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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Option Contracts Consideration Requirement For Enforceability In Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on option contracts, consideration, and enforceability under Civil Code. Learn key takeaways.
Bidding Disputes in Government Projects: Why Courts Won't Second-Guess the BAC
A Supreme Court ruling on government procurement bidding disputes, explaining the proper legal remedies and why courts respect the discretion of bidding authorities.
Continuing Surety Agreements: When a Surety Stays Liable Despite Principal Default
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on continuing surety agreements and a surety's joint and several liability despite the principal debtor's default.
Just Compensation for Agrarian Reform: Land Value at Time of Payment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on valuing agrarian reform land at payment time, not 1972 taking, for just compensation.
The High Cost of Shortcuts: Notarial Duties and Professional Responsibility
A Supreme Court ruling reminds lawyers that notarizing documents without the affiants present is serious professional misconduct with real consequences.
When Court Personnel Overstep: The Limits of Judicial Authority in Execution Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriffs and clerks of court who bypass judicial authority in executing judgments.
Ejectment and Back Rentals: The Greenhills Lease Dispute and the Limits of Court Awards
A stalled sublease at Greenhills Shopping Arcade leads to ejectment and a Supreme Court ruling on back rentals, estoppel, and who may recover.
Redemption of Foreclosed Property: What Buyers Must Know About Payment and Transfer of Rights
Learn the rules on redeeming foreclosed property, including payment amounts and assignment of redemption rights, from a Supreme Court ruling.
Proportionality in Employee Discipline: When Is Dismissal Too Harsh?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when dismissal is too harsh a penalty for workplace policy violations, explained in plain language.
Adultery and Public Service: Proving Immorality Beyond Suspicion in Administrative Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on immorality cases against court employees: the need for competent evidence and the limits of double jeopardy in administrative proceedings.
Torrens Title Stability: Courts Cannot Collaterally Attack Titles in Land Registration Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why Torrens titles cannot be collaterally attacked in administrative reconstitution proceedings.
Consummated Rape: Degree of Penetration and Victim Testimony in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape penetration, victim testimony, and proof of qualifying circumstances for proper conviction.
Final Judgments and Set-Off Claims: Manila Banking Corp. v. Rabina
Supreme Court ruling on final judgments, set-off claims, and HLURB jurisdiction over subdivision mortgage disputes.
Accounting for Family Wealth: Default Judgments and the Limits of Contempt in Intra-Family Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies default judgment rules, appeal periods, and why contempt is not the remedy for disobeying a remand order.
Clarifying Ownership When a Property Title Is Held in Trust
A Supreme Court ruling explains how courts determine whether a titled property is truly owned by the registered owner or held in trust for another.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on eminent domain, just compensation, and property rights when government takes land without expropriation proceedings.
Conspiracy and Treachery: Guilt Without Direct Action in People v. Bohol
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy, treachery, and murder liability for an accused who did not directly kill.
Late Docket Fee Payment and Procedural Lapses: Lessons from Colmenares v. Heirs of Gonzales
Learn how failure to follow certiorari rules—hierarchy of courts and verification—can doom an appeal, based on a 2008 Supreme Court ruling.
When Supreme Court Rulings Clarify Procedural Rules: The Bagabuyo Case on Legislative Reapportionment
The Supreme Court in Bagabuyo v. COMELEC clarifies that legislative reapportionment does not require a plebiscite, unlike the division of local government units.
Citizenship vs Identity: Name Discrepancies in Certificate of Candidacy Cases
Supreme Court ruling on when name discrepancies in a certificate of candidacy constitute material misrepresentation under election law.
Land Title Registration: The Imperative of Proving Public Land Status
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why applicants for land registration must prove the property is alienable and disposable public land.
Vicarious Liability and Public Officials: When Is a Mayor Responsible for Employee Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a mayor can be held liable for a driver's negligence under Article 2180 of the Civil Code.
When Long Service Isn't Enough: The Limits of Compassion in Employee Theft Cases
Supreme Court ruling on sheriff's dismissal for punching co-workers' time cards, and when compassion yields to discipline.
Judicial Discretion vs Abuse: Defining the Limits of Authority in Contempt Proceedings
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a judge's refusal to accept an appeal constitutes abuse of authority or mere judicial discretion.