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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Civil Liability Survives Acquittal: Diaz v. People on Estafa and Agency
An acquittal in estafa does not erase civil liability. The Diaz case explains when and why.
Finality vs. Recomputation: Computing Monetary Awards in Illegal Dismissal Cases
A final illegal dismissal ruling does not bar recomputation of back wages and separation pay. Learn the rules and key dates.
Breach of Trust When Employee Disloyalty Justifies Termination in the Philippines
When does employee disloyalty justify termination? The Supreme Court explains breach of trust doctrine in Philippine labor law.
Limits of a General Power of Attorney Authority to Sell Real Property in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a general power of attorney does not authorize an agent to sell real property without a special power of attorney.
Upholding Civil Liability: Death Does Not Erase Debt in B.P. 22 Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that criminal liability for B.P. 22 does not extinguish civil liability, which survives the offender's death.
Unjust Enrichment in Lease Agreements When a Burnt Building Doesnt Excuse Rent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lessee liability for rent after a building on leased land burns down, explained in plain language.
Spontaneous Confessions in Parricide Cases: When the Right to Counsel Does Not Apply
A son's spontaneous confession to police was admissible despite no lawyer present, because custodial investigation had not yet begun.
Corporate Asset Transfers: When Does a Buyer Inherit the Seller's Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation buying all assets of another also inherits its liabilities, under Section 40.
Conditional Satisfaction of Judgment and the Mootness Doctrine in Labor Disputes
When does paying a labor award end the case? The Supreme Court clarifies when a conditional settlement does not make an appeal moot.
Balancing Employee Rights and Workplace Rules When Can Misconduct Justify Dismissal
When does off-duty misconduct justify discipline? The Supreme Court explains the line between conduct unbecoming and conduct prejudicial to service.
Perfected Contract of Sale When a Preliminary Agreement Becomes Binding
When does a preliminary agreement become a perfected contract of sale? The Supreme Court explains in this Philippine banking liquidation case.
Breach of Contract and the Limits of Bank Manager Authority: Apparent Authority in Real Estate Transactions
When does a bank branch manager's promise bind the bank? The Supreme Court explains apparent authority in Games and Garments Developers, Inc. v. Allied Banking Corporation.
Acquittal Based on Lack of Evidence Understanding Civil Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when acquittal does not erase civil liability, explaining the distinction between criminal and civil responsibility.
Default Admissions in Philippine Civil Cases: The Go Tong Ruling on Loan Documents
A general denial does not defeat a loan claim. Learn how Rule 8 admissions shape collection suits in the Philippines.
Seafarers Disability Navigating THE 120 240 DAY Rule FOR Entitlement TO Benefits
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 120-day rule does not automatically make a seafarer's disability permanent, explaining the 240-day extension.
Public Officials and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service: Defining the Boundaries
When does a public official's private act become an administrative offense? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Fair Play in Legal Practice: Limits on Filing Criminal Charges to Gain Advantage in Civil Cases
When does a lawyer cross the line by filing criminal charges during a civil case? The Supreme Court explains the test under Rule 19.01.
Tenant Rights and Landowner Consent: Establishing Agricultural Tenancy in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that landowner consent is essential to establish agricultural tenancy; mere cultivation does not create tenant rights.
Dismissal of Clerk of Court for Gross Neglect, Grave Misconduct, and Serious Dishonesty in Handling Judiciary
Supreme Court dismisses a clerk of court who failed to remit judiciary collections and submit financial reports, ruling that restitution does not erase administrative liability.
Prescription in Illegal Dismissal Cases: The Impact of Complaint Withdrawal
Filing then withdrawing an illegal dismissal complaint does not stop the prescriptive period. Learn the rule from this Supreme Court case.
Satisfaction of Judgment and the Right to Appeal: Navigating Mootness in Philippine Labor Law
When paying a labor award does not end the case: the Supreme Court clarifies the mootness doctrine in seafarer disability disputes.
Assignment of Credit vs. Assumption of Liability: Clarifying a Bank's Role in Property Development
When a bank buys a developer's receivables, does it inherit the developer's obligations to buyers? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction.
Assignment of Receivables and Bank Liability: The Chin Kong Wong Choi v. UCPB Ruling
When a bank buys receivables from a developer, does it inherit the developer's obligations to buyers? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Right of Way in the Philippines: Balancing Landowner Rights and Property Isolation
The Supreme Court explains when a compulsory easement of right of way may be granted, and why mere inconvenience does not justify imposing a burden on a neighbor's property.