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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Delayed Delivery and Rescission Rights in Pre-Selling Condominium Contracts
The Supreme Court held that a developer's failure to deliver a pre-selling condominium unit on time entitles the buyer to a refund of payments with interest.
Attorney-Client Privilege: When Confidentiality and Conflicts of Interest Are Not Violated
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's use of client information and representation of a former client's adversary does not breach professional ethics.
Documentary Stamp Tax: When Special Savings Deposits Are Certificates of Deposit Drawing Interest
The Supreme Court rules that special savings deposits with fixed-term features are "certificates of deposit drawing interest" subject to documentary stamp tax.
Credit Card Interest Rates: Balancing Lender Rights and Borrower Protection in the Philippines
The Supreme Court limits credit card interest and penalty rates to 2% monthly, balancing lender rights with borrower protection.
Supreme Court Cuts Credit Card Interest to 2% Monthly as Unconscionable
The Supreme Court reduced BPI's 3% monthly credit card interest and penalty to 2%, citing unconscionable rates.
Foreclosure Surplus: Mortgagor's Right to Excess Proceeds After Debt Recomputation
When a foreclosure sale yields more than the actual debt, the mortgagor is entitled to the surplus—with interest.
Interest Rate Disputes Contractual Agreements VS Legal Modifications IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court rules on contractual interest rates, legal modifications, and judicial intervention in private loan agreements.
When a Judge Lends the Prestige of Office to Private Interests: Favor v. Untalan
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling reminds judges that helping friends settle private disputes can violate judicial ethics even with good intentions.
Upholding Contractual Obligations When Agreed Interest Rates Stand Firm
Real Party in Interest Rule: Standing in Land Dispute Resolutions
The Supreme Court clarifies that an administrative agency that resolves a land dispute lacks standing to appeal, as it is not a real party in interest.
Deposit Refunds Lease Obligations AND Interest Rates Under Philippine LAW
Attorney Disqualification When Client Loyalty Trumps Informal Advice
A lawyer who gives informal advice can still form a client-lawyer relationship; representing opposing interests leads to disbarment.
The State's Obligation to Pay Interest on Delayed Just Compensation in Expropriation Cases
Philippine law requires the State to pay just compensation with legal interest when payment is delayed in expropriation cases. Learn the rules.
Moral Turpitude and Electoral Disqualification: The Teves Case Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when a conviction for a prohibited interest involves moral turpitude, using the Teves cockpit case as guide.
Dividends Follow the Shares in Ill-Gotten Wealth Recovery
Supreme Court rules dividends and interests follow ownership of recovered ill-gotten shares, even if not expressly stated in the dispositive portion.
OIL Deregulation AND THE Limits OF Judicial Review Balancing Economic Policy AND Public Interest
Custody Battles: When Judicial Discretion Meets Legal Mandates in Child Protection Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a judge's discretion in child custody disputes under RA 9262, balancing legal mandates with the child's best interest.
Corporate Inspection Rights: Balancing Stockholder Access and Corporate Interests in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation may deny a stockholder's inspection request and the criminal consequences of wrongful refusal.
Subic Bay Freeport: When Legal Interest Justifies Intervention in Import Duty Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of legal interest for intervention in challenges to import duties on used motor vehicles in the Subic Bay Freeport.
When Late Appeal Briefs Are Allowed: Substantial Justice Over Technical Rules
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when late filing of an appellant's brief may be excused in the interest of substantial justice.
Documentary Stamp Tax: Passbooks for High-Interest Savings Accounts Are Taxable
The Supreme Court ruled that passbook-evidenced high-interest savings accounts are taxable certificates of deposit under the documentary stamp tax law.
Standing to Sue for Reversion of Public Lands: The Real Party in Interest Rule
Who may sue to cancel titles over foreshore land? The Supreme Court clarifies that only the State, through the Solicitor General, may bring reversion actions.
Unconscionable Interest Rates THE Supreme Courts Intervention IN Equitable Mortgages
Due Process and Public Interest: When Technicalities Yield in Land Disputes
A disbarment case clarifies when a lawyer's honest errors in land reconstitution cases are not professional misconduct.