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.
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Foreclosure Publication Rule: Why Missing the Notice Voids the Sale
Failure to publish a foreclosure notice under Act No. 3135 is a jurisdictional defect that invalidates the sale, as Baclig v. Rural Bank of Cabugao shows.
Priority of Registered Levy vs. Prior Unregistered Sale in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a prior unregistered sale beats a later registered levy on execution, and the rules on service of summons by publication.
Defective Service of Summons and Prior Unregistered Sale: Key Lessons from Go v. Court of Appeals
Supreme Court clarifies rules on service of summons by publication and priority of prior unregistered sales over registered levies.
Libel Conviction Upheld for Posting Carnapping Complaint on Bulletin Board
SC upholds libel conviction for posting a carnapping complaint on a jeepney terminal bulletin board, ruling publication and malice were proven.
Libel in the Philippines: When Posting a Complaint Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of libel, including publication and malice, in a case involving posted criminal complaints.
Summons by Publication in Annulment Cases: Why Due Process Demands Diligent Service
The Supreme Court nullified an annulment ruling because summons by publication was premature. Learn the service-of-summons rules.
Probate Docket Fees and Publication Rules: What Bollozos v. Heirs of Aguilar Teaches
Supreme Court clarifies probate docket fee rules and publication requirements in allowance of wills cases.
Probate Notices: Personal Notification of Known Heirs Is Mandatory in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that publication alone is not enough; known heirs must receive personal notice in probate proceedings.
Civil Registry Corrections: Why Impleading All Interested Parties Matters
The Supreme Court explains why correcting a birth record requires impleading all affected parties, not just publication.
Speed Limits and Local Governance: When Public Safety Measures Fail Legal Scrutiny
The Supreme Court voids a municipal speed limit ordinance for non-compliance with publication and RA 4136, underscoring the rule of law in local governance.
Lawyer's Refusal to Settle Client Dispute Leads to One-Month Suspension
A lawyer's obstinate refusal to settle a publication fee dispute, even forbidding clients from paying a discounted amount, resulted in suspension.
GSIS Policy Invalidity: Publication Requirement for Rules Affecting Retirement Benefits
Supreme Court ruled GSIS issuances affecting retirement benefits must be published to be valid, affirming retiree's right to original appointment computation.
When GSIS Rules Fail: The Publication Requirement and the Limits of Agency Power
The Supreme Court nullified GSIS PPG No. 171-03 for lack of publication, reaffirming that legislative rules need notice and effectivity.
Service of Summons: Balancing Due Process and Practicality in Marital Nullity Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when publication alone suffices for extraterritorial service of summons in nullity cases, and when laches bars attacks on final judgments.
Foreclosure Voided: Strict Compliance With Publication Requirements
Supreme Court voids foreclosure sale for lack of republication and reposting of rescheduled sale notice, affirming mandatory rules under Act No. 3135.
Cadastral Proceedings: Jurisdictional Validity Through Official Gazette Publication
When does a cadastral court validly acquire jurisdiction? The Supreme Court clarifies the publication requirement under the Cadastral Act.
Court Personnel Dismissed for Grave Misconduct in Fee-Fixing Scandal
Supreme Court dismisses court employee for grave misconduct—soliciting fees from litigants and unauthorized withdrawal of publication fees.
When Defective Informations Can Be Amended: Lessons from a Libel Case on Venue and Publication
The Supreme Court clarifies when defective informations in libel cases may be amended before arraignment, and when dismissal is proper.
Foreclosure Sales Strict Compliance With Publication Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failure to strictly comply with publication requirements in extrajudicial foreclosure sales invalidates the sale and makes the notary public liable for damages.
Strict Rules on Foreclosure Notice Publication: What Philippine Mortgagors Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict compliance with foreclosure notice publication requirements and consequences of defective notices.
Strict Compliance with Publication Rule Is Jurisdictional in Title Reconstitution
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failure to strictly comply with the 30-day publication requirement in reconstitution cases deprives courts of jurisdiction.
Publication Requirement Prevails: Unpublished Handwritten Addendum Has No Legal Effect
Supreme Court rules unpublished handwritten addendum to a presidential proclamation has no force of law, reaffirming the indispensable publication requirement.
Publication Requirement: Handwritten Amendments to Presidential Proclamations
Philippine Supreme Court rules that handwritten addenda to presidential proclamations have no legal effect unless published in the Official Gazette.
Foreclosure Sales in the Philippines: The Legal Weight of Notice and Publication
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the requirements for notice and publication in extrajudicial foreclosure sales under Act No. 3135.