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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Navigating Conflict of Interest: What Philippine Lawyers and Clients Need to Know
A lawyer cannot represent opposing parties in the same case. Learn the rules, tests, and consequences of conflict of interest in Philippine law.
Meralco Billing Dispute: Tax Credit Assignments and Tampered Meter Claims
Supreme Court ruling on Meralco's interest charges on tax credit assignments and differential billing for alleged meter tampering.
Equitable Interest When Mortgage Rates Clash With Legal Limits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on redemption rights, mortgage rates, and legal limits in Banco Filipino case.
Interest on Foreign Equity Investments in Closed Banks: The Pacific Banking Case
Explaining when interest accrues on foreign equity investments in a closed Philippine bank, and the rules on liquidating dividends.
Clear Contract Terms Prevail Over Subjective Intent in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sugar quedans clarifies written agreements, damages proof, and interest rules in contract disputes.
Protecting Homebuyers: Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Sequestered Properties
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed the Sandiganbayan's jurisdiction over cases involving sequestered properties, protecting homebuyers and the public interest.
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.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Disciplinary Action for Failure to Pay Just Debts and Conduct Prejudicial to the Se
Supreme Court holds court employee liable for willful failure to pay just debts and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Contractual Intent Prevails Interpreting Interest Rates in Loan Agreements Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules on how courts interpret interest rates in loan agreements, emphasizing that clear contractual terms prevail over alleged intent.
Pecuniary Interest VS Unlawful Intervention Defining Graft IN Local Governance
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.
Dismissal of Complaint: Balancing Promptness and the Pursuit of Justice in Philippine Courts
When can a court dismiss a complaint for lack of authority and improper certification? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on real parties-in-interest and appeal remedies.
Mass Actions by Government Teachers: When Peaceful Assembly Becomes an Offense
Public school teachers who joined mass actions in 1990 were held liable for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. The Supreme Court explains why.
Strikes and Public Service: Balancing Rights and Responsibilities in Government Employment
Public school teachers who joined a 1990 mass action were disciplined for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. The Supreme Court explains why.
Proper Parties in Appeals: Identifying the Real Party in Interest
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who must be named as respondents in appeals, emphasizing the real party-in-interest rule under Rule 45.
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.
Delay and Damages Interest on Obligations in Compromise Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when legal interest accrues on unpaid compromise agreement obligations and the effect of delay.
Loan Agreements and Legal Interest: Written Requirements and Civil Liability After Acquittal
Explaining Eusebio-Calderon v. People: why oral interest agreements are void, when acquittal still leaves civil liability, and the legal interest rules.
Can Employers Restrict Employee Marriages to Competitors? The Glaxo Case
The Supreme Court upholds a drug company's policy against employees marrying competitor employees, citing management prerogative and conflict-of-interest prevention.
Unilateral Interest Rate Hikes: Mutuality of Contracts Prevails in Loan Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules banks cannot unilaterally raise interest rates without borrower consent, citing mutuality of contracts principle.
Default Judgment and Bank Liquidation: Interest and Penalty Liabilities Explained
A defaulting party cannot raise new defenses on appeal. Learn the limits of relief from default judgments in bank liquidation cases.
Judicial Misconduct When Personal Interest Undermines Impartiality
When a judge becomes a party to cases before his own court, dismissal from service is the fitting penalty.
Conflict of Interest Upholding Ethical Standards for Court Sheriffs
Explaining how the Supreme Court disciplines court sheriffs for conflict of interest and misconduct, setting ethical standards.
Illegal Strikes: Balancing Worker Rights and Employer Interests in Termination Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when union officers and members may be dismissed for illegal strikes, and what due process requires.