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.
Simulated Contracts in the Philippines: Intent, Validity, and the Valerio Case
Learn how Philippine courts decide simulated contracts by examining party intent, absolute vs. relative simulation, and the Valerio ruling.
Tax Declaration vs. Deed of Sale: Proving Land Ownership in the Philippines
A tax declaration annotation is not proof of land ownership. Learn what documents legally establish title under Philippine law.
When Can a Co-Owner File an Ejectment Suit in the Philippines? The Adlawan Rule
Philippine law lets a co-owner file ejectment, but only for the benefit of all co-owners—not for sole personal gain. Here's what Adlawan v. Adlawan teaches.
Barangay Jurisdiction in Property Disputes: Residency of the Real Party in Interest Controls
The Supreme Court clarifies that the real party in interest's residency, not the attorney-in-fact's, determines barangay lupon jurisdiction over disputes.
Reassignment Without Consent: Security of Tenure for Philippine Civil Servants
When can a government employee be reassigned against their will? The Supreme Court's ruling in Cariño v. Daoas explains the limits of transfer powers.
Sheriff’s Neglect of Duty: When Failure to Implement a Writ Means Dismissal
The Supreme Court held a sheriff liable for grave misconduct and gross dishonesty for failing to implement a writ of preliminary attachment and mishandling funds.
Registered Vehicle Owner’s Liability for Accidents: Aguilar v. Commercial Savings Bank
Philippine law holds the registered vehicle owner primarily liable for accidents, even if another person was driving. Learn the rule and its practical impact.
Baseless Administrative Complaints Against Judges: Lessons from Manahon v. Judge Tan
The Supreme Court dismissed a baseless administrative complaint against a judge, reinforcing that substantial evidence is required and frivolous charges will be reprimanded.
Leasehold Improvements in the Philippines: Rights of Lessors and Lessees
Learn how Philippine law treats leasehold improvements, when Article 1678 applies, and why contract stipulations usually prevail over default rules.
Accretion vs. Avulsion: How River Course Changes Affect Land Ownership in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law treats land gained or lost through river shifts—accretion, avulsion, and erosion explained with the Bagaipo case.
Prescription for Falsification of Public Documents: When the Clock Starts
Learn when the prescription period begins for falsification of public documents under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Recebido v. People.
Reversion Rights After Expropriation: What MCIAA v. Chiongbian Means for Landowners
When government expropriation is unconditional, former owners generally cannot reclaim land even if the public purpose ends. Learn the rules.
Laches and Forgery in Philippine Property Law: The Isabela Colleges Case
Philippine property law: can laches defeat a forgery claim? The Supreme Court's ruling in Isabela Colleges v. Heirs of Rivera explains why delay can be deadly.
Lis Pendens Cancellation in the Philippines: What Property Owners Should Know
Learn when a Notice of Lis Pendens can be cancelled in the Philippines, the grounds under PD 1529, and key lessons from Yared v. Ilarde.
Can Foreigners Own Land in the Philippines? Donation vs. Inheritance Rules
Philippine law bars foreigners from owning land except by inheritance. Learn why a quitclaim deed to an American son failed as a donation.
When Can an Employer Terminate an OFW Due to Illness? The Medical Certificate Rule
Philippine law requires a medical certificate from a competent public health authority before an employer can validly terminate an OFW due to illness.
Simulated Sales in Philippine Property Law: Intent, Foreign Ownership, and the Blanco v. Quasha Precedent
Learn how Philippine courts determine simulated sales, why intent matters, and the key lessons from Blanco v. Quasha on property transactions.
Homestead Redemption After Foreclosure: The 5-Year Right Under the Public Land Act
Homesteaders have a five-year right to repurchase foreclosed land under the Public Land Act, even after a bank consolidates title.
Lis Pendens and Due Diligence: Why Philippine Property Buyers Must Investigate Title Defects
Learn how the lis pendens rule and the Po Lam case show why Philippine property buyers must go beyond a title check to avoid costly legal disputes.
Equitable Mortgage vs. Pacto de Retro Sale: When a "Sale" Is Really a Loan
Philippine courts look beyond contract labels. Learn how Articles 1602 and 1603 protect borrowers from disguised loans and unfair foreclosure.
Torrens Title vs. Fraud: Protecting Land Ownership in the Philippines
Learn how the Torrens system protects land ownership in the Philippines and why proving fraud requires clear and convincing evidence, based on a landmark Supreme Court case.
Mortgage Law in the Philippines: Why You Can’t Mortgage Property You Don’t Own
Philippine mortgage law requires absolute ownership. Learn why mortgaging property you don't fully own is void, based on Lagrosa v. Court of Appeals.
MSF Tire v. CA: When a Company Cannot Claim "Innocent Bystander" Status in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a company with ties to a business in a labor dispute cannot claim "innocent bystander" status to obtain an injunction against picketing.
Managerial vs. Supervisory Employees: Unionization Rights Under Philippine Labor Law
Learn how Philippine law distinguishes managerial from supervisory employees and why misclassification can block unionization rights.