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.
Repossession Expenses and Chattel Mortgage Foreclosure: Understanding Mortgagor Liabilities
When foreclosure becomes a fait accompli, can a mortgagor still sue for damages? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule.
Premature Foreclosure and Damages Claims: What Happens After the Auction Sale
Philippine Supreme Court rules foreclosure sale does not moot a damages claim for premature foreclosure. Know the legal implications.
Perfecting CAR Sales Contracts IN THE Philippines Understanding Buyer Rights AND Seller Obligations
Learn when a car sale contract is perfected in the Philippines, buyer rights, and seller obligations from the Xentrex Automotive case.
When Employee Criticism Becomes Illegal Dismissal: The Open Letter Case
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when employee expression is protected and when dismissal for misconduct is illegal.
Absolute vs Conditional Sale Understanding Philippine Real Estate Contracts
Learn the key differences between absolute and conditional sales in Philippine real estate, and what the Supreme Court says about buyer and seller rights.
Buyer Beware Inheriting Obligations IN Philippine Property Foreclosures
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property foreclosures: buyers may inherit seller's obligations to installment buyers, even without written contracts.
Don't Get Trapped by Your Signature: How Estoppel Affects Home Construction Loans in the Philippines
A homeowner signed loan release documents, then tried to disown them. The Supreme Court applied estoppel—here's what that means for borrowers.
Surety vs. Guaranty in Philippine Law: Key Differences and Liability
Learn the difference between surety and guaranty under Philippine law, and why contract wording—not titles—determines your liability.
Protecting Loan Security: How Mortgagees Can Secure Insurance Claims in the Philippines
Learn how mortgagees can secure insurance proceeds under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. v. Goyu & Sons.
When Cases Become Pointless: Mootness and a Lawyer's Duty to the Court in Philippine Law
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on procedural rules and the burden of proof in the Pacific Banking Corporation liquidation case.
Caveat Emptor in Philippine Law: The Fule Case on Buyer Beware in Property and Jewelry Deals
Philippine law applies caveat emptor—buyers must inspect goods before purchase. The Fule case shows how failure to verify authenticity can defeat fraud claims.
Judicial Delay: When Inaction Becomes Neglect of Duty
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a judge's prolonged inaction on pending motions constitutes neglect of duty, even after case transfer.
When a Lawyer's Private Misconduct Warrants Disciplinary Action
A lawyer's private misconduct can warrant suspension. This case explains when bad checks and deceitful conduct trigger discipline.
Mortgage Contracts and Future Advances: Understanding the Scope of Security in Philippine Law
When does a real estate mortgage cover future loans beyond the stated amount? The Supreme Court explains in Quintanilla v. RCBC.
Execution Pending Appeal: When Good Reasons Exist in Philippine Civil Procedure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when execution pending appeal is allowed, emphasizing that financial distress of a corporate party is not a "good reason."
Premature Objections When Third-Party Claims Challenge Evidence in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a spouse cannot file a third-party claim after a fraudulent conveyance is annulled.
Liability for Dishonored Checks: When Civil Damages Can Be Recovered
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a party can recover civil damages from a check issuer even if criminal liability under B.P. 22 is not established.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: What the Supreme Court Says About Your Rights
Learn how the Supreme Court defines illegal recruitment in large scale, what victims must prove, and the penalties recruiters face.
Territorial Jurisdiction and Bouncing Checks Law: Where Can You Be Sued
The Supreme Court explains where a B.P. 22 bouncing checks case may be filed, based on territorial jurisdiction rules.
Property Rights in Cohabitation: Ownership Rules for Unmarried Couples in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law divides property for unmarried couples, the limits on donations, and key lessons from the Agapay case.
Void Sales and Repurchase Agreements: Property Rights in the Philippines
When a seller has no title, the sale is void—and so is any right to repurchase. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court case.
Redemption Rights Under the Public Land Act: A Guide for Heirs and Mortgagors
Learn how the two-year redemption and five-year repurchase periods work for foreclosed Public Land Act properties, and what heirs should know.
Overlapping Land Titles in the Philippines: Resolving Ownership Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts resolve ownership disputes involving overlapping land titles, foreclosure, and tenant rights under agrarian reform laws.
Extrajudicial Settlement and Heirs' Rights: When a Co-Owner Is Not Bound
A Supreme Court ruling on extrajudicial settlements, resulting trusts, and why a minor heir who did not participate in partition retains rights to property.