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.
Unlawful Detainer vs. Forcible Entry in the Philippines: Ejectment Cases Explained
Unlawful detainer vs forcible entry in the Philippines: learn the key differences, who files what, and how ejectment cases work.
Collection of Sum of Money Philippines: Legal Options Explained
Learn the legal options for collection of sum of money in the Philippines, including demand letters, court actions, and enforcement under the Civil Code.
Unlawful Detainer vs Forcible Entry: Key Distinction in Property Possession Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial difference between unlawful detainer and forcible entry, and why tolerance must exist from the start of possession.
Understanding Prescription Periods in Property Disputes: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Case
Learn how prescription periods work in property disputes through the Supreme Court's ruling in Selerio v. Bancasan on interrupted timeframes and written contracts.
Corporate President's Authority to Sign Demand Letters and Verification in Unlawful Detainer
Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate president may validly issue demand letters and sign pleadings without a board resolution.
Stockholder Rights to Corporate Records Survive SEC Revocation, SC Rules
Supreme Court affirms that a stockholder's right to inspect corporate records continues even after SEC registration is revoked, upholding criminal liability of officers who refuse access.
Corporate Records Access: Stockholder Rights and Officer Duties After Dissolution
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a stockholder's right to inspect corporate records survives corporate dissolution and continues during liquidation.
Eviction and Land Use: Clarifying Need and Notice in Property Repossession
The Supreme Court clarifies the requirements for ejectment under the Rental Law, including the three-month notice rule and what counts as an for the owner's family use.
Challenging Land Ownership Claims Establishing Lessor Lessee Relationships IN Unlawful Detainer Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer cases, lessor-lessee relationships, and the res inter alios acta principle in property disputes.
Heirs Obligations Settling Debts Before Inheritance Distribution
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on heirs' duty to settle decedent's debts before inheritance distribution, including interest rules.
Trust or Time: Prescription in Disputes Over Inherited Shares
Supreme Court clarifies when prescription and laches may bar claims over shares held in implied trust, remanding Dy Sun-Ong v. Dy Sun for trial.
Estafa by Abuse of Confidence: When Failing to Return Money Becomes a Crime
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on estafa by abuse of confidence and when failure to return entrusted money constitutes a criminal offense.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Written Agreements in Property Sales
Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer, unconstitutional decrees, and good faith in property possession disputes.
Tenancy Rights vs Ejectment: Landowner Obligations in Philippine Property Law
Understand the 2013 Mirallosa ruling on unlawful detainer, landowner rights, and good faith builders in Philippine property disputes.
Written Demand and Unlawful Detainer: Protecting Landowners From Unauthorized Property Sales
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a written demand triggers ejectment and why an unconstitutional decree cannot justify continued possession.
Rescission Rights When Developers Fail to Deliver on Property Sales
Buyers who fully paid for a lot can rescind the contract and recover the property's market value when the developer fails to deliver title.
Shareholder Rights Demanding Corporate Transparency Through Inspection Rights
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on stockholder inspection rights under Section 74 of the Corporation Code and the limits of judicial review of prosecutorial findings.
Forfeiture of Downpayment: When a Buyer's Stop Payment Is Justified
Supreme Court ruling on when sellers cannot forfeit a buyer's downpayment due to adverse claims on property title.
Rescission Rights When Leased Property Becomes Unusable Due to Natural Disasters
When a leased property becomes unusable due to floods or other natural causes, lessees may have the right to rescind the lease. The Supreme Court explains the rules.
Waiver by Acquiescence: The Perils of Delay in Lease Agreement Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling shows how failing to promptly contest a lease violation can waive contractual rights — a cautionary tale for landlords and tenants.
When Landlords Can Cut Utilities: Lessons from Barbasa v. Tuquero
Learn when a lessor may lawfully disconnect utilities under a lease's penalty clause without committing grave coercion.
Delayed Retirement Benefits: Balancing Public Service and Official Discretion
A retired bookkeeper's unpaid terminal leave leads to graft charges against a mayor, but the Supreme Court dismisses the case on procedural grounds.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect and Mishandling Client's Property
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for failing to render legal services, returning money late, and withholding client's title and documents.
Upholding Corporate Governance: Limits of Stockholder Suits and Board Discretion
The Supreme Court clarifies when derivative suits may proceed and when courts must respect board discretion in corporate management.