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.
Foreign Land Ownership Ban Upheld: Supreme Court Voids Dummy Arrangements
The Supreme Court voids a German citizen's dummy land purchase, reaffirming the constitutional ban on foreign land ownership in the Philippines.
Psychological Incapacity After Marriage: The Boado Ruling on Article 36 Nullity
The Supreme Court clarifies when psychological incapacity can void a marriage, even if it manifests years after the wedding ceremony.
Native Title vs. Statutory Rights: Land Ownership in Baguio City After the IPRA Exemption Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that Baguio City is exempt from the IPRA, except for native title claims based on time immemorial possession.
Guardianship in the Philippines: When the Proposed Guardian Lives Abroad
The Supreme Court clarifies that a guardian residing abroad can be appointed if the child's best interests and genuine commitment are shown.
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.
Prior Approval Is Paramount: DSWD Contract Faces Scrutiny Over COA Concurrence
Government agencies must secure prior COA concurrence and OSG approval before hiring private lawyers, or risk irregular expenditures.
Foreign Adoption Recognition in the Philippines: What the Yuta Hayashi Case Means
Philippine courts can recognize foreign adoption decrees involving Filipino citizens if proven as fact and not contrary to public policy.
Naturalization in the Philippines: Strict Compliance Required, Even for Refugees
Philippine naturalization demands strict compliance with all legal requirements, as shown by a recent Supreme Court ruling denying a refugee's citizenship application.
Tax Amnesty Scope: When Revenue Regulations Exceed Statutory Authority
Supreme Court ruling on tax amnesty, pending cases, and limits of implementing rules under RA 9480.
When Can the State Reclaim Private Land? The Rule on Reversion Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarifies the heavy burden the State must overcome to revert titled private land to public domain.
DNA Evidence and Presumption of Legitimacy: Filiation Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled DNA evidence can establish filiation despite the presumption of legitimacy, prioritizing the child's best interests.
Supreme Court Upholds Mandatory SOCE Filing Deadline, Balances Rule of Law with Equity
The Supreme Court ruled COMELEC gravely abused discretion in extending the SOCE filing deadline, but applied the operative fact doctrine.
Navigating Land Reversion: Who Can Legally Challenge Property Titles in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who may file reversion cases to cancel titles over public lands, and why government agencies cannot act alone.
Proving a Lost Property Title: Evidence Lessons from a 2021 Supreme Court Ruling
A 2021 Supreme Court ruling clarifies the strict evidence needed to replace a lost property title in the Philippines.
Certiorari Timelines in the Philippines: Lessons from Republic v. Heirs of Borja
The Supreme Court clarifies the 60-day rule for filing certiorari petitions and when extensions may be allowed.
Understanding the Limits of Private Complainants in Challenging Criminal Case Dismissals in the Philippines
Explore how Philippine courts treat private complainants' appeals in criminal case dismissals, including standing and procedural rules.
Estoppel by Laches and Government Reversion Claims: The Sundiam Ruling
When can the government be barred from recovering public land? The Supreme Court's Sundiam ruling clarifies estoppel by laches and innocent purchasers for value.
The 60-Day Rule on Suspension of Arraignment: A Philippine Supreme Court Case Insight
Learn how the 60-day limit on suspending arraignment under Rule 116 protects the right to speedy trial, explained through a 2020 Supreme Court ruling.
Correcting Birth Certificate Errors: Why Impleading Indispensable Parties Matters
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why correcting birth certificate errors requires impleading all affected parties under Rule 108.
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.
Proving Inheritance The Burden OF Evidence IN Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to prove a certificate of title existed before reconstitution is granted.
State Immunity and Construction Disputes: PTRI v. E.A. Ramirez Construction
The Supreme Court clarifies when state agencies can be sued and why construction disputes must go to the CIAC.
Judicial Longevity Pay: Crediting Prior Government Service for Justices and Judges
The Supreme Court ruled that prior OSG service may count toward judicial longevity pay, affecting retirement and salary benefits.
Land Registration: Proving Land Is Alienable and Disposable Under Philippine Law
Learn the strict proof required to register land in the Philippines, including DENR certifications, and why possession alone is not enough.