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.
Amendment of Information After Plea: Balancing Procedural Rules and the Accused's Rights
When may a court allow amendment of an Information after the accused pleads? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between formal and substantial amendments.
Negligence in Public Office: Defining the Scope of Duty and Responsibility
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative liability for negligence requires proof that the duty neglected was actually assigned to the public officer.
Unregistered Land Sale Prevails Over Registered Mortgage Protecting Prior Ownership Rights
When an unregistered sale precedes a mortgage, the buyer's prior ownership rights can defeat the mortgagee's registered claims.
Redemption by Heirs After Tax Sale: Tondo Foreshore Lot Case
When a co-owner repurchases property after a tax sale, the redemption may benefit all heirs. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Lost Property Due to Foreclosure: Understanding Notice Requirements in the Philippines
A judge who ignored a TRO and demolished a home was disciplined. Learn the notice rules that protect property rights in Philippine foreclosure and ejectment cases.
Breach of Trust vs Criminal Intent: Understanding Estafa in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that estafa through abuse of confidence does not require criminal intent—breach of trust suffices.
When Is Circumstantial Evidence Enough for a Conviction in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when circumstantial evidence suffices for conviction, using an estafa case against a judge as the backdrop.
Amended Complaints and Court Jurisdiction: The Que v. Court of Appeals Rule
Amending a complaint to add parties or claims does not automatically strip a Philippine court of jurisdiction if the original cause of action remains intact.
When Does an Agreement Become Legally Binding? The BF Homes Case on Perfected Contracts
Learn when a contract becomes legally binding in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's BF Homes ruling on homeowners' rights and jurisdiction.
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.
Double Sale of Land: Good Faith Registration Is Key to Ownership
In a double sale of land, the buyer who registers first in good faith wins. Bad faith registration confers no ownership.
Partnership vs Sale: Key Differences in Philippine Joint Venture Agreements and Property Contributions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a property transfer is a partnership contribution, not a sale, and the legal consequences.
Torrens Title vs. Fraud: Protecting Land Ownership in the Philippines
Learn how the Torrens system protects land ownership in the Philippines and why proving fraud requires clear and convincing evidence, based on a landmark Supreme Court case.
Strict Summons Rule: Why Serving a Branch Manager Isn't Enough for Corporate Lawsuits in the Philippines
Philippine courts require strict compliance with Rule 14, Section 11 on corporate summons. Serving a branch manager instead of the general manager is improper service.
Navigating Res Judicata in Property Disputes: When Prior Judgments Bind Future Claims
Learn how res judicata bars relitigation of property disputes, with insights from a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on jurisdiction.
Civil Service Coverage in the Philippines: Clarifying Exemptions for Government Agencies
The Supreme Court clarifies that all government agencies, including intelligence bureaus, fall under civil service coverage despite statutory exemptions.
Absolute vs Conditional Sale Understanding Philippine Real Estate Contracts
Learn the key differences between absolute and conditional sales in Philippine real estate, and what the Supreme Court says about buyer and seller rights.
Buyer Beware Inheriting Obligations IN Philippine Property Foreclosures
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property foreclosures: buyers may inherit seller's obligations to installment buyers, even without written contracts.
Failure to File Corporate By-Laws: Not Automatic Dissolution in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that failing to file corporate by-laws on time does not automatically dissolve a corporation.
DARAB Jurisdiction Explained: Filing Agrarian Disputes in the Philippines
Learn where to file agrarian disputes in the Philippines—DARAB vs. PARAD jurisdiction clarified under R.A. 6657 and the DARAB rules.
Taxing Government Entities: Local Government Power and Exemptions Under the LGC
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may tax government-owned corporations, balancing local autonomy with national exemptions.
Buyer Beware Protecting Yourself From Land Title Fraud IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts view taxpayer suits and land transactions, and what this means for protecting property rights.
Builder in Good Faith in the Philippines: Rights Under Property Law
When can a mistaken builder claim good faith under Philippine law? The Supreme Court's ruling in Pleasantville clarifies the rights of builders and landowners.
Retroactive Application of Subdivision Laws Protecting Home Buyers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains why P.D. 957 protects home buyers even for contracts signed before 1976.