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.
Verbal Contracts and Implied Ratification: Upholding Obligations in Broiler Chick Growing Agreements
The Supreme Court rules that verbal contracts bind parties even without a written agreement, and corporations may impliedly ratify unauthorized acts.
When Can Prosecution Amend an Information? Formal vs Substantial Amendment Explained
Supreme Court clarifies when the prosecution may amend a criminal information after arraignment, distinguishing formal from substantial amendments under Rule 110.
Onerous Donations: When Failure to Fulfill Conditions Leads to Revocation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when failure to fulfill onerous donation conditions justifies revocation, and the prescriptive period for such actions.
Forest Charges and Tax Refunds: Jurisdiction and Prescription in Philippine Tax Law
A 2019 Supreme Court ruling clarifies that forest charges are internal revenue taxes, so refund claims must go to the CIR within two years.
Implied Trust and Property Reconveyance: Ensuring Equitable Distribution Among Heirs
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies implied trust rules and property reconveyance among heirs in a family dispute over a Manila lot.
City of Manila v. Prieto: Strict Limits on Local Government Expropriation Powers
Supreme Court rules local governments must strictly comply with legal requirements before exercising delegated eminent domain powers.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When the Company Doctor's Assessment Prevails
A look at Centennial Transmarine v. Sales on disability grading, the 120-day rule, and CBA vs POEA-SEC benefits.
Strict Compliance Required for Expropriation of Private Lands for Socialized Housing
Local governments must strictly follow RA 7279 and the LGC before expropriating private land for socialized housing; failure voids the taking.
Limits of Mandamus: DepEd Not Compelled to Collect Loan Payments for Private Lenders
Supreme Court rules DepEd cannot be compelled by mandamus to collect and remit teacher loan payments for private lenders.
The Limits of Mandamus: When Courts Can Compel Government Actions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts can compel government action, explaining the limits of mandamus in government contract negotiations.
Upholding Employers Prerogative Valid Suspension FOR Employee Misconduct
Supreme Court affirms that employers may validly suspend employees for misconduct, even when guest complaints are not firsthand testimony.
Notice Requirements for SPV Asset Transfers: Protecting Borrowers' Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies notice requirements for SPV asset transfers under RA 9182, balancing borrower protection with valid assignments.
Just Compensation: Fair Market Value, Not Zonal Valuation, in Expropriation Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation in expropriation is based on fair market value, not BIR zonal valuation alone.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Strict Compliance With Reporting Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarer disability claims, emphasizing the mandatory three-day reporting requirement under the POEA-SEC.
When Can a Landlord Claim Unpaid Rent: Lessons from Booklight v. Tiu
Learn when landlords can claim unpaid rent and why tenants must present evidence at pre-trial, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
When a Lawyer’s Dealings Warrant Suspension: Sanidad v. Aguas
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for one year for dishonest dealings in a property sale, applying Rule 1.01 of the CPR.
Minimum Wage Law Exemption: Employers Must Apply and Prove Payment
Employers cannot claim minimum wage exemption without applying to the Regional Board; payrolls must be original to prove payment.
When Judges Interfere with Writs of Execution: A Lesson in Judicial Conduct
A judge who stopped a sheriff from implementing a writ of execution was fined for conduct unbecoming a judicial officer.
Finality of Judgment and Lawyer Discipline: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
A disbarred lawyer's attempt to reopen a final judgment fails; Court cites contempt and orders execution.
Loan Restructuring and Surety Obligations: Understanding Novation and Continuing Guarantees
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loan restructuring extinguishes a surety's obligation and the binding effect of continuing guarantees.
Dismissal for Dishonesty When Soliciting Money Violates Public Trust
Supreme Court dismisses sheriff who solicited and pocketed execution expenses from a litigant, ruling that grave misconduct and dishonesty warrant dismissal even for first-time offenders.
Lump Sum Sales Boundaries Prevail Over Area In Real Estate Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in lump sum real estate sales, boundaries control over stated area under Article 1542.
Executing a Labor Judgment Does Not Bar Certiorari: Due Process in Labor Disputes
Forced compliance with a writ of execution does not waive an employer's right to challenge a labor ruling via certiorari, the Supreme Court held.
Deed of Assignment Validity and Loan vs. Sale: Key Contract Lessons from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Deed of Assignment establishes ownership, and how courts distinguish a loan from a sale.