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.
Land Ownership in the Philippines: Why Land Classification Matters in Titling
Philippine land titling depends on classification as alienable and disposable. The Supreme Court explains in De Ocampo v. Arlos.
Sheriffs Duty in Judgment Execution: Avoiding Excessive Levy and Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriffs' duty to avoid excessive levy in judgment execution and the consequences of misconduct.
Promissory Notes vs Loan Agreements: Legitimacy in Philippine Investment Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loan documents are legitimate investments, using a disbarment case to explain forgery, consent, and moral character.
Holding Lawyers Accountable: Lessons from a Disbarment Case on Forgery and Immorality
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for forging his wife's signature and siring a child out of wedlock, reaffirming that lawyers must maintain good moral character at all times.
Hearsay Evidence in Philippine Courts: When Sworn Statements Are Admissible
Sworn statements can be admitted in Philippine courts not to prove their truth, but to show they were made. Learn the hearsay rule's limits.
Employer Subsidiary Liability in Philippine Criminal Law: The Catacutan Doctrine
Philippine employers can be held subsidiarily liable for damages from employees' criminal negligence. Learn the rules from Catacutan v. Heirs of Kadusale.
Lease Agreements in the Philippines: Why Written Consent Before Construction Matters
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in Bugatti v. Baguilat underscores the need for a perfected lease contract before construction begins.
Demolition Requires Special Court Order: Morta v. Sañez and Due Process
A writ of execution does not authorize demolition. A special court order after notice and hearing is required under Rule 39, Section 10(d).
Second Chances in Philippine Justice: When Final Judgments Can Be Overturned for a New Trial
The Supreme Court explains when final criminal judgments may be vacated and new trials granted, using a bigamy case as an example.
Finality of Judgment: When an Annulled Decision Can Be Reinstated
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a set-aside judgment may be reinstated and why final and executory rulings cannot be resurrected.
Deadlines Matter: Understanding the 30-Day Rule for Court Decisions in Philippine Summary Procedure
A judge's 30-day deadline under the Revised Rules on Summary Procedure is mandatory—delays draw fines, as this administrative case shows.
Documentary Evidence vs Verbal Agreements: Why Written Contracts Prevail in Philippine Courts
When a verbal claim of discount conflicts with written invoices, Philippine courts rely on documentary evidence. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: How Group Actions Can Lead to Equal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy, group liability, and when co-accused share equal criminal responsibility.
Extraordinary Inflation and Philippine Contracts: When Can You Adjust Rental Rates
Philippine law allows rent adjustments for extraordinary inflation, but courts rarely grant them. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court case.
Deed of Sale or Loan Understanding: Equitable Mortgage in Philippine Property Law
When is a deed of sale really an equitable mortgage? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on when courts will presume a loan arrangement.
Beware Illegal Recruiters: How Philippine Law Protects Aspiring OFWs From Scams
Learn how Philippine law punishes illegal recruiters who prey on aspiring OFWs, and what protections RA 8042 provides.
Parol Evidence Rule: When Prior Agreements Can Modify a Contract
Philippine Supreme Court explains when prior negotiations can alter a written contract under the parol evidence rule.
Justice Delayed IS Justice Denied: Judicial Delay and Accountability in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial delay shows why judges must decide cases promptly—and the consequences when they don't.
Limits of Guardianship Court Jurisdiction and Preliminary Attachment Under Philippine Law
A guardianship court exceeded its authority by issuing preliminary attachment. The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdictional limits and judicial accountability.
Discretionary Execution Pending Appeal: When Philippine Courts Can Enforce Judgments Immediately
Learn when Philippine courts may order execution pending appeal, the "good reasons" required, and how the Supreme Court applies Rule 39.
Supreme Court on Good Faith Bargaining and Union-Busting: The Letran Case
The Supreme Court ruled on an employer's duty to bargain in good faith and what constitutes union-busting in Colegio de San Juan de Letran v. AEFL.
Subleasing Without Landlord Consent: Ejectment Risks in Philippine Unlawful Detainer Cases
Sublessees without landlord consent face eviction when the main lease ends. Learn the rules from Jimenez v. Patricia, Inc.
Marked Ballots in Philippine Elections: When Stray Marks Invalidate a Vote
Philippine election law invalidates ballots with deliberate identifying marks, but accidental or third-party markings may still be valid. Learn the rules.
Extrajudicial Contract Rescission in the Philippines: Reclaiming Property Without Court Intervention
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a party may extrajudicially rescind a contract and retake property, and when court action becomes necessary.