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.
Forum Non Conveniens in the Philippines: When Courts Keep Jurisdiction Despite Foreign Elements
Philippine courts can hear cases with foreign elements; a choice-of-law clause does not automatically strip them of jurisdiction.
Finality Prevails: Condonation of an Audit Disallowance After Supreme Court Affirmation Is Unacceptable
The Supreme Court rules that a final audit disallowance affirmed with finality cannot be condoned by a government agency, upholding COA's execution powers.
Copyright Infringement and Prescription: What Retailers Should Know
A look at how filing a complaint with the DOJ interrupts prescription, and what it means for retailers accused of selling counterfeit goods.
Postdated Checks and Estafa: When a Bouncing Check Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when issuing postdated checks with insufficient funds constitutes estafa under the Revised Penal Code.
Jurisdiction Over Labor Disputes: The Decisive Moment of Filing Claims
A Supreme Court ruling on why filing the wrong remedy — or the right one too late — can end a labor case before the merits are ever reached.
Balancing Privacy, Bank Inquiry Orders, and Due Process in Anti-Money Laundering Cases
The Supreme Court rules that AMLA bank inquiry orders cannot be issued ex parte, protecting depositors' right to due process.
Balancing Public Welfare and Business Interests: The Manila Oil Depot Relocation Case
The Supreme Court upheld Manila's Ordinance No. 8027, ordering oil companies to relocate from Pandacan, balancing public safety with business interests.
When Courts Won't Second-Guess the Ombudsman's Dismissal of Graft Complaints
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's wide discretion in dismissing graft complaints, limiting judicial review to grave abuse of discretion.
Theft vs. Estafa: When Misusing Entrusted Funds Becomes Theft in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when misappropriating funds received for a specific purpose constitutes theft rather than estafa.
Mutuality of Contracts: The Limits of Bank Discretion in Setting Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that unilateral interest rate setting violates mutuality of contracts, but the principal loan obligation remains valid and enforceable.
Certiorari Dismissed Untimely Appeals AND THE Finality OF Judgments
Explore how the Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of a Rule 65 petition, reinforcing the finality of judgments and the limits of certiorari.
Breach of Trust: When Workplace Conduct Undermines Employer Confidence
Supreme Court ruling on when managerial employees may be validly dismissed for breach of trust and loss of confidence.
Finality of Judgments, Due Process, and Counsel's Negligence in Contract Rescission
A Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgments, due process, and counsel's negligence in a construction contract rescission case.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect and Mishandling Client's Property
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for failing to render legal services, returning money late, and withholding client's title and documents.
Demurrer to Evidence: Insufficient Proof in Customs and Anti-Graft Cases Leads to Dismissal
When prosecution evidence fails to establish a prima facie case, a demurrer to evidence may lead to dismissal. The Supreme Court explains.
Enforcing Contractual Obligations: Valid Payment and the Courts' Supervisory Role
When may a buyer rescind a timeshare contract? The Supreme Court clarifies registration rules, rescission periods, and appeal deadlines.
BPI v. Reyes: Physical Evidence Prevails in Bank Deposit Dispute
Supreme Court explains preponderance of evidence in bank deposit disputes, ruling physical evidence outweighs bare testimony.
Finality Prevails Withdrawing Appeal Bars Subsequent Modification of Judgment
Withdrawing an appeal makes a judgment final and executory. The Supreme Court explains why courts cannot later modify it.
Rape Conviction: Why Specificity in Criminal Charges and Evidence Matters
A look at People v. Zamoraga, where the Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction, explaining how credible victim testimony and precise charges secure a guilty verdict.
Burden of Proof: Uncorroborated Testimony Insufficient to Establish Liability in Damages Claim
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why a plaintiff's sole, uncorroborated testimony cannot establish liability in a damages claim.
Rehabilitation Proceedings: The "Serious Financial Situation" Requirement for Corporate Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the "serious situation test" for corporate rehabilitation petitions under the Interim Rules, citing Pryce Corporation v. Court of Appeals.
From Murder to Homicide When Sudden Attacks Lack Treachery in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden attack qualifies as treachery and when it does not, reducing murder to homicide.
Protecting Children Credibility IN Rape AND Lasciviousness Cases Involving Minors
The Supreme Court affirms that minor inconsistencies do not destroy a child rape victim's credibility, explaining why delay in reporting is justified.
Bidding Required Government Contracts Must Ensure Fair Competition
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when public bidding is mandatory for government service contracts and why negotiated awards violate fair competition.