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.
Revival of Judgment in the Philippines: Who Are Indispensable Parties and When to File
Learn the rules on reviving a final judgment in the Philippines, including indispensable parties and the 10-year prescriptive period.
Newly Discovered Evidence in Philippine Courts: The Barraquio Case and Rule 37
Learn the strict requirements for newly discovered evidence under Rule 37 and what the Supreme Court's Barraquio ruling means for litigants.
Abandonment in Agrarian Leaseholds: What Farmers and Landowners Must Know
The Supreme Court clarifies when a farmer's absence amounts to abandonment—and why notarized documents alone cannot end a leasehold.
When a Sale Among Heirs Can Be Voided: PD 27 and Simulated Land Transfers
Learn when a sale of agrarian reform land among heirs is void under PD 27, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Dela Cruz v. Dumasig.
When Can DAR Disqualify an Agrarian Reform Beneficiary? The Balucan Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies who may file to disqualify an agrarian reform beneficiary and why landowners are not real parties-in-interest.
Timely Filing of Just Compensation Claims Under Philippine Agrarian Law
Learn the 10-year prescriptive period for filing just compensation claims with the Special Agrarian Courts under Philippine agrarian reform law.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: When Courts Can Depart from DAR Formulas
Explains the Supreme Court ruling on just compensation in agrarian reform, when courts may deviate from DAR valuation formulas, and why evidence matters.
When CLOAs Can Be Cancelled: Due Process and Landowner Retention Rights in CARP
The Supreme Court ruled that CLOAs may be cancelled when landowners' due process and retention rights are violated during CARP implementation.
Forcible Entry vs. Unlawful Detainer: A Philippine Property Owner’s Guide
Learn the difference between forcible entry and unlawful detainer in Philippine ejectment cases, and how the Supreme Court clarified the rules in a recent ruling.
Unauthorized Absences and Dismissal: The Medical Certificate Requirement in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court upheld a dismissal for unauthorized absences, ruling that a vague medical certificate cannot excuse habitual absenteeism.
Finality of DAR Orders: Due Process in Agrarian Reform Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court upholds the finality of DAR orders, the rules on land reclassification, and due process in agrarian reform.
Emancipation Patents Under Voluntary Land Transfer: The Marinas Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when emancipation patents are valid under PD 27's Voluntary Land Transfer scheme, including co-owner consent and payment timing.
Missed Appeal Deadlines in Agrarian Cases: When Negligence Costs the Right to Appeal
The Supreme Court rules on missed appeal deadlines in agrarian disputes, explaining when a motion for reconsideration suspends the period and why certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal.
Can an RTC Annul a DARAB Decision? Jurisdiction in Agrarian Disputes
RTCs generally cannot annul DARAB decisions—they are co-equal bodies. Appeals must go to the Court of Appeals.
Land Reclassification vs. Conversion: DAR Approval Still Required After CARL
The Supreme Court clarifies that local reclassification of agricultural land does not remove the need for DAR conversion approval under CARL.
DARAB Contempt Powers: Why Arrest Orders Must Come From Courts
The Supreme Court limits DARAB's contempt power—arrest orders for indirect contempt must come from the Regional Trial Court, not administrative bodies.
Venue in Philippine Breach of Contract Cases: The DAPCO v. Dole Lesson
Learn how Philippine courts determine venue in lease disputes, and why filing in the wrong place can get your case dismissed.
Security of Tenure for Tenant Farmers: Upholding Leasehold Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court reaffirmed tenant farmers' security of tenure, ruling that land sale does not extinguish agricultural leasehold rights.
Home Lot Rights in Philippine Tenancy: Only the Tenant is Entitled
The Supreme Court clarifies that only the tenant, not family members, may claim a home lot under RA 1199, Section 22(3).
DARAB Jurisdiction Explained: Filing Agrarian Disputes in the Philippines
Learn where to file agrarian disputes in the Philippines—DARAB vs. PARAD jurisdiction clarified under R.A. 6657 and the DARAB rules.