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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Certiorari and Summary Procedure: When Dismissal for Failure to Prosecute Is Too Harsh
A look at when Philippine courts may relax procedural rules on dismissal for failure to prosecute, based on a 2009 Supreme Court ruling.
Due Process in Electricity Disconnection: Why Law Enforcement Presence Matters
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on RA 7832: electricity disconnection for meter tampering requires law enforcement or ERB representative presence.
Lost Inheritance: Proving Kinship in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why heirs must prove kinship to claim inherited property, and the limits of Torrens title challenges.
Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accidents: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
Learn how the Supreme Court applied quasi-delict rules in a vehicular accident case, clarifying negligence, vicarious liability, and damages.
Default Judgments and Due Process: The Imperative of Procedural Compliance in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgments, procedural compliance, and the limits of post-judgment remedies in civil cases.
Rape and Moral Ascendancy: When the Sweetheart Defense Fails
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape, moral ascendancy of a live-in partner, and the limits of the sweetheart defense.
Real Property Tax: Who Is the Actual User in a BOT Agreement?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on real property tax exemption under a Build-Operate-Transfer agreement and who qualifies as actual user.
When Acquittal Extinguishes Civil Liability: Understanding Reckless Imprudence Cases
Learn how acquittal in reckless imprudence cases affects civil liability, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings and key legal principles.
Overcoming Fraud Claims Clear Proof Required FOR Land Title Reconveyance IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reconveyance: fraud must be proven by clear and convincing evidence, not mere allegations.
Refund of Creditable Withholding Taxes: Proving Entitlement and Accurate Income Declaration
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on claiming tax refunds for creditable withholding taxes and the importance of accurate income declaration.
Breach of Trust and Confidence: When Managerial Employees Lose Separation Pay
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when loss of trust and confidence justifies termination and bars separation pay for managerial employees.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.