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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Unconscionable Interest Rates: How Philippine Courts Protect Borrowers
Philippine courts void unconscionable interest rates as against public policy. Learn the rules, jurisprudential standards, and practical protections for borrowers.
Attorney Accountability: When a Lawyer Fails to Deliver Legal Services
A lawyer who takes a client's money but fails to file cases faces suspension and must return the full amount with interest.
Administrative Power in the Philippines: Data Protection for Public Interest
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on FPA's proprietary data protection under P.D. 1144, upholding administrative power for public interest.
Understanding Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Landowners' Rights and Interests
A look at Land Bank v. Imperial on just compensation for agrarian reform lands, including interest and compensable areas.
Is 24% Interest Legal in the Philippines? Bacolor v. Banco Filipino Explained
The Supreme Court in Bacolor v. Banco Filipino ruled that a 24% annual interest rate agreed upon in writing is not usurious or unconscionable.
Bouncing Checks and Unconscionable Interest: BP 22 Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when unconscionable loan interest affects criminal liability for bouncing checks under BP 22.
Exclusivity Clauses in Philippine Contracts: When Are They Valid?
Exclusivity clauses are not automatically invalid restraints of trade in the Philippines. They are enforceable when reasonable and tied to legitimate business interests.
Interest Rate Dynamics Determining Proper Compensation In Contractual Rescission
Learn how Philippine courts determine interest rates and compensation when contracts are rescinded, using the BPI-Family Savings Bank case as a guide.
Interest on Loans and the Necessity of Written Agreements for Enforceability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sales, good faith, and why written contracts matter for property and loan enforceability.
When Can the Solicitor General Represent Public Officials: Clarifying Conflicts of Interest in Damage Suits
The Supreme Court clarifies the Solicitor General's authority to represent public officials and the limits of court jurisdiction over customs seizures.
Judicial Impartiality: When a Judge's Personal Interest Conflicts With Court Proceedings
A Supreme Court ruling on how courts should handle consolidated cases, and why judges must avoid even the appearance of impropriety in proceedings.
Security Deposits of Insurance Firms Shielded From Individual Claims Preserving Solvency FOR ALL Policyholders
Supreme Court rules insurance security deposits cannot be garnished by single claimants, protecting all policyholders' interests.
Void Judgments Protecting Real Parties in Interest in Property Disputes
When a court decides a property case without the true owner, the judgment is void—protecting buyers who were never impleaded.
Conflict OF Interest When A Lawyers Loyalty IS Divided
Defamation and the Limits of Public Interest: Protecting Private Individuals From Unjustified Scorn
When does public interest end and defamation begin? The Binay case clarifies the limits of privileged communication in libel.
Agency vs Assignment: Who Is the Real Party in Interest in Contract Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a representative is an agent rather than an assignee, and who may sue on a contract.
Breach OF Professional Conduct Upholding Client Interests AND Ethical Duties IN Legal Practice
Upholding Finality When CAN Land Reclassification Be Contested
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land conversion finality, real party interest, and agrarian reform beneficiary status under CARL.
Sheriff's Misappropriation of Funds and Delay in Execution Leads to Suspension
A sheriff's failure to execute writs promptly and his questionable use of litigation funds resulted in a six-month suspension for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Credit Card Debt Understanding Interest Terms AND Consumer Rights IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts protect creditors from fraudulent schemes by banks and directors, and what this means for consumer rights.
Right to Access Court Records: Balancing Public Interest and Privacy
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when court records are public, who may access them, and how courts balance transparency with privacy.
Real Party-in-Interest and CIAC Jurisdiction in Construction Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies indispensable parties and CIAC jurisdiction in construction arbitration, using the Heritage Park case as a guide.
Disbarment for Conflicting Interests and Misleading Use of Judicial Title
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer P155,000 for disrespecting courts and defying IBP orders in A.C. No. 11508.
Religious Freedom and Administrative Discipline: The Escritor Doctrine on Benevolent Neutrality
Explaining the Supreme Court's landmark ruling on religious freedom as a defense in administrative cases, and the compelling state interest test.