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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Teachers Reassignment Balancing Rights AND Educational Needs
Explains when public school teachers may be validly transferred or reassigned, citing the Supreme Court ruling in Superintendent of City Schools v. Azarcon.
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.
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.
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.
Perfecting Labor Appeals: The Indispensable Surety Bond and Jurisdictional Requirements
Posting an appeal bond is jurisdictional in labor cases. A late bond means no appeal, and the Labor Arbiter's decision becomes final.
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.
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.
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.
Delaying Tactics Unveiled: Repeated Motions to Quash in Criminal Proceedings
The Supreme Court rules that repeated motions to quash and inhibit judges are delaying tactics that impede justice.
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.
Lease Termination: Lessors Can Still Collect Rent After Lessee Default and Abandonment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lessor rights when lessee defaults and abandons leased property, clarifying remedies for unpaid rent.
Fraudulent Land Acquisition Titles Obtained Through Deceit Lack Indefeasibility
Land titles obtained through fraud are void and do not gain indefeasibility. Philippine law protects true owners from deceitful schemes.
Equitable Mortgage vs Sale With Right to Repurchase: Price and Intent
When is a "sale with right to repurchase" really an equitable mortgage? The Supreme Court explains the role of price adequacy and intent.
Duty to Inform Counsels Negligence and Finality of Judgments in Construction Disputes
Learn how a counsel's failure to report a change of address can bind clients and make a Court of Appeals decision final and executory.
Judicial Accountability: Judges and Court Personnel Held Liable for Undue Delay and Misconduct
Supreme Court holds retired judge liable for undue delay in deciding 23 cases and clerk of court for issuing false certification.
Abandonment in Election Protests: Legarda v. De Castro and the Effect of Subsequent Candidacy
PET dismisses Legarda's VP protest against De Castro on abandonment and evidentiary grounds, clarifying election protest rules.
The Fine Line Between Unpaid Bills and Criminal Fraud Estafa in Restaurant Settings
When does an unpaid restaurant bill become a criminal offense? A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when non-payment crosses into estafa.
Lawyer's Disrespect Toward Court and Staff Draws Fines Despite Prior Disbarment
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer P155,000 for disrespecting court personnel and defying IBP directives, reaffirming lawyer discipline standards.
Presumption of Regularity of Public Documents: The High Bar for Proving Falsification
Public documents enjoy a presumption of regularity. Learn the high evidentiary standard needed to overcome it in administrative cases.
Negligence in a U-Turn Collision: Quasi-Delict Liability Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies negligence and vicarious liability in a U-turn collision, applying Articles 2176 and 2180 of the Civil Code.