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.
Meeting of Minds in Property Sales: Why Price Agreement Is Key in Philippine Contracts
Philippine contract law requires a meeting of minds on price for property sales. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling on consent and judicial ethics.
Sheriff Misconduct and Illegal Demolition: Upholding Due Process in Philippine Law
When can a sheriff demolish structures not named in a writ? The Supreme Court clarifies due process limits on demolition orders.
Upholding Court Orders: Administrative Liability for Judicial Delay in the Philippines
A look at how the Supreme Court penalizes judges for failing to decide cases within the 90-day constitutional period.
Moral Turpitude and Lawyer Disbarment: The Case of Frustrated Homicide in the Philippines
When does a frustrated homicide conviction lead to disbarment? The Supreme Court explains moral turpitude and a lawyer's duty of good character.
Protecting Your Pawned Items: Understanding Proper Auction Procedures in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts protect judgment debtors' property through strict rules on sheriff auctions, garnishment, and payment handling.
Forcible Entry in the Philippines: Why Prior Possession Wins Cases
Learn how prior physical possession, not ownership, decides forcible entry cases in the Philippines, guided by Dumo v. Espinas.
Limits of Judicial Authority: Why Judges Cannot Redefine Charges in Bail Hearings
A judge conducting a preliminary investigation cannot change the crime charged to justify granting bail. Learn the limits of judicial authority.
Lawyer Suspended for Contempt of Court: Upholding Attorneys’ Duty to Obey Court Orders
A lawyer's defiance of a writ of execution led to a one-month suspension, reaffirming that attorneys must obey court orders or face disciplinary action.
Area vs Boundaries in Philippine Property Sales: What Buyers Must Know
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when stated land area prevails over boundaries in property sales, and when price adjustments apply.
Succession in Lease Agreements: Heirs' Obligations and Contractual Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lease succession, heirs' obligations, and contractual liabilities in property sales with boundaries.
Corporate Officer Liability When Signing Loan Documents Leads to Criminal Charges in the Philippines
Learn when signing loan documents as a corporate officer can trigger criminal liability in the Philippines, based on Supreme Court rulings.
Upholding Ethical Boundaries: Attorney-Client Privilege and Conflict of Interest in Disbarment Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers may be disciplined for representing conflicting interests, even across different cases and clients.
Defamation vs. Press Freedom: Balancing Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Journalists v. Thoenen clarifies when media cannot claim privilege for defamatory reports about private individuals.
Fair Prosecution and Due Process: The Prosecutor's Role in Criminal Trials
When a judge allowed defense witnesses to testify without the prosecutor present, the Supreme Court reminded courts that the State is also entitled to due process.
Can a Bank Reverse Its Acknowledgment of Full Payment? Philippine Law Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a bank can correct a mistaken acknowledgment of full loan payment and demand the balance.
Falsification of Private Documents: Intent to Damage Is Key in Philippine Law
Philippine law requires proof of intent to cause damage for falsification of private documents. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: When the LRA Can Cancel a Sham Torrens Title
The Supreme Court clarifies when the LRA and CA can order cancellation of a spurious Torrens title in administrative reconstitution proceedings.
The Price of Delay: Judicial Accountability for Delayed Case Resolutions
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge fined for delayed decisions underscores the 90-day rule and judicial accountability in the Philippines.
Poor Performance vs Neglect: Defining Just Cause for Employee Termination in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when poor work performance justifies termination and when it does not, explaining the legal distinction.
Lawyer Fined for Unauthorized Representation in Barangay Conciliation: Magno v. Jacoba
A lawyer who appeared for a party in barangay conciliation proceedings was fined P5,000 for violating the Local Government Code.
Forcible Entry: Possession by Tolerance vs. Undue Deprivation Through Force
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that owners cannot use force to evict occupants, even if possession is by tolerance, without filing the proper ejectment case.
Separate Legal Claims WHY Improper Case Consolidation Violates DUE Process
Why the Supreme Court ruled that separate libel complaints against a publisher cannot be consolidated against one defendant without violating due process.
Sheriffs Neglect of Duty and the Consequences of Delayed Writ Execution in the Philippines
A sheriff's failure to execute a writ with reasonable dispatch is gross neglect of duty, carrying severe administrative penalties.
Breach of Trust Accountability for Mismanaged Court Funds in the Philippine Judiciary
When a clerk of court mishandles fiduciary funds, the Supreme Court imposes strict accountability, even after retirement.