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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Reversion of Expropriated Land: Who Can Sue and When the Right Arises
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who may sue for reversion of expropriated land and when the right to challenge an award arises.
Appeal Bond in Labor Cases: Strict Rules on Perfecting Appeals
Learn why missing the appeal bond deadline in labor cases is fatal, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Verbal Leases and Ejectment: When Can a Tenant Be Evicted in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains how a verbal month-to-month lease can be terminated, and why ejectment courts may rule on lease and ownership issues.
Proving Illegal Sale of Shabu: The Role of Informants and Buy-Bust Operations
A Supreme Court ruling explains what prosecutors must prove in illegal drug sales cases and when an informant's testimony is dispensable.
Insurer's Subrogation Claim Fails: The Actionable Document Rule Explained
A Supreme Court ruling on why an insurer must present its insurance policy to recover as subrogee, and the actionable document rule.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: Lessee's Duty to Pay Rent and Repair Under Philippine Lease Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Mercury Drug v. Republic Surety clarifies when a lessee may suspend rent payments and the binding effect of contractual repair obligations.
Union Fund Mismanagement: Substantiation Required for Special Assessments
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on union officers' liability for unsubstantiated special assessments and litigation expenses.
Zoning Compliance Hospital Expansion Rights Under Prior Ordinances
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on hospital expansion rights, non-conforming structures, and the applicable zoning ordinance at time of application.
Land Registration: Proving Public Lands Are Alienable and Disposable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why applicants must prove public lands are alienable and disposable before registration.
Search Warrants for LPG Cylinder Misuse: Probable Cause Standards Under R.A. 623
Supreme Court ruling clarifies probable cause for search warrants involving unauthorized LPG cylinder use under R.A. 623, as amended.
Fire Damage Liability and Res Ipsa Loquitur in Philippine Lease Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lessee liability for fire damage, res ipsa loquitur, and temperate damages in lease disputes.
Upholding Possessory Rights Ejectment Suit Jurisdiction Prior Possession
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ejectment jurisdiction, prior possession, and why a defendant's claim of ownership cannot defeat an unlawful detainer suit.
Protecting the Vulnerable: The Crime of Rape and the Importance of Victim Testimony
A 2007 Supreme Court ruling on rape underscores how victim testimony is weighed and why DNA evidence can prove decisive in appeals.
Partnership Disputes: Fiduciary Duties, Equitable Remedies, and the Right to Present Evidence
Supreme Court ruling on partnership disputes, fiduciary duties, equitable remedies, and the prosecution's right to present evidence in criminal cases.
Judicial Overreach Strict Compliance Required IN Civil Registry Corrections
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict compliance with Rule 108 procedures for civil registry corrections and judicial overreach.
Security of Tenure vs Agrarian Reform: Fishpond Tenant's Vested Rights Prevail
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether fishpond tenants retain security of tenure after RA 7881 excluded fishponds from agrarian reform coverage.
Proving Land Claims in the Philippines: What a Foreclosure Redemption Case Teaches
A Supreme Court ruling on foreclosure redemption clarifies how blanket mortgage clauses affect land claims and property disputes in the Philippines.
Essential Co-Owner: Indispensable Parties in Property Donation Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on co-owners as indispensable parties in donation disputes, and the requisites of a valid tenancy relationship.
Strikes and Employee Rights: Understanding the Limits of Union Activities in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, union busting, corporate veil piercing, and quitclaims in labor disputes.
Good Faith Exception Absolving Public Officials From Misconduct Charges IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how good faith absolves public officials from administrative misconduct charges, explained in plain language.
Upholding Contractual Obligations Payment Disputes and the Binding Nature of Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling on why a "pay to cash" check violated a Charge Invoice term, and how contracts of adhesion bind parties.
Judicial Accountability: Timely Resolution of Cases and Compliance with Court Directives
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's administrative liability for delayed case resolution and non-compliance with court directives, with practical lessons.
Cashier's Check as Bank's Primary Obligation: Holder in Due Course Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on cashier's checks, holder in due course status, and bank liability explained in plain language.
Client Bound by Counsel's Negligence: Lessons from a Philippine Attorney Ethics Case
A Supreme Court ruling on how a lawyer's failure to update addresses and clients' duty to monitor cases affect finality of judgments.