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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Possession and Ownership: Understanding the Writ of Possession in Foreclosure Cases in the Philippines
Learn how forum shopping can derail foreclosure disputes in the Philippines, as shown in Asia United Bank v. Goodland Company, Inc.
Navigating Land Registration: Open Possession and Imperfect Titles in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when possession of alienable public land can ripen into a registrable title under P.D. 1529.
Judicial Conduct: Proving Misconduct Claims Against Judges in the Philippines
A look at the evidentiary standard for administrative complaints against judges, explained through the case of Datoon v. Judge Kapili.
Retrenchment in the Philippines: Balancing Employer Prerogative and Employee Rights
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when retrenchment is valid, how waivers and quitclaims are tested, and what happens when the required DOLE notice is late.
Double Sale of Property: Understanding Legal Ownership and Good Faith in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies double sale rules under Article 1544, emphasizing possession in good faith determines ownership when no registration occurs.
Redundancy Dismissal in the Philippines: When Is It Legal? The Culili v. ETPI Case
The Supreme Court explains when redundancy dismissal is valid, what employers must prove, and the cost of missing procedural due process.
When Public Use Fails: Reclaiming Expropriated Land in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when former owners can reclaim expropriated property after the public purpose is abandoned.
Expiration of Lease Agreements: Understanding Ejectment Rights in the Philippines
When a month-to-month lease expires, can a lessor eject the tenant? The Supreme Court explains the rules on ejectment and lease expiration.
Forfeiture of Conversion Fees: Understanding Government Contracts and Bidding Rules in the Philippines
When can the government forfeit a bidder's payment? The Supreme Court explains bidding rules, forfeiture clauses, and government contract obligations.
Foreclosure Sales in the Philippines: The Legal Weight of Notice and Publication
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the requirements for notice and publication in extrajudicial foreclosure sales under Act No. 3135.
Evidence Rules in Philippine Administrative Cases: The Atienza Case Explained
Administrative bodies in the Philippines follow relaxed evidence rules. Learn what Atienza v. Board of Medicine means for professionals facing administrative scrutiny.
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.
Lateral and Subjacent Support: Excavation Limits for Adjacent Landowners in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the legal easement of lateral and subjacent support between adjacent landowners and its effect on property titles.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: Understanding the Limits of Justifiable Force
Philippine law recognizes self-defense, but the burden of proof lies on the accused. Learn the legal limits of justifiable force.
Falsification of Court Documents: Consequences for Dishonest Court Employees in the Philippines
Understand when a court employee's failure to disclose a past administrative case in a PDS amounts to dishonesty, and when it does not.
When Illegal Dismissal Claims of Probationary Employees Fall Outside DARAB Jurisdiction: Del Monte Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction over agrarian disputes, distinguishing recovery of possession cases from tenurial controversies under RA 6657.
When Self-Defense Fails: Superior Strength in Philippine Murder Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains when self-defense fails and how abuse of superior strength qualifies a killing as murder in the Philippines.
Sheriffs Liability Understanding Misconduct IN Implementing Court Writs IN The Philippines
When can a sheriff be held liable for implementing a writ? The Supreme Court clarifies the standard of care required of sheriffs in Tenorio v. Perlas.
Regular Employment vs Apprenticeship: Protecting Workers' Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when apprenticeship agreements cannot defeat regular employment status and workers' rights.
Sheriff Misconduct: When Negligence Leads to Dismissal in the Philippines
A deputy sheriff's deliberate delay in serving a writ led to dismissal for gross misconduct. Key lessons for court personnel.
Contract to Sell vs Dacion en Pago: Protecting Subdivision Lot Buyers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how PD 957 protects subdivision lot buyers even when a developer transfers the property to a bank through dacion en pago.
When Are Warrantless Arrests and Searches Legal in the Philippines
Learn when Philippine law allows warrantless arrests and searches, the legal limits, and what to do if your rights are violated.
Forcible Entry Understanding Possession Procedure AND Timelines IN THE Philippines
Retrenchment in the Philippines: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations
A Supreme Court ruling shows what employers must prove before retrenching staff, and why a signed quitclaim does not always bar an illegal dismissal case.