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.
Binding Amicable Settlements: Understanding Repudiation in Barangay Justice
When is a barangay amicable settlement binding? The Supreme Court explains repudiation rules under the Local Government Code.
Private or Public? COA Audit Authority Over Animal Welfare Societies
When is a corporation created by special law a government entity subject to COA audit? The Supreme Court clarifies the test.
Mootness in Corporate Mergers: SSS Investment Disposition Examined
When a corporate merger dissolves the subject shares, a case over their sale becomes moot. The Supreme Court explains.
Trademark Rights vs Registration: Resolving Unfair Competition Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies how trademark registration and actual use affect unfair competition claims under the Intellectual Property Code.
Written Notice of Dishonor Is Essential in B.P. 22 Cases: Bax v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies that oral demands do not suffice—written notice of dishonor is required to convict under the Bouncing Checks Law.
Financial Crisis as Fortuitous Event: Real Estate Contract Obligations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether the 1997 Asian financial crisis excuses a developer's failure to deliver condominium units.
When Contractual Disputes Must Go to Arbitration and Courts, Not the HLURB
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when condominium disputes belong to arbitration or courts, not the HLURB, in Frabelle Fishing Corp. ruling.
Jurisdiction and Arbitration in Real Estate Contract Disputes: Frabelle Fishing Case
When do courts, not HLURB, hear real estate contract disputes? The Frabelle Fishing case explains jurisdiction and arbitration rules.
Prescription vs Possession: Quieting Title and Indefeasibility in Land Disputes
Explore how prescription, possession, and indefeasibility of title interact in land disputes, and what the Supreme Court ruled on jurisdiction.
Mandatory Tender Offers and Indirect Acquisitions: Protecting Minority Shareholders
The Supreme Court ruled that indirect acquisitions triggering control of a public company are subject to the mandatory tender offer rule.
Taxing Government Instrumentalities: Real Property Tax and Public Dominion Rules
Philippine Fisheries Development Authority case clarifies when government instrumentalities pay real property tax and why public ports cannot be sold.
Establishing Landlord-Tenant Relationship: The Core of Ejectment Suits in the Philippines
A landlord-tenant relationship is essential in ejectment cases. The Supreme Court explains who may file an unlawful detainer suit.
Reversion of Land Titles: Public Domain vs Private Claims in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling on when certificates of title over public domain land, including timberlands, are void and subject to reversion.
Unauthorized Real Estate Mortgage: Strict Interpretation of Special Power of Attorney
When a special power of attorney fails to identify the exact property, a mortgage over it is unenforceable. The Supreme Court explains why banks must verify authority.
Hierarchy of Courts and Exhaustion of Remedies: The Indispensable Steps Before Seeking Certiorari
Learn why a motion for reconsideration and the hierarchy of courts rule are mandatory before filing a Rule 65 certiorari petition.
Equitable Mortgage VS Absolute Sale Protecting Property Rights IN Disguised Transactions
The Supreme Court nullifies a bank's foreclosure on property mortgaged without the owner's authority, reinforcing strict rules on special powers of attorney.
Perfecting Your Appeal Understanding Jurisdictional Requirements IN Philippine Courts
A look at how the Supreme Court treats compromise agreements after a petition is denied, and what this means for litigants in the Philippines.
Court Employee Dismissed for Grave Misconduct: Soliciting Fees Under a Lawyer's Name
A court interpreter's dismissal for soliciting P15,000 under a lawyer's name underscores the judiciary's strict integrity standards.
Due Process in Dismissal: Written Notice and Hearing Requirements Explained
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on procedural due process in employee dismissal and the limits of personal liability for corporate officers.
Untimely Appeal and Finality of Administrative Decisions: Lessons from Atty. Uy v. Villanueva
The Supreme Court rules on finality of administrative decisions, exhaustion of remedies, and employer liability in labor disputes.
Workplace Remarks and Dismissal: When Is It Serious Misconduct in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee remarks during union meetings constitute serious misconduct warranting dismissal.
Continuing SEC Jurisdiction Resolving Corporate Liquidation Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies SEC retains jurisdiction over pending corporate suspension and liquidation cases filed before June 30, 2000.
Direct vs Indirect Contempt: When Courts Must Hold a Hearing Before Punishing
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between direct and indirect contempt, requiring due process and proper hearing before punishment.
Consignation Denied: Strict Compliance With Court Orders in Property Disputes
Supreme Court rules that consignation must be made within judicially prescribed periods; mere tender of payment is insufficient.