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.
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Upholding Compromise Agreements: When Can a Party Avoid Their Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies when compromise agreements bind parties, and when courts may reduce unconscionable interest rates.
Breach of Trust: When Banks Overstep Their Authority Over Depositor Accounts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for unauthorized deductions from depositor accounts and the fiduciary duty of banks.
Neglect of Duty in Public Service: When Personal Concerns Must Yield to Public Welfare
A Supreme Court ruling on a Davao City health officer who skipped a bombing emergency shows how gross neglect of duty can cost a public servant their job.
Estate Administration Prioritizing Family Ties Over Illegitimacy in Heir Selection
Supreme Court rules on appointing administrators, weighing family ties and adoption over illegitimacy bars in estate cases.
Sale of Conjugal Property Without Spousal Consent: Void Contracts and Heirs' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void sales of conjugal property without spousal consent, heirs' rights, and prescription periods explained.
Authority to Sue Corporations Must Prove Representation in Court
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that corporate plaintiffs must prove their representative's authority to sue, or risk dismissal of their case.
Municipal Immunity vs Contractual Obligations: Balancing Public Interest and Private Rights
Supreme Court clarifies when local governments can be sued on contracts and why their properties remain protected from attachment.
Reassignment and RATA: When Government Employees Keep Their Allowance
The Supreme Court clarifies when a reassigned local government employee may continue receiving RATA, balancing administrative authority with employee rights.
Inventory of Estate: Donated Property Must Be Included for Collation Among Heirs
Supreme Court rules donated property must be included in estate inventory for collation, even if the deed was not notarized or registered.
GSIS Contributions: Can Dismissed Government Employees Recover Their Personal Shares?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether dismissed government employees can recover personal GSIS contributions and premiums.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Prompt Resolution of Cases and Timely Transmission of Records
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges and clerks of court of their duty to decide cases promptly and transmit records on time.
Attorney Negligence: When a Lawyer's Lapses Lead to Suspension
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for one year for inexcusable negligence—failing to file briefs and appearing in court, causing clients to lose their case.
Torrens Title vs Deed of Sale: Who Wins a Possession Dispute in the Philippines?
In a Philippine ejectment case, a Torrens title beats an unregistered deed of sale. Learn the rule from Spouses Barias v. Heirs of Boneo.
Filial Support When Grandparents Share the Duty to Support Grandchildren
When parents cannot support their children, grandparents may be obliged to help. The Supreme Court explains how this duty works.
Banking Law: Directors Borrowing and the Necessity of Board Approval
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when bank directors and officers may borrow from their own bank and why board approval is mandatory.
Perfecting Appeals Strict Compliance With Appeal Bonds In Labor Cases
Learn why the Supreme Court requires strict compliance with appeal bonds and deadlines in labor cases, and what happens when employers fail to perfect their appeals on time.
Employer Control Determines Employment Status: The PLDT Security Guard Case
When a security agency's contract ends but guards remain at their posts under the principal's direction, an employer-employee relationship may arise.
Foreclosure Rights vs BP 22: Understanding Creditors' Remedies and Their Limits
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that annulment of judgment is only for civil cases, not criminal convictions like swindling.
Appeal Bond Requirements: Strict Compliance Is Key in Labor Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court in McBurnie v. Ganzon upheld the mandatory appeal bond rule, ensuring workers get their just awards.
Heirship Rights and Legal Standing in Stockholder Claims: Puno v. Puno Enterprises
Heirs of a deceased stockholder do not automatically gain stockholder rights. Learn the rules on inspection, dividends, and estate settlement.
Attorney Authority and Due Process After a Client's Death: Protecting Heirs' Rights
When a client dies mid-case, counsel's authority and the heirs' right to due process must be protected. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Indispensable Parties Nullifying Partition Suits Without Complete Joinder
A partition suit fails if all co-heirs are not impleaded. The Supreme Court explains why complete joinder is mandatory.
Heirs Obligation Estate Debt Survival Beyond Death IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that debts survive death—heirs inherit obligations but only up to the estate's value. Learn the rules.
Psychological Incapacity in Marriage: Defining and declared the condition "grave and incurable." The Court of
The Issue The central issue was whether Rowena had sufficiently proven that Edward was psychologically incapacitated at the time of their marriage, as required