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.
When a Judge's Contempt Power Becomes Grave Abuse of Authority
Supreme Court fines judge for citing a building operator in contempt over a switched-off circuit breaker, reaffirming limits on judicial contempt power.
Protecting Your Inheritance: Why Heirs' Consent Matters in Estate Partition
Learn how the Supreme Court protects heirs' inheritance rights in estate partition, and why an administrator's failure to follow the decedent's will amounts to extrinsic fraud.
Exhausting Administrative Remedies with the COA: A Prerequisite for Money Claims Against Government Agencies
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that money claims against government agencies must first be filed with the COA before going to court.
Missed Deadline Understanding Counsel OF Record IN Philippine Courts AND Valid Service OF Court Decisions
When does a lawyer's receipt of a court decision bind the client? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on counsel of record and appeal deadlines.
Forcible Entry vs Recovery of Ownership: Court Jurisdiction in Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a property dispute is forcible entry (MTC jurisdiction) or recovery of ownership (RTC jurisdiction).
Automatic Review of Death Penalty Cases Cannot Be Waived: People v. Flores
The Supreme Court rules that appellate courts cannot dismiss death penalty appeals for failure to file briefs, as review is mandatory.
Burden of Proof in Insurance Claims: Insurers Must Prove Policy Exclusions Apply
When an insurer denies a claim citing a policy exclusion, Philippine law requires the insurer to prove the exception applies—mere suspicion is not enough.
Execution Pending Appeal in the Philippines: When 'Good Reasons' Justify Immediate Judgment Enforcement
Learn when Philippine courts allow execution pending appeal, the 'good reasons' required under Rule 39, and key lessons from Bangkok Bank vs. Lee.
Administrative Accountability: When Can You File a Complaint Against a Philippine Court Employee
Learn when a complaint against court personnel prospers or fails, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Mikrostar Industrial Corporation v. Mabalot.
Truth and Oath in Attorney Discipline: When Perjury Allegations Against Lawyers Fail
Explaining Asturias v. Serrano, where the Supreme Court dismissed disbarment complaints for lack of clear evidence of willful falsehood.
Separate Legal Claims WHY Improper Case Consolidation Violates DUE Process
Why the Supreme Court ruled that separate libel complaints against a publisher cannot be consolidated against one defendant without violating due process.
Territorial Jurisdiction in Estafa Cases: Where the Crime Must Be Proven
In estafa cases, venue is jurisdictional. The Supreme Court explains why the prosecution must prove where the fraud occurred.
Corporate Residence and Venue: Where a Corporation Must Sue
The Supreme Court clarifies that a corporation's residence for venue purposes is its principal office stated in its Articles of Incorporation.
When a Response to a Request for Admission Is Not Required: DBP v. Canadalla-Go
The Supreme Court clarifies when a party need not respond to a request for admission and when an unsworn response may be excused.
The Ripple Effect: How Prior Court Rulings Bind Future Cases Involving Similar Facts
A Supreme Court ruling on the Pepsi promotion. Although the petitioners were not parties to earlier lawsuits over the same contest, the Court held that their claims were barred by the doctrine of *sta
Workplace Stress and Heart Attacks: Protecting Employees Under Philippine Labor Law
Can a driver-messenger claim compensation for a heart attack? The Supreme Court says yes when work stress and strain contribute. Learn the rules.
When a Spouse's Sale of Conjugal Property Without Consent Is Valid
The Supreme Court explains when a sale of conjugal property by one spouse without the other's consent stands, and when heirs can still demand partition.
Venue Stipulations in Contracts: Limits on Exclusive Venue Clauses
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when exclusive venue stipulations in contracts apply, and when they cannot restrict access to courts.
Enforcing Justice Filing Fees AND Access TO Courts IN Foreign Judgment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on filing fees for enforcing foreign judgments, ensuring court access for human rights victims.
Venue Stipulations in Promissory Notes Extend to Surety Agreements
When a promissory note fixes an exclusive venue, that stipulation binds the surety agreement supporting it, the Supreme Court rules.
Authority to Sell: Bank Receivership and Corporate Deals During Receivership
When a bank is under receivership, its officers lose power over assets. Only the receiver may administer—not sell—bank property.
Compromise Agreements in Philippine Courts: When Settlements End Litigation
Philippine Supreme Court explains when compromise agreements are valid and binding, ending protracted litigation between parties.
Duty to Inform Courts of Address Changes: Lessons from Garrucho v. Court of Appeals
When a party and counsel fail to notify courts of address changes, service is deemed complete—and appeals may be lost. Learn the rules.
Proper Service of Notices to Counsel: A Due Process Requirement in Philippine Litigation
A notice sent to the wrong person is no notice at all. The Supreme Court explains why service to counsel matters.