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.
Proving Co-Ownership in Philippine Property Disputes: The Bulawin Case
Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves co-ownership of inherited land, and what does not, in a dispute over a Camiguin rice field.
Conflict of Interest Rules for Lawyers: The Quiambao v. Bamba Case
A lawyer cannot represent opposing clients even in unrelated cases. Learn the conflict of interest rules from Quiambao v. Bamba.
Res Judicata and Dismissal With Prejudice: When a Prior Case Bars a New Lawsuit
A voluntary dismissal with prejudice bars a later suit for the same property, even if the new case is styled differently.
Free Speech vs Defamation: Safeguarding Radio Commentary Through Evidentiary Standards
Philippine jurisprudence balances free speech and defamation in radio commentary, requiring clear evidence before liability attaches to broadcasters.
Lease Agreements Upholding Contractual Grace Periods Despite Payment Restructuring
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how payment restructuring letters affect contractual grace periods in lease agreements.
The Ripple Effect: How Prior Court Rulings Bind Future Cases Involving Similar Facts
A Supreme Court ruling on the Pepsi promotion. Although the petitioners were not parties to earlier lawsuits over the same contest, the Court held that their claims were barred by the doctrine of *sta
Inofficious Donation and Legitime: Protecting Compulsory Heirs' Inheritance Rights in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law protects compulsory heirs from inofficious donations that impair their legitime, explained through a Supreme Court case.
Finality of Judgments in Disbarment Cases: Enforcement and Contempt for Non-Compliance
Supreme Court enforces disbarment ruling, cites lawyer for contempt and disobedience for defying final judgment and return order.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Clarifying Liability for Subsidiary Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a parent corporation may be held liable for its subsidiary's obligations, and when it cannot.
Business Closure vs Retrenchment: Defining Employers' Rights in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when retrenchment is valid, when it becomes illegal dismissal, and how quitclaims affect employee rights.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Judiciary Employees AND Public Decorum
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial employees' conduct, decorum, and accountability in Gonzales v. Gatcheco.
Forum Shopping Prohibited: No Separate Civil Action After B.P. 22 Criminal Case
Filing a B.P. 22 criminal case automatically includes the civil action. A separate civil suit for the same checks is barred as forum shopping.
Meralco Billing Dispute: Tax Credit Assignments and Tampered Meter Claims
Supreme Court ruling on Meralco's interest charges on tax credit assignments and differential billing for alleged meter tampering.
Double Jeopardy or Civil Redress: Understanding Remedies in Bouncing Check Cases
One bouncing check can trigger both estafa and BP 22 cases, but only one civil recovery. Learn the rules.
When a Spouse's Sale of Conjugal Property Without Consent Is Valid
The Supreme Court explains when a sale of conjugal property by one spouse without the other's consent stands, and when heirs can still demand partition.
Eminent Domain and Easements: Determining Just Compensation for Transmission Lines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on just compensation for transmission line easements, including procedural rules on appeals in expropriation cases.
Dragnet Clauses in Mortgages: Limits on Securing Future Debts with Existing Collateral
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a dragnet clause in a real estate mortgage covers future loans, and when separate security prevails.
The Power of Corroborating Evidence: How Philippine Courts Assess Witness Testimony
Philippine courts weigh witness testimony against physical evidence and corroboration. Learn the rules from the Larrañaga (Chiong sisters) case.
Double Sales and Registered Titles: Priority Rules in Philippine Land Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts resolve double sales and registered title disputes, and why registration matters in land ownership conflicts.
Lessor's Breach and Lessee's Rights: Rental Credits and Possession in Philippine Lease Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies lessee rights when lessor breaches lease: rental suspension, stipulation pour autrui, and possession after unlawful dispossession.
Lease After Foreclosure Overrides Writ of Possession: Philippine Rule
A post-foreclosure lease between mortgagor and mortgagee creates a new relationship, making ejectment, not writ of possession, the proper remedy.
Retroactive Application of Procedural Rules: The Fresh Period Rule for Certiorari Petitions
The Supreme Court clarifies that curative procedural rules apply retroactively, granting a fresh 60-day period for filing certiorari petitions after denial of reconsideration.
Possession vs Ownership: How Tax Declarations and Evidence Resolve Land Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling explains how tax declarations and evidence of possession resolve land disputes, and why paper title alone may not win the case.
Dual Employment in the Public Sector: When Service Becomes a Violation of Duty
The Supreme Court clarifies when accepting public sector positions and practicing law can violate the Constitution, Civil Service rules, and the lawyer's oath.