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.
Reassignment Orders and Insubordination: What Public Employees Must Know
Public employees must comply with reassignment orders even while appeals are pending. The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of insubordination.
Jurisdictional Thresholds Determining Court Competence In Property Disputes
A 2019 Supreme Court ruling clarifies what courts must decide in land registration cases and the limits of Rule 45 review.
Mortgage Foreclosure and Third-Party Property: UCPB's Duty to Protect Borrower Interests
When a bank forecloses property mortgaged by a third party without the owner's consent, the Supreme Court protects the true owner's rights.
Valid Jurat and Proper Verification: Lessons from William Go Que Construction v. CA
A defective jurat in a verification and certification against forum shopping can doom a petition. Learn the rules on competent evidence of identity.
The Fine Line When Excuses Don't Excuse Absence in Court
When does a valid excuse justify missing pre-trial? The Supreme Court clarifies when postponements are a privilege, not a right.
Verification Matters: Why Unverified Labor Claims Get Dismissed
Learn why the Supreme Court dismissed 99 workers' labor claims for lack of proper verification in Martos v. New San Jose Builders.
Verification and Certification Against Forum Shopping: Why All Petitioners Must Sign
A single unsigned verification can dismiss a case. Learn the strict rules on certification against forum shopping from Formoso v. PNB.
Forum Shopping and Litis Pendentia: Preserving Judicial Efficiency in Boundary Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing a second suit over the same boundary dispute constitutes forum shopping and litis pendentia.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Choosing the Proper Remedy in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why appeal and certiorari are mutually exclusive remedies, and why procedural rules matter in extraordinary actions.
Forum Shopping Certification and Verification Defects: Strict Compliance in Philippine Courts
A defective certification against forum shopping and verification can get a petition dismissed. Learn the strict rules from Gabriel v. Court of Appeals.
Authority to Sign Certification Against Forum Shopping in Corporate Litigation
Who may sign the certification against forum shopping in corporate cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on authority and false certifications.
Certification of Non-Forum Shopping: Why One Co-Petitioner's Signature Is Not Enough
The Supreme Court explains why a certification of non-forum shopping signed by only one co-petitioner can get a case dismissed.
Taxpayers Beware: Exhaust Administrative Remedies Before Appealing Property Tax Disputes to Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that property tax disputes must first go through administrative remedies before courts can intervene.
Priority in Land Titles: Why Earlier Registration Wins in Philippine Property Disputes
When two titles cover the same land, the earlier registration generally prevails. Learn the rule and how to protect your property.
Counterclaims After Complaint Dismissal: Philippine Rules Explained
Learn when counterclaims survive dismissal of the main complaint under Philippine civil procedure, based on the Fletcher Challenge case.
Suspension of Payments in the Philippines: Who Can File and What Are the Limits
The Supreme Court clarifies that only corporations, partnerships, or associations—not individuals—may file for suspension of payments under PD 902-A.