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.
Interest on Penalties: The Limits of Compounding in Loan Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when interest may be charged on unpaid penalty charges in loan contracts, and when courts may reduce unconscionable penalties.
Foreclosure and the Right to Possession: Protecting Bank Assets in Liquidation
A bank in liquidation can still seek a writ of possession over foreclosed property. Learn the rules on jurisdiction, intervention, and redemption.
Prescription in Contract Disputes: The 10-Year Rule Under Philippine Law
Learn how the 10-year prescription period for written contracts works in the Philippines, and why delay can bar a valid claim.
Lawyer Suspended for Negligence: The Duty to File Briefs and Protect Clients' Rights
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for failing to file appellant's brief, causing delay in client's criminal appeal and violating professional responsibility rules.
When Corporate Veil Claims Fail: Lessons from the Behest Loan Case
The Supreme Court explains when the Ombudsman may dismiss fraud complaints against corporate officers and why evidence of conspiracy matters.
Timeliness of Appeals When Weekends Extend Deadlines in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts compute appeal deadlines when weekends intervene, and why timing can decide a case's fate.
Finality Prevails: Reopening a BP 22 Case After Judgment
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a final BP 22 conviction cannot be reopened through a belated new trial motion or petition for relief.
Bouncing Checks Law: The 90-Day Rule and Proof of Knowledge Under BP 22
Presenting a check after 90 days does not bar prosecution under BP 22—knowledge of insufficient funds can still be proven by other evidence.
Sheriff’s Neglect of Duty: When Failure to Implement a Writ Means Dismissal
The Supreme Court held a sheriff liable for grave misconduct and gross dishonesty for failing to implement a writ of preliminary attachment and mishandling funds.
Registered Vehicle Owner’s Liability for Accidents: Aguilar v. Commercial Savings Bank
Philippine law holds the registered vehicle owner primarily liable for accidents, even if another person was driving. Learn the rule and its practical impact.
Reversion of Land When Imperfect Titles Threaten Public Domain
Supreme Court explains when the government can seek reversion of land registered under imperfect titles, and the limits of that remedy.
Baseless Administrative Complaints Against Judges: Lessons from Manahon v. Judge Tan
The Supreme Court dismissed a baseless administrative complaint against a judge, reinforcing that substantial evidence is required and frivolous charges will be reprimanded.
Presidential Immunity vs Accountability: Limits of Power After Leaving Office
The Supreme Court clarifies that presidential immunity shields sitting presidents from suit, but accountability resumes once they leave office.
Docket Fees and Intervention: Y Realty's Quest for Justice in Marcos Wealth Case
A look at how the Supreme Court resolved docket fee issues in intervention cases involving recovered Marcos assets.
Adultery and Its Consequences: Honor, Outrage, and the Limits of Justifiable Homicide in the Philippines
When a spouse kills a cheating partner caught in flagrante, Philippine law may spare them from prison—but only under strict conditions.
The Lone Testimony Upholding Rape Conviction Despite Delayed Reporting
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on the victim's credible lone testimony, despite a six-month delay in reporting the crime.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Credibility of the Accuser and the Role of Physical Evidence
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, ruling that a credible victim's testimony suffices even without physical evidence and despite delayed reporting.
Company-Designated Physician and Seafarer Disability Claims: Key Lessons from German Marine Agencies v. NLRC
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a company-designated physician need not be POEA-accredited for a seafarer's disability claim to prosper.
Timely Payment Matters Retroactivity Of Docket FEE Rules IN Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on retroactive docket fee rules and the importance of timely payment in civil cases.
Revoking a Donation for Ingratitude in the Philippines: The Noceda Case
Philippine law allows donors to revoke gifts when donees show ingratitude, such as usurping the donor's property. Learn the rules and limits.
Respect in Court: The Limits of Zealous Advocacy and Attorney Contempt
A lawyer's zeal must yield to courtroom decorum. The Supreme Court affirms direct contempt for an attorney who challenged and insulted the judge.
Fixed Terms for Constitutional Commissioners: The Gaminde Case on Staggered Terms
The Supreme Court clarifies that a constitutional commissioner's term follows the staggered system, not the appointment paper's date, as shown in Gaminde.
Rape Conviction: Consent, Intimidation, and Victim Testimony in Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court weighed intimidation, delayed reporting, and victim credibility in affirming a rape conviction.
Prescription for Falsification of Public Documents: When the Clock Starts
Learn when the prescription period begins for falsification of public documents under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Recebido v. People.