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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Void Marriages and Child Support: When Can a Marriage Be Challenged in Court
The Supreme Court clarifies when a void marriage can be challenged in court and the support rights of children born from such unions.
Reconstitution of Title: Strict Proof Required for Lost or Destroyed Land Titles in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict requirements for reconstitution of lost or destroyed land titles under RA 26, emphasizing proof of original title issuance.
Tardiness, Insubordination, and Due Process: Balancing Grounds for Valid Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when habitual tardiness and insubordination justify dismissal, and what procedural due process truly requires.
Corporate Rehabilitation, Foreclosure, and Judicial Independence: Key Lessons from Rombe Eximtrade
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when courts may issue injunctions against foreclosure after a rehabilitation case is dismissed.
Continuing Jurisdiction and Court Power: Rombe Eximtrade v. Asiatrust
When can a court issue an injunction after another court dismissed a rehabilitation case? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial power.
Ombudsman's Discretion: When Courts Can Compel Criminal Charges for Graft
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may compel the Ombudsman to file criminal charges, balancing prosecutorial discretion with judicial oversight.
Corporate Authority and Tax Credits: Clarifying the Scope for Senior Citizen Discounts
Supreme Court clarifies corporate officer authority in signing pleadings and affirms tax credit entitlement for senior citizen discounts despite net loss.
Theft vs. Estafa: When Misusing Entrusted Funds Becomes Theft in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when misappropriating funds received for a specific purpose constitutes theft rather than estafa.
Finality of Judgments, Due Process, and Counsel's Negligence in Contract Rescission
A Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgments, due process, and counsel's negligence in a construction contract rescission case.
Co-Ownership Consent and the Limits of Property Rights in the Philippines
One co-owner's consent cannot authorize construction on common property. The Supreme Court explains forcible entry rules in co-ownership disputes.
Preliminary Mandatory Injunctions: Clear Right and Irreparable Injury Required
The Supreme Court explains when preliminary mandatory injunctions may issue, requiring clear rights and concrete proof of irreparable injury.
Mutuality of Contracts: The Limits of Bank Discretion in Setting Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that unilateral interest rate setting violates mutuality of contracts, but the principal loan obligation remains valid and enforceable.
Breach of Trust: When Workplace Conduct Undermines Employer Confidence
Supreme Court ruling on when managerial employees may be validly dismissed for breach of trust and loss of confidence.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect and Mishandling Client's Property
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for failing to render legal services, returning money late, and withholding client's title and documents.
Health Care Agreements: Insurers Must Prove Pre-Existing Conditions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who bears the burden of proving pre-existing conditions in health care agreements, and insurer liability for damages.
Certiorari Dismissed Untimely Appeals AND THE Finality OF Judgments
Explore how the Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of a Rule 65 petition, reinforcing the finality of judgments and the limits of certiorari.
Hospital Liability for Consultant Doctors: The Doctrine of Apparent Authority
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on hospital liability for consultant physicians' negligence under apparent authority and corporate negligence doctrines.
Demurrer to Evidence: Insufficient Proof in Customs and Anti-Graft Cases Leads to Dismissal
When prosecution evidence fails to establish a prima facie case, a demurrer to evidence may lead to dismissal. The Supreme Court explains.
Enforcing Contractual Obligations: Valid Payment and the Courts' Supervisory Role
When may a buyer rescind a timeshare contract? The Supreme Court clarifies registration rules, rescission periods, and appeal deadlines.
Dation in Payment: When Transferring Property Fully Settles a Debt
A bank accepted equipment as full payment of a loan, then sued for more. The Supreme Court explains when dation in payment extinguishes a debt.
Teachers Reassignment Balancing Rights AND Educational Needs
Explains when public school teachers may be validly transferred or reassigned, citing the Supreme Court ruling in Superintendent of City Schools v. Azarcon.
Register of Deeds Cannot Re-Annotate Liens Omitted from Reconstituted Titles
Supreme Court rules Register of Deeds lacks authority to re-annotate liens omitted from reconstituted Torrens titles; court petition required.
Navigating the Court Hierarchy When Directly Appealing to the Supreme Court in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when direct petitions for certiorari are allowed, emphasizing the doctrine of hierarchy of courts.
Timeshare Contracts and SEC Registration: What Buyers Should Know
Supreme Court clarifies that unregistered timeshare sales violate the Securities Act, and buyers may rescind such contracts.