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.
Co-Ownership and Lease Agreements: Property Rights After a Spouse's Death
Learn how the Supreme Court resolved lease, co-ownership, and property rights disputes after a spouse's death in Uy v. Estate of Vipa Fernandez.
Upholding the Validity of a Sale When Allegations of Forgery Fall Short
The Supreme Court explains when a notarized deed of sale stands despite claims of forgery, and why bare allegations are not enough.
Agent's Duty to Prioritize Principal's Interests: Lessons from a Carnapped Vehicle Case
When a bank-agent failed to file an insurance claim for a carnapped vehicle and demanded full payment instead, the Supreme Court ruled it breached its fiduciary duty.
Agrarian Reform Reclassification As Farmlot Subdivision Does NOT Exempt Land From CARP Coverage
Supreme Court rules that reclassifying agricultural land as a farmlot subdivision before CARP does not exempt it from agrarian reform coverage.
Compromise After Judgment: How a Settlement Can Override a Final Court Decision
The Supreme Court explains when a compromise agreement can validly novate a final judgment, even after execution has begun.
Farmlot Reclassification Does NOT Exempt Land From Agrarian Reform
The Supreme Court ruled that reclassifying agricultural land as a farmlot subdivision does not remove it from agrarian reform coverage under RA 6657.
Seafarers Disability Claims Upholding Company Doctors Assessment Absent Third Opinion
Supreme Court clarifies when a company-designated physician's disability grading prevails over a seafarer's private doctor in POEA-SEC claims.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When Payment Becomes Final Despite a Reversed Award
A Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability benefits, the 120-day rule, and when conditional payment becomes final satisfaction of judgment.
Dying Declarations as Evidence: When a Wife's Statement Leads to a Parricide Conviction
The Supreme Court explains when a dying declaration is admissible evidence and how it can support a parricide conviction.
Automatic Revocation Clauses in Donations: When Breach Immediately Returns the Property
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that automatic revocation clauses in donations take effect immediately upon breach, without need for judicial action.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform Courts Must Apply Legal Formula for Fair Land Valuation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that agrarian reform courts must follow DAR valuation formulas when determining just compensation for land.
Good Faith and Land Titles: When a Contract to Sell Expires in Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a contract to sell expires, the parol evidence rule, and refund rights for unpaid buyers.
Good Faith and Land Titles: The Limits of Torrens System Protection in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a buyer's failure to pay full price under a Contract to Sell prevents enforcement, and the limits of good faith claims.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: Proving Justifying Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains what it takes to prove self-defense and defense of relatives under Article 11 of the Revised Penal Code.
Corporate Rehabilitation: Why Unappealed Court Orders Bind Parties in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on why failing to appeal a rehabilitation order within 15 days bars a party from later challenging it.
Torrens Title vs Prior Possession: Resolving Ejectment Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a Torrens title holder can eject occupants who claim prior possession and ownership.
Union Registration Misrepresentation Claims and the Limits of Cancellation Under the Labor Code
The Supreme Court clarifies that only grounds listed in Article 247 of the Labor Code justify cancellation of union registration, not lack of mutuality of interests.
Duress in Elections: Balancing Electoral Duties and Personal Safety Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when duress excuses election officers from administrative liability—and when it does not.
When a Bank's Deposit of Rent Is Not Valid Consignation: PNB v. Chan
The Supreme Court explains why depositing disputed rent in a savings account is not valid consignation, and the consequences of delay.
Valid Consignation Demands Strict Compliance With Legal Requirements
Learn when depositing rent in a bank account is not valid consignation, and what the law requires for debt payment.
Practicing Law While Suspended: No Automatic Return After Suspension Period
A lawyer suspended from practice cannot resume work until the Court formally lifts the suspension — even if the suspension period has already ended.
Implied Trusts Protecting Shared Property Interests Despite Title Registration
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how implied trusts can protect co-ownership rights even when property titles name only one person.
Implied Trusts and Co-Ownership: Hidden Property Rights in Family Lending Businesses
When a family lending business buys property under one sibling's name, an implied trust may preserve everyone's share.
Lawyer Disbarred for Faking Court Decision and Certificate of Finality
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who simulated an annulment decision and certificate of finality, ruling the acts were deceit and grave misconduct.