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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Property Rights Prevail: The Right to Fence Over Easement Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the right to fence one's property, easement claims, and procedural rules in injunction cases.
Right of Way When a Promise Isn't a Guarantee in Property Sales
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a company's promise to extend a contract becomes binding, and the limits of corporate liability.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Warning and Vulnerability in Determining Guilt
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how treachery is determined, even when a victim receives a verbal warning before a sudden attack.
When Can Power Generators Be Exempted from Power Delivery Charges
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when independent power producers may be exempt from Power Delivery Service charges for ancillary services.
Tenancy vs. Administration: Who Decides Agricultural Land Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts or agrarian tribunals hear land disputes, distinguishing tenancy from mere administration.
Dismissal of Appeal When Technical Rules Trump Substantial Justice
When do procedural lapses justify dismissing an appeal? This article explains the rule and its limits, using Philippine Supreme Court jurisprudence.
Dual Citizens Must Personally Renounce Foreign Citizenship to Run for Office
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on R.A. 9225: dual citizens must execute a personal and sworn renunciation of foreign citizenship to run for elective office.
Holder in Due Course Protection Against Fraud in Negotiable Instruments
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how a holder in due course of a negotiable instrument is protected from fraud defenses, and when corporate veil piercing applies.
Moonlighting and Employee Dismissal: Defining the Boundaries of Trust and Confidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when moonlighting justifies dismissal and how loss of trust and confidence must be proven.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: The Four-Fold Test in Philippine Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the four-fold test distinguishing independent contractors from employers in labor disputes involving job contracting arrangements.
Conditional Sale Buyers' Rights and Sellers' Obligations After Partial Payment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies buyer and seller rights in contracts to sell, including when a buyer can demand a deed of absolute sale.
Heirship and Filiation: Proving Inheritance Rights in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on proving filiation through baptismal certificates and the rights of heirs in property disputes.
Filipino Land Ownership Validating Land Transfers TO Citizens Despite Initial Alienation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how land transferred to aliens can be cured when it later passes to Filipino citizens.
Extrajudicial Lease Termination: When a Demand Letter Suffices to End a Lease
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lessor's demand letter validly terminates a lease and allows extrajudicial repossession.
Separation Pay After Valid Dismissal: When Philippine Law Allows It
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when separation pay may be granted to a validly dismissed employee for gross neglect of duty.
Illegal Dismissal of Security Guards: When a Verbal "Don't Report" Is Not Enough
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal of security guards, burden of proof, and the two-notice rule.
Breach of Contract: When Incomplete Construction Doesn't Warrant Full Payment
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when a contractor's incomplete work bars recovery of the full contract price in construction disputes.
Validity of Foreclosure Sale Timing Under Act 3135 Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether an extrajudicial foreclosure auction must last the full 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. period under Act 3135.
Motion Denied: Strict Enforcement of Notice Requirements in Lifting Property Levies
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on quieting title, property levies, and the strict enforcement of redemption periods after execution sales.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Exact Date Not Essential in Proving Sexual Assault
Philippine Supreme Court rules the precise date of rape is not an essential element; conviction stands on proof of penetration and intimidation.
When Can a Third Party Be Sued for Another's Contract Breach? Martelino v. NHMFC
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when buyers can sue lenders for a developer's breach, and the limits of declaratory relief.
Limits of Self-Defense When Force Used Exceeds the Threat
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when self-defense fails because the force used exceeds the threat, with practical legal takeaways.
Perfecting Contracts: Why Consent Is Essential in Real Estate Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a real estate sale needs the buyer's consent to be binding—lessons from Looc Bay Timber v. Montecalvo.
Demand to Vacate in Unlawful Detainer: Strict Compliance and Jurisdictional Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the demand-to-vacate rule in unlawful detainer cases, its jurisdictional nature, and amendment of complaints.