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.
Forgery Claims and Document Production: The Right to Examine Evidence in Court
When can a court deny a motion to examine documents for forgery? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial discretion.
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.
Kabit System and the Right to Sue: The True Owner's Standing Despite an Illegal Arrangement
When can a jeepney buyer under the kabit system sue for damages? The Supreme Court explains the real-party-in-interest rule and its limits.
Unconscionable Penalties in Real Estate Contracts: Balancing Equity and Contractual Obligations
When a 3% monthly penalty on unpaid installments becomes unconscionable, Philippine courts may reduce it under Civil Code Articles 1229 and 2227.
When Courts Can Extend a Lease: Limits of Article 1687 in Ejectment Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that courts cannot extend a month-to-month lease under Article 1687 when a definite period exists.
Laches and Land Ownership: When Delay Extinguishes Rights in Philippine Law
Explore how the Supreme Court applied laches to bar a 45-year-old land claim in City Government of Davao v. Monteverde-Consunji.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Fraud and Mismanagement as Grounds for Corporate Liability
The Supreme Court explains when courts may disregard corporate fiction and why mere control or mismanagement is not enough.
Equity vs Right of Redemption: Key Lessons From Huerta Alba Resort on Philippine Foreclosure Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between equity of redemption and statutory right of redemption in foreclosure cases.
Rescission of Contract to Sell: Your Rights to Refunds and Interest in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contract to sell rescission clarifies buyer's right to refund of installments and interest payments.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Binds the Client: The Mercury Drug Rule on Notice and Final Judgments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's failure to inform the client of an adverse judgment is binding, and when relief from judgment is unavailable.
Homicide VS Murder Distinguishing Elements AND THE Burden OF Proof IN Criminal Cases
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish homicide from murder, and why the prosecution bears the burden of proof in every criminal case.
Laches vs. Torrens Title: Why Delay Can Cost You Your Land in the Philippines
A Torrens title is strong but not absolute—unreasonable delay in asserting ownership can lead to losing the property to laches.
Driving Without a License: Upholding Termination for Violation of Company Rules
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of employee who drove company vehicle without a valid license, causing damage and violating company rules.
Oral Partition and Estoppel: When Long-Standing Property Agreements Prevail
Supreme Court ruling on oral partition, estoppel, and long-standing property agreements in Philippine civil law.
Docket Fees and the Right to Amend: Balancing Access to Justice in Patent Infringement Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on docket fees, amendments to complaints, and equitable access to justice in patent cases.
When Courts May Suspend Ejectment Proceedings: Balancing Possession and Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court explains the narrow exception when an ejectment case may be suspended pending an ownership action, and why equity matters.
Honesty is the Best Policy: Understanding Concealment in Philippine Insurance Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an insurer may deny a claim for concealment, and who may sue on a mortgage redemption insurance policy.
Execution Pending Appeal in Philippine Courts: When "Good Reasons" Are Not Enough
Philippine courts rarely allow execution of judgments pending appeal. Learn the strict "good reasons" rule from Maceda v. DBP.
Implied Trusts and Foreign Ownership: The Yap Heirs Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when implied trusts over Philippine land fail, and why constitutional restrictions on foreign ownership bar recovery.
Missed Deadlines Dismissed Justice Understanding Motions FOR Reconsideration IN Philippine Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on NLRC rules: supplemental motions for reconsideration filed beyond 10 days are barred.
When Banks Lose the Right to Collect: Estoppel in Foreclosure Deficiency Claims
When can a bank be barred from collecting a foreclosure deficiency? The Supreme Court explains estoppel's limits in PNB v. Court of Appeals.
Time Is of the Essence: Prescription and Laches in Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how prescription and laches bar property claims filed decades after a sale with pacto de retro.
Prescription Periods in Philippine Property Disputes Involving Constructive Trusts
When does a claim for reconveyance based on a constructive trust prescribe? The Supreme Court clarifies the 10-year rule.