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.
Breach of Contract and Nominal Damages When Extraordinary Diligence Falls Short
When a shipper breaches a contract but the insurer fails to prove actual loss, the Supreme Court awards nominal damages instead.
Replevin and Vehicle Sales: When Entrusting Your Car Makes You Lose Ownership
A Supreme Court ruling on replevin clarifies when entrusting a vehicle to an agent for sale transfers ownership, and what claimants must prove.
Judicial Accountability: Timely Decisions and Ethical Conduct on the Bench
The Supreme Court holds judges accountable for delayed decisions and retirement violations, imposing fines on a retired judge.
Agent's Duty to Prioritize Principal's Interests: Lessons from a Carnapped Vehicle Case
When a bank-agent failed to file an insurance claim for a carnapped vehicle and demanded full payment instead, the Supreme Court ruled it breached its fiduciary duty.
Automatic Revocation Clauses in Donations: When Breach Immediately Returns the Property
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that automatic revocation clauses in donations take effect immediately upon breach, without need for judicial action.
Good Faith and Land Titles: The Limits of Torrens System Protection in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a buyer's failure to pay full price under a Contract to Sell prevents enforcement, and the limits of good faith claims.
Breach of Contract vs. Damages: How Philippine Courts Determine Jurisdiction
Philippine courts determine jurisdiction by the primary relief sought, not the complaint's label. Learn how the Supreme Court clarified this in a landmark ruling.
When Can the Military Publicly Disclose Disbarment Proceedings? The Roque Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when public disclosure of disbarment proceedings violates the confidentiality rule, balancing free speech with lawyer protections.
Dismissal of Administrative Complaints Upholding the Presumption of Regularity in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court dismisses an administrative complaint against court officials, reaffirming the presumption of regularity in the performance of official duties.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: The Duty to Remit Funds in Agency Agreements
When can an agent withhold funds from a principal? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of an agent's right of retention and the duty to remit.
Security of Tenure for OFWs: Why Illegal Dismissal and Void Contracts Matter
A Supreme Court ruling affirms that overseas Filipino workers enjoy security of tenure, and contracts violating this right are void.
Conspiracy and Probable Cause in Corporate Criminal Cases: The Ient v. Tullett Prebon Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies when conspiracy and probable cause establish criminal liability for corporate officers under the Corporation Code.
Falsification of Court Documents: Accountability and Public Trust in the Judiciary
Court employee dismissed for falsifying a Certificate of Finality in a non-existent case, showing how public trust is protected.
Equitable Mortgage Protecting Vulnerable Parties IN Property Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies when a contract breach warrants damages, and when it does not, in a property dispute.
Illegal Dismissal Claims: When Breach of Trust Justifies Termination Despite Weak Theft Evidence
Philippine Auto Components v. Jumadla clarifies when loss of trust and confidence can justify dismissal even if serious misconduct is not proven.
Breach of Contract: Temperate Damages Awarded for Failure to Deliver Property Titles
Supreme Court awards temperate damages to buyer when developer failed to deliver deeds and titles, explaining when such damages apply.
When Police Lapses in Drug Cases Lead to Acquittal: The Gamboa Case
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21, RA 9165. Learn the rules and practical lessons.
NTC Primary Jurisdiction Over Access Charges in Interconnection Agreements
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that the NTC has primary jurisdiction over access charges in interconnection agreements, and why courts must defer.
When a Lawyer Buys a Client's Property: The Business Deal Exception
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's purchase of a client's property is a valid business deal, not a breach of professional ethics.
Breach of Trust in Employment: Upholding Employee Rights Against Unsubstantiated Claims
Employers cannot dismiss on loss of trust without proof. Learn the legal requisites from a 2016 Supreme Court ruling.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as Ground for Dismissal: What Employers Must Prove
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies employee dismissal, requiring willful breach proven by substantial evidence.
Specific Performance vs Rescission: Contractual Remedies Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when specific performance or rescission applies in reciprocal obligations, using a Tagaytay property dispute as guide.
Attorney’s Fees and Ethical Conduct: Candor and Fairness in Lawyer-Client Relationships
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for five years for deceitful fee agreements and unfair dealings with elderly clients, reaffirming ethical duties.
Breach of Trust Dismissal for Falsifying Court Documents in the Philippines
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who misappropriated client funds and engaged in double-dealing, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.