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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Quieting Title and Due Process: Notice of Raffle and Voluntary Submission to Jurisdiction
Learn how notice of raffle and voluntary appearance affect jurisdiction in quieting title cases, based on a 2006 Supreme Court ruling.
When Certiorari Cannot Replace a Lost Appeal: Villanueva v. Quisumbing
Supreme Court clarifies that certiorari cannot substitute for a lost appeal, and distinguishes grave misconduct from disgraceful and immoral conduct.
Implied Tenancy in the Philippines: When Land Use Creates Tenant Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when implied tenancy arises in agrarian disputes, and why an overseer's acts alone cannot create tenant rights.
Mandamus and Discretionary Powers: Can Courts Compel Agency Action?
Explaining the limits of mandamus in Philippine law, when courts can compel agency action, and the doctrine of qualified political agency.
Prosecutorial Discretion vs Judicial Review: Navigating Anti-Graft Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may interfere with the Ombudsman's power to investigate and prosecute anti-graft cases.
Forcible Entry and Prior Possession: What Must Be Proven in Philippine Property Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts decide forcible entry cases by examining prior physical possession, evidence rules, and the limits of ownership claims.
Perfecting Land Titles in the Philippines: Proving Continuous Possession Since 1945
How Republic v. Jacob explains the strict proof needed to confirm an imperfect land title over public domain, and why possession since 1945 must be real.
Child Custody AND Habeas Corpus Protecting Minors IN Parental Disputes
Adverse Claims vs. Levy on Execution: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn when an adverse claim can defeat a levy on execution in Philippine property law, based on a 2006 Supreme Court ruling.
Judicial Allowances Ensuring Equal Protection AND Preventing Diminution OF Benefits IN THE Philippine Judiciary
Family Home Protection Consent Requirements IN Real Estate Mortgages Involving Married Couples
Morality vs Misconduct: Defining the Boundaries of Public Service Decorum
The Supreme Court clarifies when private immorality becomes administrative misconduct, and why certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal.
Change of Name Petitions: Substantial Compliance with Jurisdictional Requirements
Supreme Court rules on change of name petitions, publication requirements, and jurisdictional compliance under Rule 103.
Sailing in Troubled Waters: The High Cost of Misrepresentation in Philippine Vessel Registration
A look at how the Supreme Court ruled on SEC's cease and desist powers and the dangers of corporate misrepresentation.
Ombudsman's Power to Investigate COA Findings Not a Prerequisite: PAL Officers Case
Supreme Court rules Ombudsman lacks jurisdiction over officers of GOCCs without original charters, like PAL. Learn the limits of Ombudsman power.
MIAA vs Parañaque: When Local Governments Cannot Tax National Assets
The Supreme Court ruled that MIAA's airport lands are exempt from local real estate tax because MIAA is a government instrumentality, not a GOCC.
SEC Cease and Desist Orders: When Regulatory Action Violates Due Process
The Supreme Court ruled the SEC acted with grave abuse of discretion by issuing a cease and desist order without proper investigation.
Lessor Liability for Lease Violations: Trespass in Fact vs Trespass in Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lessor is liable for third-party disturbances of a lessee's possession, distinguishing trespass in fact from trespass in law.
Ombudsman Jurisdiction Over GOCCs: The Original Charter Requirement
The Supreme Court limits Ombudsman jurisdiction over GOCCs to those with original charters, not corporations merely acquired by government.
When Can a Judge Be Held Administratively Liable? Lessons from Roxas v. Judge Eugenio
The Supreme Court clarifies that judges are not administratively liable for every erroneous ruling, only for errors made with malice or bad faith.
When Can Philippine Employers Dismiss Striking Workers? Illegal Strikes Explained
Philippine law allows employers to dismiss workers who join illegal strikes or commit illegal acts during strikes. Learn the rules.
Bouncing Checks Liability Without the Original Check: Key Lessons from Arceo v. People
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a person can be held liable under BP 22 even if the original check is lost or missing.
Premature Proclamation Annulment Upheld IN Election Dispute
Illegal Dismissal and Loss of Trust: Rules Employers Must Follow in the Philippines
Understand when dismissal for loss of trust is valid in the Philippines, and why the Supreme Court ordered reinstatement in C.F. Sharp v. Zialcita.