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.
Forcible Entry: Prior Physical Possession Prevails Over Claims of Ownership
Supreme Court clarifies that in forcible entry cases, prior physical possession—not ownership—determines who may seek ejectment.
Tenant Rights vs Landowner Rights in the Philippines: Understanding Tenancy and Agricultural Land Law
A look at Philippine tenancy law, balancing tenant rights and landowner rights under agricultural land reform and related statutes.
Grave Coercion in Property Takeovers: The Navarra Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court ruled that forceful property repossession, even with a debt claim, constitutes grave coercion under Philippine law.
Extrajudicial Termination Clauses in Lease Agreements: What the Supreme Court Says
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lessor may validly terminate a lease and repossess property without court action under Philippine law.
Forcible Entry in the Philippines: Why Prior Physical Possession Evidence Wins Cases
Learn how Philippine courts decide forcible entry cases, why prior physical possession evidence matters, and key lessons from Buduhan v. Pakurao.
Prejudicial Question Resolving Conflicts Between Civil AND Criminal Actions IN Philippine Courts
When civil and criminal cases collide, Philippine courts apply the prejudicial question doctrine. Learn how this affects tenant-landlord disputes.
Cutting Utility Lines Without a Permit: Unjust Vexation Under Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in Ong Chiu Kwan v. Court of Appeals treats unauthorized cutting of utility lines as unjust vexation.
Extrajudicial Contract Rescission in the Philippines: Reclaiming Property Without Court Intervention
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a party may extrajudicially rescind a contract and retake property, and when court action becomes necessary.
When Can Your Boss Transfer You? Understanding Lawful Orders and Insubordination in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court explains when a transfer is a valid management prerogative and when refusing it becomes insubordination.
Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: Employer Duties and Employee Rights
Understand illegal recruitment in the Philippines, employer responsibilities, and employee rights based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Lease Abandonment and Tenant Rights: The Paterno v. Court of Appeals Case
The Supreme Court's ruling in Paterno v. Court of Appeals clarifies when a tenant's departure amounts to lease abandonment and what it means for landlords and occupants.