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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Mortgage Foreclosure and the Court's Ministerial Duty: Zarate v. Maybank
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on dismissal for failure to prosecute in a mortgage foreclosure redemption case.
Homeowner Rights vs Developer Authority Clarifying Subdivision Regulations in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a homeowner's Torrens title can be subdivided, and a bank's liability for releasing a mortgaged owner's duplicate certificate.
Court Dismisses Clerk of Court for Misusing Judicial Office to Harass Private Individuals
Supreme Court dismisses court clerk who used court letterhead to summon persons with no pending cases, ruling the acts constitute gross misconduct.
Administrative Complaints Against Judges: When Errors Are Not Enough for Sanctions
The Supreme Court explains when a judge's errors warrant administrative sanctions, and when they do not.
Protecting Local Autonomy: The Automatic Release of Internal Revenue Allotments
The Supreme Court struck down GAA provisions placing P10 billion of IRA under unprogrammed funds, affirming automatic release.
Reconstitution Denied: Insufficient Evidence Fails to Restore Lost Land Title
Philippine Supreme Court denies reconstitution of lost land title due to insufficient evidence, clarifying strict requirements under RA 26.
Res Judicata: The Bar Against Relitigating Claims in Philippine Courts
Understand the doctrine of res judicata in Philippine courts, its requirements, and practical implications for litigants and lawyers.
Upholding Workers Rights THE Limits OF Quitclaims IN Philippine Labor LAW
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when quitclaims and waivers signed by employees are invalid and cannot bar recovery of labor standard claims.
Dishonesty in Public Service: When Good Faith and Lack of Profit Do Not Excuse Negligence
The Supreme Court rules that a bank employee's negligent appraisal report constitutes dishonesty, even without personal gain.
Breach of Trust and Employee Dismissal: When Is It Justified in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee dismissal for breach of trust is justified, and why procedural rules yield to substantial justice in labor cases.
Burden of Proof in Loan Obligations: Debtor Must Prove Payment Despite Creditor's Claim of Non-Payment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who bears the burden of proving payment in loan and mortgage obligations, and when contract rescission is proper.
Equitable Mortgage vs Sale with Right to Repurchase: Protecting Borrowers in Property Deals
When is a "sale with right to repurchase" actually an equitable mortgage? The Supreme Court explains the legal tests protecting vulnerable borrowers.
Retroactivity of Procedural Rules: Timely Justice in Estate Administration
The Supreme Court clarifies that procedural amendments apply retroactively, ensuring timely justice in estate administration cases.
Judicial Discretion vs Abuse: When Judges Overstep in Issuing Restraining Orders
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on when a judge's issuance of a TRO without bond or application constitutes grave abuse of discretion.
Property Rights vs Self-Help: Landowners Cannot Evict Holdover Tenants Without Due Process
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on accion reinvindicatoria, property identification, and the limits of self-help in land disputes.
Forum Shopping Certificates and Corporate Authority: Who May Sign for a Corporation
A corporate plaintiff's certificate of non-forum shopping must be signed by a duly authorized person. The Supreme Court explains the rules.
Compromise Agreements and Illegitimate Filiation: When Courts Nullify Judgments
When can a court decision be nullified? Learn from a landmark case on compromise agreements, illegitimate filiation, and extrinsic fraud.
Quitclaims and Continued Employment: Can Post-Termination Actions Revoke Redundancy?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when quitclaims are valid and whether post-termination tasks revoke a redundancy dismissal.
When Redundancy Becomes Illegal Dismissal: Lessons from Lopez Sugar Corporation
The Supreme Court clarifies when a redundancy program is a valid management prerogative and when it becomes an illegal dismissal.
Insurance Policy Interpretation: Earthquake Shock Coverage Limited to Specified Properties
Supreme Court rules earthquake shock coverage under an insurance policy extends only to properties specifically listed and premium-paid, not all insured items.
Due Process in Motion Hearings: When a Judgment Cannot Bind a Non-Party
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that courts cannot bind non-parties to judgments, even in motion hearings, without due process.
Untangling Land Titles, Prescription, and the Rights of Heirs in Property Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when heirs can recover property sold without their consent, and how prescription applies to constructive trusts.
Unlawful Detainer: Actual Possession vs. Representation in Ejectment Suits
Learn when an ejectment suit must target the actual occupant versus the lessee they represent, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Service Incentive Leave: Who Are Field Personnel and When Claims Prescribe
Supreme Court clarifies who qualifies as field personnel for service incentive leave and when the 3-year prescriptive period for claims begins.