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.
Concubinage, Condonation, and the Ombudsman's Power: Key Lessons from Busuego v. Ombudsman
The Supreme Court clarifies when a wife's knowledge of infidelity amounts to condonation of concubinage, and affirms the Ombudsman's broad investigative powers over public officers.
Quieting Title Over Public Land: Why Ownership Rights Are Required
The Supreme Court clarifies that an action to quiet title fails without legal or equitable ownership, especially over public land.
Formal Charges and Due Process in Philippine Administrative Law: The Salva v. Valle Ruling
Philippine administrative law requires a valid formal charge before dismissal. The Salva v. Valle ruling explains why.
Certiorari as a Remedy: Challenging Small Claims Court Decisions in the Philippines
Can a final small claims decision be challenged? The Supreme Court clarifies when certiorari under Rule 65 is the proper remedy.
Extrinsic Fraud and Annulment of Judgment: What Litigants Must Know
The Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's negligence is not extrinsic fraud, and explains the strict requirements for annulling a final judgment under Rule 47.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When Can Philippine Employers Dismiss Managerial Employees?
The Supreme Court in Manese v. Jollibee clarifies the less stringent standard for dismissing managerial employees for loss of trust and confidence.
Clarification vs. Amendment: When a Final Judgment Can Still Be Explained
Philippine courts can clarify final judgments but not amend them. Learn the distinction from Spouses Mahusay vs. B.E. San Diego, Inc.
Resignation and Administrative Cases in the Philippines: What Andutan Teaches Us
Can a resigned public official still face administrative cases? The Supreme Court's Andutan ruling clarifies the limits of Ombudsman jurisdiction.
Administrative Jurisdiction in the Philippines: Ombudsman, PAGC, and the CSC Appeal Route
A 2011 Supreme Court ruling clarifies concurrent jurisdiction among anti-graft bodies and why appeals must go to the CSC first.
Lost Land Title Petitions: Court Limits, Due Diligence, and Protecting Property Rights
Learn how Philippine courts handle petitions for new owner's duplicate titles, including jurisdictional limits, due diligence duties, and key lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Bigamy in the Philippines: When a Second Marriage Is Void From the Start
Philippine law voids any second marriage contracted while a prior civil marriage subsists. Learn the rules, limits of Muslim divorce, and who may sue.
Docket Fees and Jurisdiction: The David Lu Case on Actions Incapable of Pecuniary Estimation
Learn how the Supreme Court's David Lu ruling clarifies docket fees and jurisdiction for actions incapable of pecuniary estimation in Philippine courts.
Voluntary Arbitration vs. Labor Arbiter: Philippine Labor Dispute Jurisdiction
When does voluntary arbitration prevail over Labor Arbiter jurisdiction? The Supreme Court clarifies in University of the Immaculate Conception v. NLRC.
Indispensable Parties in Certiorari Petitions: The Rule on Due Process
Why omitting an indispensable party in a certiorari petition can invalidate proceedings and how to avoid this procedural pitfall.
Custodia Legis and Garnishment: The BSP v. Judge Lanzanas Ruling
Funds in custodia legis cannot be garnished without court approval. The Supreme Court's ruling in BSP v. Judge Lanzanas explains why.
Option Contract vs. Right of First Refusal: Key Differences Under Philippine Law
Learn the difference between an option contract and a right of first refusal in Philippine real estate, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Tuazon v. Del Rosario-Suarez.
HLURB Jurisdiction Over Condominium Disputes: Peralta v. De Leon Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed HLURB's exclusive jurisdiction over condominium buyer-developer disputes in Peralta v. De Leon.
Barangay Boundary Disputes: Why Cadastral Maps Beat Tax Records
In boundary disputes between barangays, the Supreme Court gives greater weight to cadastral maps approved by the Director of Lands than to tax declarations.
Sangguniang Bayan Concurrence in Municipal Appointments: A Mandatory Requirement
The Supreme Court ruled that municipal appointments require Sangguniang Bayan concurrence; without it, the appointment is invalid regardless of tenure.
Habeas Corpus and Valid Court Judgments: When the Writ Is Denied in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus petitions are denied despite procedural leniency, emphasizing valid judgments and pending cases.
PCG Disciplinary Authority: Supreme Court Upholds Coast Guard’s Separate Administrative System
Supreme Court affirms the PCG Efficiency and Separation Board’s power to discipline uniformed personnel, distinct from civil service rules.
Pre-Proclamation Controversies in Senatorial Races: Pimentel v. COMELEC Explained
The Supreme Court in Pimentel v. COMELEC limits pre-proclamation challenges in senatorial races, directing disputes to election protests instead.
Forum Non Conveniens in the Philippines: When Courts Keep Jurisdiction Despite Foreign Elements
Philippine courts can hear cases with foreign elements; a choice-of-law clause does not automatically strip them of jurisdiction.
Military Pension and Citizenship: The Parreño Ruling on PD 1638
Retired AFP officers who lose Filipino citizenship can have their pensions terminated under PD 1638, as upheld in Parreño v. COA.