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.
Balancing Employer Rights AND Employee DUE Process IN Termination Cases
A supervisor’s dismissal for abuse of authority upheld: the Supreme Court clarifies the twin requirements of valid termination under Philippine labor law.
Delegation of Authority in Tax Assessments: When a Subordinate's Demand Letter Becomes Final
Learn when a demand letter from a BIR subordinate officer counts as the Commissioner's final decision on a protested tax assessment, and why timing matters.
Third-Party Rights in Philippine Contracts: When Can You Enforce an Agreement You Didn’t Sign?
Philippine law generally limits contract enforcement to parties, their assigns, and heirs. Learn the exception under stipulation pour autrui.
The Price of Delay: Judicial Accountability for Delayed Case Resolutions
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge fined for delayed decisions underscores the 90-day rule and judicial accountability in the Philippines.
Bigamy and Presumptive Death: When a Second Marriage Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court explains why a judicial declaration of presumptive death is required before remarrying, and when bigamy applies.
Contract to Sell Cancellation: Maceda Law Rules and Novation Explained
Learn the Maceda Law rules on cancelling a contract to sell, when a new contract can replace the old one, and key takeaways from Fabrigas v. San Francisco Del Monte.
Easement Rights Prevail: Right of Way Protection Despite Title Deficiencies in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on easement of right-of-way, actual knowledge, and protection despite unregistered title annotations.
Oral Loan Agreements in the Philippines: When a Verbal Promise Is Legally Binding
Oral loan agreements can be enforceable in the Philippines. Learn the rules, evidence needed, and key Supreme Court ruling on verbal contracts.
Barangay Jurisdiction in Property Disputes: Residency of the Real Party in Interest Controls
The Supreme Court clarifies that the real party in interest's residency, not the attorney-in-fact's, determines barangay lupon jurisdiction over disputes.
Forcible Entry: Possession by Tolerance vs. Undue Deprivation Through Force
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that owners cannot use force to evict occupants, even if possession is by tolerance, without filing the proper ejectment case.
Barangay Conciliation: Why a Settlement Agreement Cannot Replace the Lupon Requirement
Learn from Berba v. Pablo why a barangay settlement with one party does not excuse mandatory conciliation before filing an ejectment suit.
Torrens Title vs Adverse Possession: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies how registered land under the Torrens system is protected against adverse possession claims.
Sheriffs Neglect of Duty and the Consequences of Delayed Writ Execution in the Philippines
A sheriff's failure to execute a writ with reasonable dispatch is gross neglect of duty, carrying severe administrative penalties.
Preliminary Injunction Against MMDA Billboards: Protecting Contractual Rights Pending Trial
Supreme Court affirms preliminary injunction stopping MMDA from dismantling MRT 3 billboards, protecting Trackworks' contractual advertising rights pending trial.
Injunctions in Ejectment: Balancing Immediate Execution With Equitable Considerations
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may issue preliminary injunctions despite the immediately executory nature of ejectment judgments.
Reopening Inquiry Service Provider Rights and Due Process in Airport Terminal Agreements
Court rules Ombudsman committed grave abuse of discretion in dismissing service operators' complaint without complete preliminary investigation.
Banks' Duty of Care: Liability for Unauthorized Withdrawals and Moral Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for unauthorized withdrawals, gross negligence, and awards of moral and exemplary damages.
Family Home Exemption: When Creditors Can Seize Your Property in the Philippines
The family home exemption protects Filipino families from creditors—but not for debts incurred before the home was constituted. Learn the rules.
Certiorari Filing Deadlines: Why the 60-Day Rule Is Strict in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts strictly enforce the 60-day certiorari filing period under Rule 65. Learn why late petitions fail and how to avoid common pitfalls.
State Witness Exclusion: Balancing Prosecutorial Discretion and Court Oversight
The Supreme Court clarifies when prosecutors may exclude accused persons from an information to make them state witnesses, and the limits of judicial discretion.
Due Process and Immigration Law: When a Judge’s Procedural Errors Become Gross Ignorance
A judge’s disregard of the three-day notice rule and immigration law results in administrative liability for gross ignorance of the law.
Ombudsman's Authority Prevails: Challenging Jurisdiction After Participating in Proceedings
Supreme Court rules that participating in NLRC proceedings does not bar challenging jurisdiction when Civil Service Commission has exclusive authority over government employees.
How a Torrens Title Protects Your Right to Eject Unlawful Occupants in the Philippines
Learn how a Torrens title is the strongest proof of ownership in the Philippines and why it lets owners eject unlawful occupants from their property.
Corporate Rehabilitation vs. HLURB Jurisdiction in Real Estate Rescission Cases
When a developer under corporate rehabilitation faces rescission claims, SEC suspension rules may prevail over HLURB jurisdiction. Learn from this case.