Legal Insights

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.

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.

Fraudulent Land Registration and the Four-Year Prescription Period for Reconveyance Actions

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the four-year prescriptive period for reconveyance actions begins, using Sixto Antonio v. Santos as guide.

Salary Withholding: Balancing Government Interest and Employee Rights in Philippine Law

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the government may withhold a public employee's salary for an alleged cash shortage, and when it cannot apply it to the debt.

Retroactivity of Remedial Laws: Fresh 60-Day Period in Certiorari Petitions

Philippine Supreme Court explains why curative procedural rules apply retroactively, giving litigants a fresh 60-day period to file certiorari petitions.

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.

Authority and Accountability: When a Project Manager's Sign-Off Binds the Owner in Construction Disputes

A project manager's approval of time extensions can bind the owner. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.

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.

Dragnet Clauses in Mortgages: When Future Debts Are Secured Beyond the Initial Loan

Philippine Supreme Court explains how dragnet clauses in real estate mortgages cover future debts, and what borrowers must pay to redeem foreclosed property.

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.

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.

Venue as a Cornerstone of Jurisdiction in Incriminating Innocent Persons Cases

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies venue rules and the scope of Article 363, Revised Penal Code, in incriminating innocent persons complaints.

Redundancy Dismissal: Fair Criteria and Due Notice Under Philippine Labor Law

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on redundancy dismissal: employers must prove fair criteria and give proper notice to DOLE and employees.

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.

Well-Known Foreign Trademarks Protected in the Philippines Even Without Local Registration

Philippine Supreme Court affirms protection for well-known foreign trademarks like IN-N-OUT Burger, even without local registration or local business presence.

When Can Government Revoke Tax Exemptions in Freeport Zones

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when Congress may withdraw tax exemptions granted to Subic Freeport locators, and limits on injunctions against tax collection.

Sale vs Equitable Mortgage: When a Deed of Sale Is Considered a Loan

Philippine Supreme Court explains when a deed of absolute sale may be treated as an equitable mortgage or loan, and when courts will uphold the sale.

Theft vs Robbery: Intent to Gain and Positive Identification in Philippine Criminal Law

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies theft elements, intent to gain, and why positive identification beats denial and alibi in criminal cases.

Jurisdiction Over Foreign Corporations and Proper Summons in Philippine Courts

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when foreign corporations are "doing business" and how summons must be served on them.

Salary Reclassification in Government: Actual Duties vs Official Position

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether actual duties or official position title governs government salary reclassification under EO 189.

Venue Stipulations in Contracts: Courts Cannot Dismiss Motu Proprio on Improper Venue

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that trial courts cannot motu proprio dismiss cases for improper venue when parties validly agreed on exclusive venue.

Duterte v. Kingswood: Burden of Proof in Disease-Based Dismissals

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers, not employees, must secure a health authority certification to validly terminate on disease grounds.