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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Public Officials' Duty to Act in the Best Interest of the Service: Sevilla v. Gocon
When does a public official's omission become an administrative offense? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the service.
Surety Bonds and Legal Interest: When Default Makes a Surety Pay More Than the Bond
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a defaulting surety must pay 12% legal interest on top of the bond amount.
Surety's Liability for Interest Beyond Bond Limit on Delayed Payment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a surety can be held liable for interest exceeding the bond's face value when payment is delayed.
Unconscionable Interest Rates When Loan Agreements Become Exploitative
When do monthly interest rates become illegal? The Supreme Court explains the limits of lender freedom in Cuaton v. Salud.
Upholding Legal Ethics: Attorneys Accountability for Misappropriating Client Funds
A look at Mercedes Nava v. Atty. Sorongon, where the Supreme Court addressed conflict of interest and the mandatory requirement of formal investigation in disbarment cases.
Gross Receipts Tax: When Withheld Interest Income Still Counts for Banks
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether the 20% final withholding tax on banks' passive income forms part of gross receipts for the 5% gross receipts tax.
Regulating Monopolies in Public Transportation: Balancing Public Interest and Free Enterprise
The Supreme Court upholds LTFRB's two-group insurance system for PUVs, ruling that regulated monopolies are allowed when public interest requires.
Shipyards and Public Utilities: Defining National Interest in Corporate Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether shipyards are public utilities requiring 60% Filipino ownership, and its impact on corporate acquisitions.
Fair Reporting vs Defamation: Weighing Public Interest in Libel Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when news reports on matters of public interest are privileged, and who bears liability for libel under Article 360.
When a Lawyer Cannot Defend Corporate Directors: Conflict of Interest Rules
A lawyer retained by a corporation cannot defend its board members in a derivative suit — that is representing conflicting interests.
Co-Ownership Rights and Undivided Interests in Property Sales: A Philippine Legal Guide
Learn how Philippine courts protect co-owners' undivided interests in property sales, with key rules on ejectment and jurisdiction.
Gross Receipts Tax on Banks Includes Withheld Interest Income
Supreme Court rules the 20% final withholding tax on interest income forms part of a bank's gross receipts for gross receipts tax purposes.
PCGG's Authority to Vote Sequestered Shares: Lessons from the ETPI Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when the PCGG may vote sequestered shares, balancing state interest and stockholder rights.
Land Registration Rights vs Government Reservation: Balancing Private Claims and Public Welfare
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on res judicata in land disputes involving government reconveyance, private contracts, and public interest.
Illegitimacy, Inheritance Rights, and Marital Presumptions in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on paraphernal property, contract of adhesion, and unconscionable interest rates shows how Philippine law protects borrowers and spouses.
Meralco Rate Case: Balancing Public Interest and Utility Profits in Philippine Power Regulation
The Supreme Court affirms rate regulation balancing utility profits and consumer protection in a landmark Meralco case.
Sufficiency OF Complaints Before THE Ombudsman Protecting Public Interest AND Ensuring DUE Process
Breach of Contract in Property Sales: Rights, Interest, and Damages Under Philippine Law
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unpaid property sale balances clarifies when nominal damages, attorney's fees, and 12% interest apply.
Guardianship Appointment Prioritizing Family Ties AND THE Wards Best Interests
Waiver of Publication in Foreclosure Sales: Protecting Public Interest Over Private Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules parties cannot waive publication requirements in extrajudicial foreclosure sales under Act No. 3135.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Agreed Upon Interest Rates in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court affirms 2% monthly interest on unpaid construction balance, enforcing contractual stipulations between owner and contractor.
Interest Rate Clarity Ensuring Written Agreements Govern Loan Terms
The Supreme Court held that absent a written stipulation, a loan’s agreed interest rate stops at maturity, and 12% legal interest applies thereafter.
Judicial Ethics When Personal Business Deals Conflict With Impartiality
A sheriff's side business as attorney-in-fact created a conflict of interest. The Court fined him for conduct unbecoming.
Adverse Claims and Good Faith: Protecting Mortgage Interests in Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how adverse claims and buyer good faith affect mortgage rights in property transfers.