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.
Banks' Duty of Care: Liability for Unauthorized Withdrawals and Moral Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for unauthorized withdrawals, gross negligence, and awards of moral and exemplary damages.
Contract to Sell vs. Sale: What Buyers Must Know Under Philippine Law
A buyer who stops paying installments in a contract to sell may lose ownership rights. Learn the key differences and protections.
Parol Evidence Rule Bars Verbal Conditions on Written Contracts: Allied Banking v. Cheng Yong
Supreme Court clarifies that clear written contracts cannot be varied by verbal stipulations, applying the parol evidence rule to loan and mortgage agreements.
Conflict of Interest Rules for Lawyers: The Quiambao v. Bamba Case
A lawyer cannot represent opposing clients even in unrelated cases. Learn the conflict of interest rules from Quiambao v. Bamba.
Union Busting or Business Judgment? Understanding Legitimate Closures Under Philippine Labor Law
When can a company close a department without being guilty of union busting? The Supreme Court explains in this labor law case.
Quitclaims Are They Always a Bar to Future Claims? Tagle v. Court of Appeals
Quitclaims do not automatically bar labor claims. Know when waivers are valid and when courts will set them aside.
Business Closure vs Retrenchment: Defining Employers' Rights in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when retrenchment is valid, when it becomes illegal dismissal, and how quitclaims affect employee rights.
Dragnet Clauses in Mortgages: Limits on Securing Future Debts with Existing Collateral
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a dragnet clause in a real estate mortgage covers future loans, and when separate security prevails.
Lease After Foreclosure Overrides Writ of Possession: Philippine Rule
A post-foreclosure lease between mortgagor and mortgagee creates a new relationship, making ejectment, not writ of possession, the proper remedy.
When Lawyers Cross the Line: Conflicting Interests and Client Confidentiality in Philippine Legal Ethics
The Supreme Court's ruling in Pormento vs. Pontevedra clarifies when a lawyer's representation of new clients against former clients constitutes prohibited conflicting interests.
Due Process in Retrenchment: Balancing Employer Prerogative and Employee Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between just and authorized causes in dismissal, and the penalties for violating notice requirements.
Foreclosure Validity: Proper Notice and Publication in Extrajudicial Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies posting and publication requirements for valid extrajudicial foreclosure sales under Act No. 3135.
Equitable Mortgage vs Pacto de Retro Sale: Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains the difference between equitable mortgage and pacto de retro sale, and why mortgagees cannot simply consolidate ownership.
Lawyer Disbarred for Taking Client's Properties in Breach of Trust
A lawyer who acquired his client's properties for himself instead of selling them to pay creditors was disbarred for gross misconduct.
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.
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.
Usury Law and Loan Obligations: Balancing Lender Rights and Borrower Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on 21% interest validity, 3% monthly surcharge nullity, and borrower obligations under the Usury Law.
Overlapping Land Titles: Registration Date and Reconstitution Validity in Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts resolve conflicting land titles, weighing registration dates, reconstitution validity, and evidence of ownership.
Novation Requires a Completely New and Valid Agreement: Loan Restructuring Lessons
The Supreme Court clarifies when restructuring a loan creates novation, and how usurious interest rates are treated under Philippine law.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Duty and Misrepresentation to Client
A lawyer who failed to file a petition for review and misled his client about the case's status was suspended for four months and ordered to refund P5,000.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Adultery as Grounds for Attorney Disbarment in the Philippines
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for cohabiting with a woman not his wife, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for membership in the Philippine Bar.
Certification Against Forum Shopping: Who Must Sign and Why It Matters
Learn who must sign the certification against forum shopping in Philippine cases, and why a defective signature can get a case dismissed.
Option to Purchase vs Contract to Sell: Understanding Property Rights and Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between an option to purchase and a contract to sell, and the consequences of failing to comply with their terms.
Forum Shopping and Appeal Jurisdiction: Traverse Development Corp. v. DBP
When a dismissal order raises only legal questions, appeal lies with the Supreme Court, not the Court of Appeals.