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.
Alias Writs of Execution: When Can a Second Debt Collection Attempt Be Stopped?
Learn the rules on alias writs of execution in the Philippines, the limited grounds to oppose them, and key lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Boundary Disputes in the Philippines: Resolving Territorial Conflicts Between LGUs
The Supreme Court settles the Makati-Taguig territorial dispute, explaining how boundary conflicts between local governments are resolved.
Understanding Qualified Rape and Child Abuse Penalties in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when rape is qualified, why the penalty was reduced here, and what child abuse requires.
Understanding the Finality of Court Decisions: When Is It Too Late to Appeal?
Learn the doctrine of immutability of final judgments in Philippine law and when courts may clarify a final decision to carry it into effect.
Conflicting Court Decisions: The Imperative of Case Consolidation in Philippine Law
When court decisions conflict, consolidation becomes necessary. This article explains the rules and practical implications for litigants in the Philippines.
Taming Unconscionable Interest: Reassessing Loan Obligations and Attorney's Fees in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts temper unconscionable loan interest rates and when attorney's fees may be awarded in foreclosure cases.
Finality of Judgment vs Supervening Events: Computing Backwages and Separation Pay in Illegal Dismissal Cases
Learn how Philippine courts compute backwages and separation pay when reinstatement becomes impossible due to supervening events after judgment finality.
Contempt of Court for Ignoring Immediate Suspension Orders in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court clarifies that lawyers must comply with suspension orders marked "effective immediately" upon receipt, or face contempt.
Dispositive Portion Prevails When DOJ Resolution Body Conflicts With Fallo
When a DOJ resolution's body conflicts with its dispositive portion, the fallo controls. Learn the rule from Santiago v. Bello IV.
Clerk of Court Authority: The Fine Line Between Administration and Judicial Overreach
A clerk of court added a phrase to a writ beyond the judge's order. The Supreme Court explains why that was judicial overreach.
Reinstatement vs Return to Work: Clarifying Employment Rights After a Transfer
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that reinstatement only applies to illegal dismissal, while a valid transfer requires a return to work order.
Possession Follows Ownership When a Writ of Execution Implies Possession of Land
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: a writ of execution may place a winning party in possession of land even if the judgment does not expressly say so.
Clarifying Final Judgments Ensuring TAX Refunds Reflect Court Intent
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified a final judgment's dispositive portion to include all tax refund cases, ensuring the court's true intent prevails.
Novation, Verification, and Real Party in Interest: Lessons from S.C. Megaworld v. Parada
Explaining when accepting third-party payments does not release the original debtor, and why procedural objections must be raised early.
When Attorney's Fees Are Not Automatic: The Rule of Article 2208
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may award attorney's fees under Article 2208 of the Civil Code, requiring clear factual and legal justification.
Attorney’s Fees in the Philippines: When Courts Can Award Them
Philippine courts cannot award attorney's fees without clear justification. Learn the rules under Article 2208 of the Civil Code.
Finality vs Justice: Reconciling Immutability of Judgments With Equitable Labor Standards
The Supreme Court clarifies when a final judgment can be reconsidered, balancing the doctrine of immutability with the rights of illegally dismissed employees.
USAID Certification as Public Document: Admissibility and Proof in Philippine Law
Learn when foreign agency certifications are public documents admissible without authentication, and how courts treat them as prima facie evidence.
Clarification vs. Amendment: When a Final Judgment Can Still Be Explained
Philippine courts can clarify final judgments but not amend them. Learn the distinction from Spouses Mahusay vs. B.E. San Diego, Inc.
When Public Use Fails: Reclaiming Expropriated Land in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when former owners can reclaim expropriated property after the public purpose is abandoned.
Philippine Red Cross Charter: Understanding Its Unique Legal Status
The Supreme Court explains why the Philippine Red Cross is neither a private corporation nor a government entity, and why its charter remains valid.
Employer Liability in Criminal Cases: When Civil Liability Is Only Subsidiary
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers are subsidiarily liable for employee crimes, distinguishing quasi-delict from criminal civil liability.
Solidary vs Joint Obligations: When Liability Is Not Presumed in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that solidary obligations are not presumed; joint debtors are liable only for their proportionate shares.
Limits of Mandamus Court Discretion in Criminal Case Dismissals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when mandamus can compel a judge to dismiss criminal cases, and when it cannot.