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.
Speedy Justice: Understanding Judicial Efficiency and the Rule on Summary Procedure
A judge's one-year delay in disposing cases under the Rule on Summary Procedure results in administrative liability for inefficiency.
Understanding Novation in Philippine Contract Law: When Does a New Agreement Cancel the Old
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a new contract cancels an old one, and why novation is never presumed in law.
Jurisdictional Threshold Resolving Agrarian Disputes in Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when ejectment cases must be referred to agrarian courts, and the importance of hearing jurisdictional issues.
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.
Sheriffs Duty to Timely Return Writ of Execution and Consequences of Delay
A sheriff's four-day delay in returning a writ of execution led to a fine. Learn the 60-day rule and why timely returns matter.
Right of First Refusal in Lease Agreements and Property Sales in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lessee has a right of first refusal to buy leased property, and when a sale to a third party stands.
Lease Renewal Clauses: Mutual Consent vs Unilateral Option Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lease renewal clause requires mutual consent rather than a unilateral lessee option, with practical guidance.
Upholding Tenant Rights Establishing Tenancy Despite Conflicting Evidence
Supreme Court ruling clarifies how substantial evidence and rental receipts establish bona fide tenancy under agrarian law.
Tenant Rights Prevail: Security of Tenure and Agrarian Reform in Greenfield v. Cardama
The Supreme Court affirms that agricultural tenants enjoy security of tenure and cannot be summarily dispossessed, reinforcing CARP beneficiary rights.
Tenant Rights Prevail: Security of Tenure in Agrarian Reform Disputes
The Supreme Court affirms that agricultural lessees retain security of tenure under CARL, even when landowners claim conversion or termination of lease.
Land Registration: How Clear Title Strengthens Ownership and Possession Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how registered land rights and lease agreements strengthen claims to ownership and possession in property disputes.
Ejectment and Your Business: Understanding Privity to Avoid Surprises
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a business can be bound by an ejectment case even if not named as a party-defendant.
Simulated Sales in Philippine Property Law: Intent, Foreign Ownership, and the Blanco v. Quasha Precedent
Learn how Philippine courts determine simulated sales, why intent matters, and the key lessons from Blanco v. Quasha on property transactions.
Filing Replevin Cases in the Philippines: Understanding MTC Jurisdiction Limits
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on MTC jurisdiction in replevin cases with damages claims, citing Movers-Baseco vs. Cyborg Leasing.
Philippine Appellate Procedure: Why Courts Can't Go Beyond What's Appealed
A judge's error in ejectment execution illustrates the limits of appellate jurisdiction and the duty of courts to stay within what is appealed.
Subleasing in the Philippines: When Silence Equals Consent — Perez v. Court of Appeals
Explaining Perez v. Court of Appeals: when a lessor's acceptance of rent from a sublessee can bar objections to a prohibited sublease.
Truth and Honesty in Legal Practice: Why Misleading the Court Can Lead to Suspension
A lawyer's false statement in a motion for postponement led to a six-month suspension. Learn the ethical rules on candor.
Unmasking Express Trusts in Philippine Property Law: Co-Ownership vs True Ownership
When a deed of sale is actually an express trust, the titled "owner" holds only as trustee. This case explains the difference.
Car Plans in the Philippines: Lease or Installment Sale? Key Employee Rights and Employer Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on car plans: when a "lease" is really an installment sale, and what it means for employers and employees.
Ejectment Suits Staying Execution Pending Appeal in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle stays of execution in ejectment cases pending appeal, including the rules on posting supersedeas bonds and the limits of appellate relief.
Navigating Litis Pendentia and Forum Shopping: When Multiple Lawsuits Can Proceed in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when two cases involving the same parties can proceed without violating litis pendentia or forum shopping rules.
Immediate Execution in Ejectment Cases: Why Delaying Tactics Won't Work
Learn how the Supreme Court enforces immediate execution in ejectment cases and why delaying tactics like motions for reconsideration won't stop a writ.
Litis Pendentia in the Philippines: Stopping Duplicate Lawsuits
Learn when Philippine courts dismiss duplicate lawsuits for litis pendentia, the requisites, and how to prevent splitting a cause of action.
Sheriff Misconduct in Execution of Judgment: When Enforcing a Writ Goes Wrong
A sheriff who took judgment debtors' property for himself and the creditor was dismissed for gross misconduct. Learn the rules on execution sales.