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.
Subrogation and Carrier Liability in Maritime Claims: The C.V. Gaspar Case
How the Supreme Court applied subrogation and extraordinary diligence to hold carriers liable for damaged cargo in maritime transport.
Fiscal Autonomy and Performance-Based Bonuses: The PICCI Case
The Supreme Court ruled that GOCCs with fiscal autonomy, like BSP subsidiaries, are not covered by EO 80's PBB rules.
Bank Liability and Depositor Rights: Fiduciary Duties in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that banks owe depositors extraordinary diligence, and a bank cannot escape liability for its employees' unauthorized acts.
Disclosure in Fire Insurance Policies: Avoiding Forfeiture Under the Other Insurance Clause
A fire insurance claim can be forfeited for failing to disclose other policies covering the same property. Learn the rules.
Unlocking Compensation for Government Contracts: The Power of Quantum Meruit in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts apply quantum meruit to recover unpaid work in government contracts, with key rules and practical guidance.
Understanding the Limits of COA Jurisdiction Over Final Court Judgments in Money Claims Against the Government
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when the COA can deny money claims against the government, and when contractors can recover under quantum meruit.
Navigating the Fine Line: Gross Inexcusable Negligence in Public Office
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public officer's acts amount to gross inexcusable negligence under the Anti-Graft Law, using a sequestered corporation case.
Understanding Property Rights: Land Ownership Extent and Ejectment in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law defines land ownership extent—surface, subsurface, and airspace—and when ejectment cases apply to structures like firewalls.
When Government Instrumentalities Are Exempt from Docket Fees: The BCDA Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when government instrumentalities are exempt from paying docket fees, using the BCDA case as a guide.
Understanding Apparent Authority: How Corporate Actions Bind Agreements in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when a corporation is bound by an officer's acts under the doctrine of apparent authority.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Why Court-Appointed Commissioners Are Mandatory
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that appointing commissioners to determine just compensation in expropriation cases is mandatory, even under RA 8974.
Certiorari Timelines in the Philippines: Lessons from Republic v. Heirs of Borja
The Supreme Court clarifies the 60-day rule for filing certiorari petitions and when extensions may be allowed.
COLA Integration Into Government Salaries: What the Lumauan Ruling Means
The Supreme Court explains when cost of living allowance is deemed integrated into government salaries and who must refund disallowed payments.
Understanding the Limits of Government Agency Compensation: The Lumauan vs COA Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when government employees must return disallowed allowances, explaining the rules on COLA integration and liability.
Navigating Liability in Government Housing Loan Disbursements: Insights from a Landmark COA Ruling
Learn how the Supreme Court rules on COA disallowances, good faith defenses, and liability for government employees who received disallowed benefits.
Understanding the Limits of Government Financial Subsidies: Insights from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies when government financial subsidies are lawful and when they become ultra vires acts requiring refunds.
Court Personnel Disbarred for Extorting Litigant Over Court Document
Supreme Court penalizes court interpreter for demanding money to release a litigant's property document, imposing fine and disqualification.
Judicial Authority and Bank Liquidation: Understanding the Limits of Court Intervention
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when judges overstep their authority in bank liquidation proceedings, and the consequences of doing so.
Conflict of Interest in Legal Practice: The Fine Line Lawyers Must Navigate
When can a lawyer's business venture become a conflict of interest? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on lawyer loyalty and competing businesses.
Judicial Misconduct and the Consequences of Soliciting Bribes: A Landmark Ruling on Integrity in the Philippin
The Supreme Court's ruling in OCA v. Amor clarifies that resignation does not erase administrative liability for judicial misconduct like bribery.
Understanding Evident Bad Faith in Graft Cases: Insights from Philippine Jurisprudence
The Supreme Court clarifies the element of evident bad faith in Section 3(e) R.A. 3019 cases and the crucial rule on variance of the mode of commission.
Understanding Judicial Misconduct and Its Consequences: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Case
Learn how the Supreme Court defines judicial misconduct and its serious consequences for judges and the justice system in the Philippines.
Understanding Tax Implications of Initial Public Offerings: Separate vs Joint Computation
The Supreme Court clarifies how IPO taxes on primary and secondary offerings are computed under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Navigating Tax Assessments: The Validity of Letters of Authority in the Philippines
Learn when a BIR Letter of Authority becomes invalid, the 30-day and 120-day rules, and how the Supreme Court ruled in AFP General Insurance.