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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Double Titling Risk: How Courts Balance Finality and Preventing Land Ownership Errors
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts balance finality of judgments against preventing double titling and land ownership errors.
Standing to Sue: Can an Individual Challenge a Comelec Resolution Affecting an Organization
The Supreme Court clarifies who may challenge COMELEC rulings, emphasizing standing requirements under Rule 65 in election cases.
HLURB's Primary Jurisdiction Over Real Estate Disputes Involving Unsound Practices
When does the HLURB have exclusive jurisdiction over real estate disputes? The Supreme Court clarifies in Tri-Corp v. Greystone.
Avoiding Double Jeopardy Distinct Offenses Arising From A Single ACT
The Supreme Court clarifies when a civil case can suspend criminal proceedings, and why rescission of a contract does not defeat a BP 22 prosecution.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction but orders return of items seized beyond the search warrant, underscoring strict limits on police discretion.
Judicial Overreach Defining THE Limits OF Contempt Power IN THE Philippines
A voluntary arbitrator's dual role as counsel and his unauthorized hold-departure order led to a two-year suspension—a lesson on judicial limits.
Confession as Key Evidence in Rape with Homicide: The Weight of Judicial Admission
How a voluntary confession and circumstantial evidence secured a rape-with-homicide conviction, and what this means for criminal cases.
Limits of Search Warrants: Illegal Seizure of Unspecified Items During Drug Raids
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seizing items not specified in a search warrant during drug raids violates constitutional rights and may be inadmissible.
When Banks Must Answer: BSP Decisions Appealable to Court of Appeals
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that BSP Monetary Board decisions on bank administrative complaints may be appealed to the Court of Appeals.
Ending Perpetual Trusts Balancing Testamentary Freedom AND Property Rights IN THE Philippines
Philippine law limits how long trusts can last. This article explains the rule against perpetuities and how courts balance a testator's wishes against property rights.
Reconstitution of Title in the Philippines: Strict Compliance and Proof of Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court explains strict requirements for judicial reconstitution of lost Torrens titles, including notice rules and proof of ownership.
Due Process in Election Appeals: The 30-Day Rule for COMELEC Petitions
The Supreme Court clarifies the 30-day filing period for appeals from COMELEC rulings, emphasizing strict compliance in election cases.
Notarial Misconduct: Lawyers Bound by Commissioned Territory and Responsibilities
A lawyer's notarial commission is territorial and personal. Learn the limits from a Supreme Court ruling on a notary's misconduct.
Lawyers Must Substantiate Claims Against Judges: Notarial Ethics and Administrative Liability
A lawyer's baseless accusations against a judge and notarial violations led to suspension and disqualification from notarial commission.
Judicial Overreach When Injunctions Exceed Legal Boundaries
The Supreme Court rules that courts cannot dismiss just compensation cases based on DARAB rules that conflict with RA 6657.
Just Compensation AND Agrarian Reform Ensuring Landowners Rights IN Valuation Disputes
THE Perils OF Presence Establishing Conspiracy IN Robbery With Homicide Under Philippine LAW
Overseas Dreams vs Deceptive Schemes: Illegal Recruitment and Estafa Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms convictions for illegal recruitment and estafa against a fake recruiter who promised overseas employment in Australia.
Valuation Mandates Upholding Lbps Land Valuation Based ON Prescribed Formula
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.
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.
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.
Shareholder Derivative Suits: Venue and Procedure Under Philippine Rules
Learn how Philippine courts determine venue for shareholder derivative suits and why procedural choices like certiorari vs. appeal matter.
Union Shop Steward Is a Union Position: Lessons from Miranda v. Asian Terminals
The Supreme Court clarifies that a shop steward holds a union position, not a company post, and explains the limits of employer liability in intra-union disputes.