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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Upholding Procedural Rules: How Counsel's Negligence Binds Clients in Labor Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's failure to file a timely appeal binds the client, even in labor cases.
Contractual Intent Prevails Interpreting Interest Rates in Loan Agreements Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules on how courts interpret interest rates in loan agreements, emphasizing that clear contractual terms prevail over alleged intent.
Infrastructure Projects vs Property Rights: When Can the Government Proceed
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts cannot issue injunctions against government infrastructure projects, even amid property rights claims.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: When a Resignation Letter Holds Up in Court
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is truly voluntary and not illegal dismissal, protecting employers who accept resignations in good faith.
Granting Bail Without Hearing: A Judge's Discretion and the Prosecution's Right to Be Heard
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judges must conduct a hearing before granting bail, even in discretionary cases, to protect the prosecution's right to be heard.
Reliance on Subordinates as Good Faith Defense Against Gross Neglect of Duty Charges
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when public officials may rely on subordinates' recommendations without incurring gross neglect liability.
Credit Card Suspension and Moral Damages: When Breach of Contract Lacks Bad Faith
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when credit card suspension without notice does not entitle cardholder to moral damages absent bad faith.
Usury Law and Loan Obligations: Balancing Lender Rights and Borrower Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on 21% interest validity, 3% monthly surcharge nullity, and borrower obligations under the Usury Law.
The Mandatory Bail Hearing Rule: Why Judges Cannot Grant Bail Without One
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why bail hearings are mandatory, even when the prosecution does not object, and what happens when judges skip them.
Real Property Sale Obligations: Who Pays Registration and Capital Gains Tax
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on vendor obligations for registration expenses, eviction of occupants, and capital gains tax in property sales.
Who Pays Capital Gains Tax and Sale Registration Costs in Philippine Property Deals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who bears capital gains tax and registration expenses in property sales, distinguishing obligations of individual and corporate sellers.
Illegal Dismissal: Abandonment Requires Intent to Sever Employment Ties
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that abandonment as a ground for dismissal requires both absence and clear intent to sever employment ties.
When Economic Hardship Doesnt Justify Termination: Separation Pay Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, separation pay, and backwages when economic hardship is not a valid cause for termination.
Proper Parties in Appeals: Identifying the Real Party in Interest
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who must be named as respondents in appeals, emphasizing the real party-in-interest rule under Rule 45.
Forum Shopping Certification and Corporate Representation: A Philippine Supreme Court Guide
Learn the Philippine Supreme Court's rules on forum shopping certifications, corporate representation, and who must sign pleadings to avoid dismissal.
Compromise Agreements When Concealed Property Values Invalidate Settlements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when concealed property values in compromise agreements constitute extrinsic fraud that invalidates settlements.
When Time Is Not of the Essence: Contractual Delay and Obligations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when delay in delivery does not breach a contract and when time is not of the essence.
Injunctions in Land Disputes: The Need for a Clear Legal Right
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when preliminary injunctions may issue in land disputes, requiring a clear and unmistakable right.
Overlapping Land Titles: Registration Date and Reconstitution Validity in Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts resolve conflicting land titles, weighing registration dates, reconstitution validity, and evidence of ownership.
Docket Fees and Dismissal: Perfecting Appeals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on late payment of appellate docket fees and dismissal of appeals under Rule 41.
Procedural Lapses and Labor Rights: Understanding the Correct Appeal Process in Illegal Dismissal Cases
Learn how procedural errors in illegal dismissal cases affect appeals, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings on judicial remedies.
Equity Prevails When Unjust Enrichment Trumps Landlord Tenant Estoppel
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lessee's estoppel to deny lessor's title yields to equity and unjust enrichment principles.
Reconstitution of Titles: Substantial Compliance and Jurisdictional Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on what jurisdictional requirements apply in judicial reconstitution of lost titles under RA 26.
Good Faith Purchasers Prevail: Upholding the Integrity of Torrens Titles
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial reconstitution of lost titles clarifies jurisdictional requirements under Republic Act No. 26.