supreme Court upheld a condominium association's right to disconnect utilities for unpaid dues, clarifying owner obligations under the Condominium Act.
Common Carriers and Stolen Goods: The Extraordinary Diligence Standard in the Philippines
Philippine law holds common carriers liable for stolen goods unless theft involved grave threat or irresistible force. Learn the extraordinary diligence standard.
Prior Sale Beats Inheritance: Supreme Court on Land Ownership Disputes
When a valid sale predates an inheritance claim, the buyer owns the land. The Supreme Court explains why Article 1544 on double sales does not apply.
Oral Contracts for Property: Six-Year Prescription Bars Stale Claims for Specific Performance
Oral agreements to transfer property must be enforced within six years. Learn how prescription works and why timely action matters.
Regalian Doctrine and Land Registration: Proving Alienable and Disposable Land
Learn how the Regalian doctrine affects land registration in the Philippines, and why applicants must prove land is alienable and disposable.
Quasi-Delict Claims Need No Reservation: Supreme Transport Ruling Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that quasi-delict counterclaims may proceed without reservation in criminal cases, subject only to the ban on double recovery.
Plagiarism in Academia: Supreme Court Upholds Dismissal of UE Professors for Misrepresentation
Supreme Court upholds dismissal of professors for plagiarism, misrepresentation, and breach of trust, clarifying stare decisis and waiver rules.
Sales Commissions Are Wages: Supreme Court Ruling on Unpaid Commissions and Unauthorized Deductions
Sales commissions are wages under Philippine law. Learn what the Supreme Court ruled on unpaid commissions and unauthorized car plan deductions.
Proving Lost Earnings After Wrongful Death: Testimony Can Suffice, Says Supreme Court
The Supreme Court ruled that credible testimonial evidence alone can prove a deceased person's income for lost earning capacity damages.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Director Liability in Investment Fraud Cases
When can directors be personally liable for corporate fraud? The Supreme Court's ruling in Virata v. Ng Wee provides clear guidance.
Spousal Consent in Property Sales: Why a Sale Without Written Consent Is Void
Selling conjugal property without the other spouse's written consent is void under Philippine law. Learn the rules and buyer protections.
Submarine Cables as Taxable Real Property: Supreme Court Clarifies Local Government Authority
The Supreme Court rules submarine cables are taxable real property, affirming local governments' power to impose real property tax on these assets.
Breach of Contract vs. Damages: How Philippine Courts Determine Jurisdiction
Philippine courts determine jurisdiction by the primary relief sought, not the complaint's label. Learn how the Supreme Court clarified this in a landmark ruling.
Accretion vs. Reclamation: Philippine Supreme Court Rules on Artificial Land Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that artificially filled land is not accretion under Article 457, settling ownership disputes over man-made extensions.