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.
Arbitrator Impartiality and Third Party Influence in Philippine Arbitration Awards
When can a third party's conduct taint an arbitration award? The Supreme Court clarifies standards for vacating awards on grounds of evident partiality.
Reconstitution of Title: The Critical Requirements of Loss and Good Faith
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict requirements for judicial reconstitution of lost or destroyed Torrens titles under RA 26.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Why Original Documents Matter for Property Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court explains strict requirements for reconstituting lost land titles under RA 26, emphasizing original documents over substitutes.
Rehabilitation vs Secured Interests: Balancing Creditor Rights in Corporate Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how corporate rehabilitation balances secured creditors' rights with the need for equal treatment and recovery.
Hotel Liability After Huang v. Philippine Hoteliers: When a Guest’s Own Negligence Bars Damages
A guest’s own negligence can defeat a hotel injury claim. Learn the quasi-delict rules from Huang v. Philippine Hoteliers, Inc.
Reasonable Doubt Acquittal in Drug Cases Due to Broken Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police broke the chain of custody, explaining why procedural lapses matter.
Redemption Rights Upheld: SSS Bound by Repurchase Agreement Despite Procedural Lapses
Supreme Court rules SSS must honor deed of conditional sale for foreclosed property, despite expired redemption period and internal procedural lapses.
Ejectment vs. Accion Publiciana: Why Courts Dismiss Unlawful Detainer Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when an ejectment case fails and why "tolerance" must be proven, not just alleged.
Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody: Key Lessons from People v. Robelo
The Supreme Court upholds a drug conviction, clarifying buy-bust legality, conspiracy, and the limits of belated chain-of-custody objections.
Chain of Custody in Drug Sale Convictions: What People v. Aneslag Teaches
The Supreme Court explains why preserving the integrity of seized drugs matters more than strict procedural compliance in drug cases.
Probable Cause and Judicial Discretion: Safeguarding Against Unjust Prosecution
The Supreme Court affirms a trial judge's dismissal of murder cases for lack of probable cause, clarifying judicial discretion in warrant issuance.
Redundancy Programs Balancing Business Needs AND Employee Rights IN THE Philippines
Understand Philippine redundancy rules through Morales v. Metrobank: valid termination requires good faith, fair criteria, proper notice, and separation pay.
Laches and Land Ownership: Registered Titles Prevail Despite Delayed Action
The Supreme Court clarifies that laches cannot bar a registered landowner's right to recover property, reaffirming the strength of Torrens titles.
Jurisdiction Defined: Mixed Questions of Law and Fact in Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when an appeal raises mixed questions of law and fact, and why jurisdiction depends on the nature of the issues raised.
Diplomatic Immunity vs Personal Accountability: The Limits of Privilege
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on diplomatic immunity, privacy rights, and personal liability for damages under the Civil Code.
Self-Defense vs Homicide: Understanding Criminal Intent in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and homicide stands, explaining unlawful aggression, dying declarations, and criminal liability.
Prohibited Pleadings in Intra-Corporate Disputes: Dismissal Motions and Board Resolutions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that motions to dismiss are prohibited pleadings in intra-corporate disputes, even when backed by board resolutions.
Unraveling Sequestration When Government Claims Meet Private Property Rights IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court upheld key provisions of the Migrant Workers Act, including illegal recruitment penalties and the joint liability rule for corporate officers.
Establishing Filiation: Clear and Convincing Evidence Required for Support Orders in the Philippines
Philippine courts require clear and convincing evidence to establish filiation for child support. Learn the legal standards and practical implications.
Accretion vs. Dried Riverbeds: Who Owns the Land in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court clarifies that land formed by a dried-up riverbed belongs to the State, not adjacent owners. Learn the rules on accretion and land registration.
Brokers Entitlement to Commission: The Efficient Procuring Cause in Real Estate Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a real estate broker earns a commission, the efficient procuring cause rule, and written authority contracts.
Preliminary Injunction and Foreclosure: When Mortgagors Can Stop a Sale
The Supreme Court clarifies when a mortgagor may obtain a preliminary injunction to stop an extrajudicial foreclosure sale.
Finality vs Justice: Reconciling Immutability of Judgments With Equitable Labor Standards
The Supreme Court clarifies when a final judgment can be reconsidered, balancing the doctrine of immutability with the rights of illegally dismissed employees.
Bigamy Despite Annulment: Understanding Retroactive Effects and Marital Status
A sheriff's affair leads to suspension, clarifying how annulment petitions do not erase marital obligations or authorize new relationships.