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.
Stock Transfer Recording Requirement for Corporate Recognition as Stockholder
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why transfer of shares must be recorded in corporate books before a transferee can compel issuance of stock certificates.
Local Autonomy vs Presidential Supervision: The Scope of Power in Granting Judges' Allowances
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of presidential supervision over local governments in granting allowances to judges.
When Final Judgments Can Be Modified: Supervening Events in Labor Cases
The Supreme Court explains when a final and executory reinstatement order may still be modified due to supervening events.
HLURB Jurisdiction vs Unlawful Detainer: Defining the Boundaries in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when the HLURB has jurisdiction over subdivision lot disputes and when ejectment cases belong in regular courts.
Breach of Trust Establishing Estafa in Misappropriated Funds
Supreme Court ruling on when misappropriating advance payments constitutes estafa under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code.
Remand and Redistricting: The Supreme Court's Ruling on BAA 77 and BARMM Elections
The Supreme Court struck down BAA 77 as unconstitutional, halting the October 13, 2025 BARMM parliamentary elections. Learn the key rules.
Indispensable Parties in Mortgage Annulment Cases: Insights from China Banking Corp. v. Oliver
When is a mortgagor indispensable in an annulment of mortgage case? The Supreme Court clarifies in China Banking Corp. v. Oliver.
Certiorari Dismissed: Grave Abuse of Discretion and Hierarchy of Courts in IP Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that certiorari cannot correct errors of judgment, and direct resort to the Court violates the hierarchy of courts.
Sale vs Promise to Sell: When Ownership Passes in Real Estate Deals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a contract of sale and a promise to sell, and when ownership actually transfers to the buyer.
Local Governments and Environmental Compliance: Ensuring Sustainable Development Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that local government units must comply with the Environmental Impact Statement System under PD 1586.
Finality Prevails: Resolving Title Disputes and Forum Shopping in Land Ownership Conflicts
When two courts issue conflicting rulings over the same land, which decision prevails? The Supreme Court explains the doctrines of finality and forum shopping.
Certifying Non-Forum Shopping: The Personal Signature Requirement in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies that a certificate of non-forum shopping must be personally signed by the party, not just counsel, or the case faces dismissal.
Finality of Compromise Agreements: Binding Share Valuation in Corporate Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on compromise agreements, finality of appraisals, and binding share valuation in corporate disputes.
Private vs Common Carriers: Who Bears Liability for Damaged Cargo?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a trucking company is a private carrier and how liability for damaged cargo is determined.
Solidary Liability of Co-Principals in Agency: Agent May Collect Full Commission From Any Principal
When co-owners appoint an agent for a common transaction, they are solidarily liable. The agent can collect the full commission from any one of them.
Urban Land Reform Tenants Right Of First Refusal Limited TO Declared Zones
The Supreme Court clarifies that the right of first refusal under P.D. 1517 applies only to tenants in declared urban land reform zones.
Corporate Dissolution and Judgment Enforcement: Rights Survive Liquidation
A final judgment can still be enforced after a corporation dissolves — the Supreme Court explains why in this ruling.
Shipowner Liability for Captain's Negligence in Time Charters: San Miguel v. Heirs of Inguito
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a shipowner—not the charterer—is liable for a captain's negligence at sea.
When Do Labor Tribunals Have Jurisdiction Over Employer Claims? Esico v. Alphaland
The Supreme Court clarifies when labor tribunals, not regular courts, hear employer claims for damages arising from an employee's resignation.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When a Bank Isn't Liable for a Foreclosed Firm's Debts
PNB acquired PASUMIL's foreclosed assets but wasn't liable for its debts. The Supreme Court explains when corporate veil piercing applies.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Does a Corporation Assume Another's Debt
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation may be held liable for another company's debts, and when the corporate veil cannot be pierced.
Authenticating Evidence When Hearsay Testimony Undermines Insurance Claims
A Supreme Court ruling on hearsay and unauthenticated documents in a default judgment, and its impact on insurance claims.
The Binding Force of a Signed Affidavit of Full Payment and the Absence of Fraud in Subcontracting Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the binding effect of a signed affidavit of full payment and the absence of fraud in subcontracting agreements.
When Is a Customs Broker a Common Carrier? The Transorient Container Case
A customs broker who transports goods as part of its business is a common carrier bound by extraordinary diligence under Philippine law.