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.
Lawyers Must Uphold Diligence and Fidelity in Legal Representation
A lawyer who fails to file an appellate brief faces suspension. The Supreme Court affirms that neglect of a client's case violates the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Indispensable Parties in Property Disputes: Why Complete Adjudication Matters
The Supreme Court explains why all indispensable parties must be joined in property cases, or the entire case fails.
Letters of Credit and Construction Contracts: Defining Liability in Tripartite Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a bank is liable under a tripartite letter of credit agreement in construction financing.
Competitive Bidding and the Right to Top in Philippine Privatization: The J.G. Summit Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a "right to top" in government privatization bidding is valid, and when losing bidders may be estopped from challenging the award.
Preliminary Injunctions Preserve Status Quo, Not Final Judgments — Key Rules
Philippine Supreme Court explains why preliminary injunction orders are interlocutory, unappealable, and need not state full facts and law.
Creek Ownership and Land Disputes: Public vs. Private Property Rights
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that creeks are public property, not private land, and how this affects boundary disputes.
Unmasking Equitable Mortgages in the Philippines: A Guide for Property Buyers and Sellers
When is a deed of sale actually a loan? Learn how Philippine courts unmask equitable mortgages and protect property buyers and sellers.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: Suspension, Not Dismissal, for First-Time Inefficiency
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that first-time inefficiency in public service warrants suspension, not dismissal, under Civil Service rules.
Double Sale in the Philippines: Who Has the Better Right to the Property?
Philippine law on double sales explained: when a property is sold twice, good faith, registration, and possession decide who owns it.
Service by Publication in the Philippines: Strict Rules for Valid Summons
Learn the strict requirements for valid service of summons by publication in the Philippines, and why procedural lapses can void court judgments.
MTRCB Review Power Over TV Programs: The Inside Story Ruling on Freedom of Expression
Supreme Court affirms MTRCB authority to review all television programs, including public affairs shows, citing the Iglesia ni Cristo doctrine.
B.P. 22 Liability: Severing Accommodation Deals Does Not Erase Knowledge of Insufficient Funds
Signing blank checks for an accommodation arrangement can create B.P. 22 liability even after severing ties. Learn the rules from Benjamin Lee v. CA.
Tuition Fee Increases and Employee Benefits: Ensuring Fair Allocation of Incremental Proceeds
Philippine Supreme Court rules on how to compute incremental proceeds from tuition fee increases for employee benefits under RA 6728.
When Possession Does Not Equal Ownership: Land Registration and the Alienable and Disposable Requirement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when possession of public land can ripen into ownership for registration under the Property Registration Decree.
Res Judicata and Annulment of Titles: DBP v. La Campana Development Corporation
When does a prior final judgment bar a new case? The Supreme Court explains res judicata's limits in DBP v. La Campana.
Service of Summons Ensuring Due Process in Forcible Entry Cases
A forcible entry case is a real action in personam; defective substituted service of summons voids the judgment for lack of jurisdiction.
Liability for Damages: Balancing Official Duty and Personal Bad Faith
A public officer's official acts can still trigger personal liability for damages when done in bad faith, as this Philippine Supreme Court case shows.
Self-Defense Claims Fail When Evidence Shows Accused Was the Aggressor
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when incomplete self-defense applies in homicide cases and why the accused's version must be credible.
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.
Upholding Procedural Rules: How Counsel's Negligence Binds Clients in Labor Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's failure to file a timely appeal binds the client, even in labor cases.
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.
Credit Card Suspension and Moral Damages: When Breach of Contract Lacks Bad Faith
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when credit card suspension without notice does not entitle cardholder to moral damages absent bad faith.
Substantial Compliance with Procedural Rules: Certified Xerox Copies in Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on certified xerox copies as substantial compliance with Rule 65 requirements for petitions for certiorari.
Perfecting Appeals: The Crucial Difference Between Single and Multiple Judgments in Philippine Law
Learn when a record on appeal is required in Philippine civil procedure, and why missing this step can cost you your appeal.