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.
Conjugal Property Presumptions: Protecting Separate Assets from a Spouse's Debts
Learn how the Supreme Court protects separate property from a spouse's debts and what evidence overcomes the conjugal presumption.
Attorney’s Lien vs. Client’s Rights: When Can a Lawyer Withhold a Passport in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of an attorney’s retaining lien, ruling that lawyers cannot withhold a client’s passport or other essential documents.
When Tax Assessments Are Not Required: Civil Liability in Philippine Tax Evasion Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a formal BIR tax assessment is not required to hold taxpayers civilly liable in criminal tax evasion cases.
Litis Pendentia and Final Judgment: Preventing Relitigation of Property Ownership
A final ruling on property ownership in one case bars a later suit on the same issue, even if the form of action differs.
Default Orders and Affidavit of Merit: Lessons from Far East Fuel v. Airtropolis
A default order can be lifted only with an affidavit of merit and proof of excusable negligence. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Letter of Authority Required When Reassigning Tax Audits: Supreme Court Ruling
Supreme Court nullifies tax assessments where audits were reassigned without a new Letter of Authority. Learn the rules.
Beneficial Use Doctrine: Who Pays Real Property Tax on Government-Owned Land
When government property is leased to a private entity, the beneficial use doctrine makes the lessee liable for real property tax. Learn the rule.
When Filing Two Property Lawsuits Is Not Forum Shopping: The Hocorma Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing both an ejectment case and a collection suit over the same property does not constitute forum shopping.
Prescription Period for Oral Contracts: What Creditors and Debtors Must Know
The Supreme Court clarifies the six-year prescription period for oral contracts and why timely action is critical for creditors and debtors.
Understanding Jurisdiction in Injunction Cases: A Guide for Property Owners and Legal Practitioners
Learn how the Supreme Court resolved a tax dispute between two LGUs, and what it means for property owners facing competing tax claims.
Simulated Contracts: When Property Transfers Are Void in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when a simulated contract is void, not merely rescissible, using a P50-million property assignment case.
Credit Card Debt Collection: Proving the Basis of Claims in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on credit card collection cases: creditors must prove the basis of claims, not just submit a statement of account.
Supervening Events and Restitution: When Final Judgments Can Be Overturned
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when supervening events justify setting aside final judgments and ordering restitution of executed amounts.
Duplicate Originals as Evidence: When Photocopies Are Admissible in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when duplicate originals are admissible evidence, reversing the Court of Appeals' exclusion of invoices in a collection case.
Venue in Civil Cases: Real Party in Interest's Residence Governs, Even for Plaintiffs Abroad
Philippine venue rules: when a plaintiff resides abroad, the case must be filed where the defendant resides—not where the attorney-in-fact lives.
Shared Negligence: Banks and Depositors Must Bear Losses Equally When Both Are at Fault
When a bank releases check proceeds before clearing and a depositor withdraws them hastily, both may share the loss equally under Philippine law.
When Can You Sue the Philippine Government? The ATO Case Explained
The Supreme Court explains when government agencies can be sued, distinguishing sovereign from proprietary functions in the Air Transportation Office case.
HLURB Jurisdiction Over Condominium Disputes: Peralta v. De Leon Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed HLURB's exclusive jurisdiction over condominium buyer-developer disputes in Peralta v. De Leon.
Continuing Suretyship Scope and Enforceability in Loan Renewals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a continuing suretyship covers renewed credit facilities and subsequent loan availments.
Upholding Judicial Authority: Dismissal for Sheriff's Misconduct and Disobedience
A sheriff who levied on property not owned by the judgment debtor and defied court orders was dismissed from service for grave misconduct and insubordination.
Finality of Judgments, Due Process, and Counsel's Negligence in Contract Rescission
A Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgments, due process, and counsel's negligence in a construction contract rescission case.
Continuing SEC Jurisdiction Resolving Corporate Liquidation Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies SEC retains jurisdiction over pending corporate suspension and liquidation cases filed before June 30, 2000.
Contract Rescission and RTC Jurisdiction: Lessons from Villena v. Payoyo
When rescinding a contract is the primary remedy, the case belongs in the Regional Trial Court—even if the monetary claim is small.
When a Security Guard Can Validly Receive Summons: The Robinson v. Miralles Doctrine
The Supreme Court ruled that substituted service of summons through a security guard can be valid when a defendant obstructs personal service.