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.
When Can a Writ of Possession Be Challenged? Supreme Court Clarifies
The Supreme Court nullified a writ of possession in an NGCP expropriation case, ruling that trial courts must first determine the expropriator's authority before issuing the writ.
Hot Pursuit Arrests: When Is a Warrant Required in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the limits of warrantless hot pursuit arrests and the chain of custody rule for seized drugs.
Reconstitution of Lost Land Titles: Register of Deeds' Duty Under RA 26
When registry records go missing, who must reconstitute your land title? The Supreme Court clarifies the Register of Deeds' duty under RA 26.
Defective Summons Voids Trustee Appointment: Key Lessons from Diversified Plastic Film v. PI-One
Defective summons can void court proceedings. Learn the jurisdictional limits and SPV Act requirements from this Supreme Court ruling.
Corporate Dissolution and Property Rights: Real Party in Interest in Unlawful Detainer Cases
When a corporation's registration is revoked, its assets don't automatically pass to a new entity. Learn the real party in interest rule.
Probating a Foreign Will in the Philippines: Lessons from a Landmark Case
Learn the formalities for probating foreign wills in the Philippines, from a landmark Supreme Court case on foreign law proof.
Procurement Rules Family Ties Dont Always Taint THE Deal
Supreme Court clarifies that disclosure-of-relations rules under procurement law apply only to competitive bidding, not to Shopping.
When Agrarian Disputes Are Really Contract Cases: DAR v. Lapanday Foods
The Supreme Court clarifies when disputes over CARP lands are ordinary contract cases, not agrarian disputes under DAR jurisdiction.
Notarial Duty Consequences Of Neglecting Proper Identification IN Philippine LAW
A notary who fails to verify identities faces suspension and perpetual disqualification, as shown in a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Reviving Judgments Balancing Timeliness AND Justice IN Philippine LAW
The Supreme Court acquits a PPA official in an anti-graft case, clarifying the elements of Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Simple vs Grave Misconduct: Good Faith and Service in Public Office
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public officer's procedural lapse is simple misconduct, not grave misconduct, in government service.
Supreme Court Clarifies Good Faith Defense in PDAF NGO Contract Irregularities
SC ruling clarifies when failure to conduct public bidding in PDAF-funded NGO projects constitutes grave misconduct versus simple misconduct.
PhilHealth Claims: Supreme Court Protects Healthcare Providers’ Due Process Rights
The Supreme Court ruled PhilHealth violated due process in claims against Quezon City Eye Center, reinforcing procedural fairness in administrative cases.
Land Registration in the Philippines: Understanding Alienable and Disposable Land
Learn how RA 11573 changed proof requirements for registering alienable and disposable land in the Philippines, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Simple Misconduct vs Grave Misconduct: Key Differences in Penalties for Public Officials
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between simple and grave misconduct in administrative cases, and the corresponding penalties.
Reconstitution of Lost Land Titles: Strict Rules Under RA 26 Explained
Lost your Torrens title? Judicial reconstitution demands strict compliance with RA 26. Learn the rules, evidence, and burden of proof.
Reconstitution of Lost Land Titles: Strict Compliance with RA 26 Required
The Supreme Court clarifies that substantial compliance is not enough when petitioning for reconstitution of lost or destroyed land titles under RA 26.
Mutual Incompatibility as Grounds for Marriage Nullity in the Philippines: A Deep Dive
The Supreme Court expands psychological incapacity under Article 36 to include mutual incompatibility and antagonism between spouses. Learn the new rules.
Prior Approval Is Paramount: DSWD Contract Faces Scrutiny Over COA Concurrence
Government agencies must secure prior COA concurrence and OSG approval before hiring private lawyers, or risk irregular expenditures.
Invalid Search Warrants: Protecting Rights Against Unreasonable Seizures
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after ruling that a search warrant covering two offenses is void, making seized evidence inadmissible.
Understanding the One-Specific-Offense Rule for Search Warrants in Philippine Drug Cases
A defective search warrant covering multiple offenses voids seizures, even if the accused waives objections to arrest.
Navigating Appeals in Estate Proceedings: The Necessity of a Record on Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that appeals in special proceedings require both a notice of appeal and record on appeal within 30 days.
Hot Pursuit Arrests and Drug Evidence: Lessons from Adoma v. People
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, clarifying the rules on warrantless arrests and the chain of custody of seized items.
Homestead Patent vs. Implied Trust: Key Supreme Court Ruling on Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when an implied trust can override a homestead patent under the Public Land Act, and why the case was remanded.