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.
Untimely Appeal: The Perils of Procedural Lapses in Labor Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling on how missing the 60-day appeal period in labor cases can cost a party the case entirely.
Boundary Disputes and Ejectment: Clarifying the Proper Legal Action in Philippine Property Law
When a property conflict involves boundary lines, ejectment is not the right remedy. Learn what action to file.
Dismissal of Case: Navigating Forum Shopping and Indispensable Parties in Property Disputes
What happens when two property cases are filed separately? The Supreme Court clarifies forum shopping, consolidation, and indispensable parties.
Failure to Prosecute and Counterclaims: Lessons from Roasters Philippines v. Gaviola
When can a case be dismissed for failure to prosecute, and what happens to counterclaims? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Torrens Title vs Mortgage Resolving Property Possession Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on which Torrens title prevails when property claims overlap, tracing validity to the mother title.
VAT Refund Claims: The 120-Day Rule, Equitable Estoppel, and the San Roque Window
The Supreme Court clarifies when a premature VAT refund claim may still prosper under the San Roque doctrine and equitable estoppel.
Ombudsman's Probable Cause Discretion and Grave Abuse in Public Official Cases
Courts rarely interfere with the Ombudsman's probable cause findings unless grave abuse of discretion is clearly shown. This case explains the rule.
Land Registration: Proving Open, Continuous Possession for a Clear Title
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to prove possession for land registration under PD 1529, and when the tracing cloth plan requirement may be relaxed.
How Marital Status Determines Property Ownership in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains how marital status affects property ownership, co-ownership rules, and the validity of selling property without spousal consent.
Dual Allegiance Disqualification Renunciation Requirements FOR Elective Office
A naturalized Filipino who reacquired citizenship must strictly comply with renunciation requirements or face disqualification from elective office.
Conditional Satisfaction of Judgment and the Mootness Doctrine in Labor Disputes
When does paying a labor award end the case? The Supreme Court clarifies when a conditional settlement does not make an appeal moot.
Confessions and Counsel: Safeguarding Rights in Criminal Investigations
The Supreme Court clarifies when the right to counsel applies in confessions and what makes a lawyer "competent and independent" under Philippine law.
Arrastre Operator Liability: Proving Delivery Diligence in Cargo Claims
When is an arrastre operator liable for missing cargo? The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof and the effect of signed gate passes.
VAT Refund Timelines: Strict Compliance Prevails Over Prior BIR Rulings
Supreme Court clarifies mandatory 120+30 day VAT refund periods; late judicial claims fail despite BIR Ruling No. DA-489-03.
Buyers Right Prevails Enforcing Title Delivery IN Subdivision Sales
Supreme Court rules subdivision buyers who fully paid can compel title delivery despite later transfers to third parties.
Joint Account Withdrawal Rights: Limits of Authority Among Co-Depositors
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on joint account, meaning either depositor could transact without the other's signature.
Forged Deeds and Ejectment: Protecting Co-Ownership Rights in Family Property Disputes
When a forged deed transfers family property, can the fraudulent titleholder evict co-owner heirs? The Supreme Court says no.
Venue in Deficiency Claims: A Personal Action After Foreclosure
The Supreme Court clarifies that an action to recover a mortgage deficiency after extrajudicial foreclosure is a personal action, not a real action.
Perfecting Appeals and the Strict Rules on Judicial Reconstitution of Torrens Titles
The Supreme Court reminds courts that petitions for judicial reconstitution of lost Torrens titles demand strict compliance with RA 26.
Standing to Sue, Heirs' Rights, and Property Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land registration, heirs' rights, and the standing of the Republic to oppose property claims.
Can Acquisitive Prescription Defeat a Torrens Title? The Dy v. Yu Ruling
The Supreme Court explains when long-term adverse possession can defeat a Torrens title, despite the system's guarantee of indefeasibility.
Sleeping on Your Rights: Laches and Prescription in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court explains when a property claim fails due to laches and prescription, even for registered land.
Accountability in Recruitment: Penalizing Illegal Recruiters for Economic Sabotage and Estafa
Learn how Philippine courts penalize illegal recruitment as economic sabotage and estafa, and what this means for overseas job seekers.
Insurance Claim Denied for Drunk Driver: Proving Intoxication in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when insurers may deny claims due to driver intoxication and the evidence required.