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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Fruit of the Poisonous Tree Doctrine: When Illegal Searches Taint Evidence in Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court ruled that evidence from an illegal search cannot be used in administrative proceedings, reinforcing the exclusionary rule's reach.
Torrens Titles, Inheritance Claims, and Ejectment: Key Lessons from Mariano v. Mariano
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how Torrens titles prevail over inheritance claims in ejectment cases, and why delays in challenging fraudulent partitions can be fatal.
Legal Redemption in the Philippines: Timely Action, Actual Notice, and the Power of Waiver
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies legal redemption rules: actual notice, 30-day period, and when failure to consign the price may be waived.
Oral Contracts of Sale: Validity and Enforceability Under Philippine Law
When is a verbal sale agreement binding in the Philippines? Learn the rules on validity, enforceability, and vitiated consent from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Capital Reduction Rules in the Philippines: What Shareholders Should Know After Metroplex v. Sinophil
The Supreme Court clarifies the requirements for reducing corporate capital stock under Section 38 of the Corporation Code, and limits SEC review.
Proving Land Ownership Since 1945: What Philippine Courts Require
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves open, continuous possession since June 12, 1945 for land registration under PD 1529.
Chain of Custody Integrity Key to Successful Drug Possession Cases in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug possession accused due to unjustified non-compliance with Section 21 witness requirements under RA 9165.
When Just Compensation Is Valued: The Time of Taking in Agrarian Land Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation for agrarian reform lands must be valued at the time of taking, not at later dates.
Understanding Employee Entitlements: The Right to 13th Month Pay for Commission-Based Workers in the Philippin
A clear guide to the 13th month pay rule for commission-based employees, citing the latest Supreme Court interpretation.
When Lawyers File Baseless Cases: Accountability and Integrity in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years for filing a baseless Ombudsman complaint, underscoring the ethical duties of candor and fairness.
Navigating Default Orders in Philippine Extradition Cases: Key Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when default orders are valid in extradition cases, protecting the right to due process.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: When the Land Was Taken Matters
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Land Bank v. Paliza on the reckoning date for just compensation in agrarian reform cases.
Understanding Loan Agreements and Foreclosure: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when banks may foreclose and how courts interpret loan agreements, credit lines, and restructuring contracts in the Philippines.
Understanding the Burden of Proof in Breach of Warranty Cases: Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies bad faith, solidary liability, and the burden of proof in breach of warranty cases involving defective goods.
Unveiling Simulated Contracts When Loans Mask True Intentions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when credit line agreements are simulated contracts, and how courts uncover the true intent behind loan documents.
Understanding Kidnapping for Ransom: Key Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A 2021 Supreme Court ruling clarifies kidnapping for ransom elements, conspiracy, accomplice liability, and penalties under Philippine law.
Simulated Loan Contracts and Surety Liability: Lessons from ATCI v. Asset Pool A
A Supreme Court ruling on simulated loan contracts shows when a surety agreement falls with the void principal obligation.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: The Time of Taking Matters
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation in agrarian reform cases is valued at the time of taking, not at later dates.
Crossed Checks as Proof of Debt: A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court ruled that crossed checks issued to a named payee are strong evidence of debt, reversing the Court of Appeals.
Understanding Jurisdiction and Contract Validity in Philippine Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when oral sales of land are valid and enforceable, and how jurisdiction over property disputes is determined.
Mandamus as a Remedy Against Unlawful Exclusion: Lessons from Municipality of Payao v. Municipality of Imelda
The Supreme Court clarifies when mandamus—not quo warranto—is the proper remedy against unlawful exclusion from a right or office.
Ethical Limits on Filing Graft Complaints: Lessons from Diaz v. Atty. Mandagan
A lawyer's duty to avoid frivolous cases: Supreme Court suspends counsel for filing unsubstantiated graft charges against a former mayor.
Lost Land Title Replacement: RTC, Not DARAB, Has Jurisdiction Over CLOA Titles
Supreme Court clarifies that the RTC, not the DARAB, has jurisdiction over petitions to replace lost owner's duplicate certificates of title, even if the title originated from a CLOA.
Proving Land Identity in Reconveyance Cases: Lessons from Villaroman v. Estate of Arciaga
The Supreme Court clarifies res judicata in property disputes, emphasizing the need to prove land identity and the binding effect of prior judgments.