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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Derivative Suits and Venue: Lessons from Hi-Yield Realty v. Court of Appeals
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on derivative suit venue, Rule 65 vs. Rule 45, and why certiorari cannot substitute for a lost appeal.
Ejectment or Agrarian Dispute? How Philippine Courts Decide Who Has Jurisdiction
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a land dispute was treated as an ejectment case, not an agrarian matter, and how jurisdiction is determined.
Revocation of Authority and Amendment of Information in Election Cases
Supreme Court clarifies when prosecutors may amend informations and when arraignment may be suspended pending COMELEC appeal.
When Counsel's Gross Negligence Can Win a Client a New Trial
The Supreme Court explains when a lawyer's gross negligence deprives a client of due process and justifies a new trial.
Perfecting Land Titles: Proving Possession Since June 12, 1945 Is Crucial
The Supreme Court clarifies that land registration applicants must prove possession since June 12, 1945, not just 30 years.
Buy-Bust Operations and Drug Convictions: What the Quinicot Case Teaches
The Supreme Court affirms drug convictions from a buy-bust operation, clarifying rules on informants, warrants, and penalties.
Constitutional Limits on Land Ownership: Aliens Cannot Indirectly Control Philippine Land Through Filipino Spo
Philippine Supreme Court ruling that alien spouses cannot claim rights over land titled to Filipino wives, citing constitutional prohibitions.
Buy-Bust Operations Can Establish Guilt Despite Claims of Police Extortion
Supreme Court affirms drug conviction from buy-bust operation, rejecting claims of frame-up and extortion by police officers.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When a Corporation Cannot Escape Its Loan Obligations
The Supreme Court explains when courts may disregard corporate fiction to hold a corporation liable for loans received by its affiliates and alter egos.
Co-Ownership and Redemption Rights: Key Lessons from Calma v. Santos
Learn how the Supreme Court resolved co-ownership disputes over a fishpond, covering notarized deeds, double sales, and legal redemption.
Compromise Agreements and Party Autonomy in Philippine Dispute Resolution
The Supreme Court approves a compromise agreement, affirming that parties may settle disputes through mutual concessions under Article 1306 of the Civil Code.
Compromise Agreements in Philippine Courts: When Parties Settle, the Court Approves
Explaining the Supreme Court's approval of a compromise agreement in Spouses Tankiang v. Alaraz, and what it means for settling litigation in the Philippines.
Compromise Agreements in Philippine Tax Cases: The Supreme Court's Approval in California Manufacturing
When can a taxpayer compromise local tax liabilities? The Supreme Court's ruling in California Manufacturing explains the binding effect of judicial compromises.
Buy-Bust Operations in Drug Cases: Legality Despite Lack of Prior Surveillance
The Supreme Court has ruled that a buy-bust operation remains valid even without prior surveillance or a test buy. Here is what Quinicot v. People teaches.
Dual Citizenship and Elections: The Renunciation Requirement Under R.A. 9225
Philippine dual citizens seeking elective office must personally renounce foreign citizenship under R.A. 9225. The Supreme Court explains in De Guzman v. COMELEC.
BSP’s Exclusive Authority Over Bank Receivership: What It Means for Depositors and Creditors
The Supreme Court affirms the BSP’s exclusive authority over bank receivership, clarifying the limits of court intervention and the rights of depositors and creditors.
Strict Deadlines for Appeal Memoranda: Mejillano v. Lucillo and the Limits of Liberal Construction
The Supreme Court in Mejillano v. Lucillo affirms that failure to file an appeal memorandum on time is fatal, even where the appellant pleads ignorance or counsel's death.
Laches and Diligence: The Duty to Prosecute Appeals in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on dismissing appeals for failure to file briefs, and the duty of counsel to prosecute appeals diligently.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim's Testimony and Penetration Standards in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, clarifying that slight penetration and credible victim testimony suffice to prove the crime.
Perfection of Appeal in Labor Cases: Strict Compliance with Procedural Rules Required
The Supreme Court affirms that failure to perfect an appeal before the NLRC is jurisdictional and fatal, even in labor cases.
Mortgagor's Stipulated Right to Notice Prevails in Foreclosure Proceedings
Supreme Court rules banks must honor contractual stipulations requiring personal notice to mortgagors before extrajudicial foreclosure, or risk nullifying the sale.
Redemption Rights in Foreclosure: Consignation of Redemption Price Is Mandatory
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: filing a judicial redemption action does not stop a writ of possession unless the redemption price is paid or consigned.
Last-Minute Appointments: When They Violate Civil Service Law
The Supreme Court explains when outgoing officials' last-minute appointments violate civil service law and who pays the salaries.
Appeal Memorandum Deadlines: Why Missing Them Can Cost Your Case
Missing the 15-day appeal memorandum deadline can end your appeal. Learn the strict rules and what the Supreme Court says about excuses.