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.
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Sheriff's Misappropriation of Funds and Delay in Execution Leads to Suspension
A sheriff's failure to execute writs promptly and his questionable use of litigation funds resulted in a six-month suspension for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Probable Cause in Search Warrants: Lessons from the Marlboro Counterfeit Case
When is a search warrant valid in IP cases? The Supreme Court clarifies probable cause standards in People v. Choi.
Breach of Contract Upholding Rescission Rights in Land Sales
When a buyer defaults on a land sale agreement, the seller may validly rescind. The Supreme Court explains the limits of a buyer's right to demand execution of a contract.
Public vs Private Land in the Philippines: Lessons from a Laguna de Bay Registration Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when land near Laguna de Bay is public domain and what applicants must prove to register title.
Hospitals' Cost-Cutting Measures vs Patient Rights: The Manila Doctors Hospital Case
Supreme Court ruling on when hospitals may remove non-essential facilities from patient rooms without incurring liability for damages.
Family Home Exemption: Claiming Protection Before the Execution Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when and how judgment debtors must claim the family home exemption from execution sale.
When Court Orders Are Enforced: Liability of Judges and Sheriffs in Demolition Cases
Explaining when judges and sheriffs can be held administratively liable for enforcing writs of demolition, based on a 2006 Supreme Court ruling.
When a Missing Marriage License Doesn't Void a Marriage: Sevilla v. Cardenas
The Supreme Court explains when a missing marriage license does not automatically make a marriage void, and why proof matters.
Joint Venture vs Employment: What Mendiola v. Court of Appeals Means for Philippine Workers
The Supreme Court clarifies when a profit-sharing arrangement is employment, not a partnership, and protects workers from constructive dismissal.
Understanding Extrinsic Fraud in Philippine Foreclosure Cases
Learn what extrinsic fraud means in Philippine foreclosure cases and why courts require it to annul final judgments.
Unmarried Couples Property Rights Understanding Co-Ownership in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law treats property acquired by unmarried couples, including co-ownership rules, rights, and practical implications.
Motion for Reconsideration Before IBP Now Allowed in Lawyer Discipline Cases
Supreme Court amends IBP rules to allow motions for reconsideration before appeal in lawyer disciplinary cases, citing Halimao v. Villanueva.
Breach of Contract: Understanding Rescission in Real Estate Transactions
Learn how a defective foreclosure sale was voided by the Supreme Court and what it means for buyers and mortgagors.
Unfair Labor Practice Dismissals: Employee Rights to Moral and Exemplary Damages
Supreme Court ruling on unfair labor practice dismissals, moral damages, and the rule against splitting causes of action in the Philippines.
Default Judgment Consequences of Missing Pretrial in Philippine Courts
Learn how skipping pretrial can lead to default judgment in Philippine courts, and what the Ramientas v. Reyala case says about procedural rules.
Challenging Land Titles: Understanding Extrinsic Fraud in Property Registration
The Supreme Court clarifies when fraud can void a land title—and why ordinary disputes over ownership are not enough.
Real Estate Foreclosure in the Philippines: Notice Requirements and Due Process
A look at Guanco v. Antolo and why strict notice and posting rules govern extrajudicial foreclosure sales in the Philippines.
Dismissal OF Baseless Charges Against Judge AND Sheriffs Upholding THE Presumption OF Regularity IN Official Duty Performance
Work-Related Hypertension Compensability and the Teacher’s Plight Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that a public school teacher’s hypertension and stroke are compensable under PD 626, applying a liberal standard of proof.
Heirs Rights Substituting A Deceased Devisee Without Prior Estate Administration
Learn when heirs may substitute a deceased devisee in probate without a court-appointed administrator, under Philippine rules.
When a Teacher’s Grade Changes Become Illegal Dismissal: Academic Integrity vs. Discretion
A teacher who altered failing grades was dismissed, but the Supreme Court ruled the dismissal illegal—simple misconduct, not serious misconduct.
Good Faith Builder Rights Under Article 448: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
Understand the rights of a builder in good faith under Philippine law, including the landowner's options under Article 448 of the Civil Code.
Prescription of Offenses Under Special Laws: Absence From the Philippines Does Not Suspend the Period
The Supreme Court rules that under Act No. 3326, an accused's absence from the Philippines does not interrupt the prescriptive period for offenses under special laws.