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.
Graft and Corruption: Navigating Local Government Contracts in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies direct bribery under the Revised Penal Code in a case involving Ombudsman officials and local executives.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: DOJ Guidelines and Court Discretion in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may approve plea bargaining in drug cases and the role of evidence in resolving objections.
Foreign Divorce Recognition in the Philippines: Proving Japanese Law Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to recognize a foreign divorce in the Philippines, focusing on proving foreign law.
Judicial Clemency Requires Remorse and Reformation, Not Just Time Served
The Supreme Court denies a dismissed judge's plea for judicial clemency, ruling that genuine remorse and reformation are indispensable requirements.
Prescription in Tax Assessments: Waivers Must Be Strictly Compliant for Validity
Waivers of the tax prescription period are strictly construed. Missing the BIR's date of acceptance voids them, and assessments without due dates fail.
Tax Assessment Validity: Waivers and Due Dates Under Scrutiny
The Supreme Court nullified BIR deficiency assessments for First Gas Power due to defective waivers and missing due dates, clarifying prescriptive period rules.
Lawyer Disbarred for Misconduct in Property Transactions: Lessons from BASECO Case
Supreme Court disbars lawyer for failing to account for client funds and neglecting property titling work, highlighting ethical duties in Philippine property law practice.
Solidary Liability and Interest Rates in Philippine Partnerships: Key Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
A look at a Supreme Court ruling on solidary liability, novation, and unconscionable interest rates in business loans and partnerships.
Understanding the Binding Nature of Compromise Agreements in Philippine Law
A look at City of Bacolod v. Sugarland Hotel, where the Supreme Court affirmed that a memorandum of understanding is a binding contract, and explored estoppel and jurisdictional challenges.
Solicitation and Acceptance of Gifts: Upholding Ethical Conduct in Public Service
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of DENR officials for soliciting money under R.A. 6713, reaffirming strict ethical standards for public servants.
Grave Misconduct in Government Procurement: SC Reverses Acquittal of Bataan Officials
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of Bataan officials for grave misconduct in anomalous patrol boat procurement, stressing public trust breach.
Understanding Judicial Reconstitution of Torrens Titles in the Philippines: Key Insights From a Landmark Case
Learn how Philippine courts handle judicial reconstitution of lost or destroyed Torrens titles, with insights from a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
DNA Evidence and Presumption of Legitimacy: Filiation Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled DNA evidence can establish filiation despite the presumption of legitimacy, prioritizing the child's best interests.
Lawyer Suspended for Borrowing from Client: Anacay v. Alberto Explained
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years for borrowing money from a client without protecting the client's interests, reaffirming strict fiduciary duties.
Unlawful Detainer and Property Rights: Possession vs Ownership in Philippine Law
Understand the key difference between possession and ownership in unlawful detainer cases, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
When Is a Loan Interest Rate Unconscionable in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court explains when a monthly interest rate on a loan becomes unconscionable and void, and what rate applies instead.
Environmental Liability in the Philippines: Lessons from the Bataan Thermal Power Plant Case
The Supreme Court clarifies who bears cleanup liability for toxic wastes under Philippine environmental law, using the Bataan Thermal Power Plant case as a guide.
When a Notarized Deed of Sale Fails: Consent Is Key in Philippine Property Transfers
A notarized deed does not guarantee a valid sale. The Supreme Court explains why genuine consent is essential in property transactions.
The Prosecutor's Consent in Plea Bargaining: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a prosecutor's consent is indispensable for a valid plea bargain in drugs cases.
Voidable vs Void Contracts: What Spousal Consent Means for Property Sales in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that sales of conjugal property without spousal consent are voidable, not void, under the Civil Code.
Withdrawing a Resignation: When Retraction Before Acceptance Is Valid
Can an employee retract a resignation before the employer accepts it? The Supreme Court explains the rules in Vergara v. ANZ Global Services.
Unlocking Compensation for Government Contracts: The Power of Quantum Meruit in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts apply quantum meruit to recover unpaid work in government contracts, with key rules and practical guidance.
Judicial Clemency in the Philippines: Lessons from the Ong Case
The Supreme Court partly grants former Sandiganbayan Justice Ong's plea for judicial clemency, restoring benefits and lifting reemployment ban.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Leaves a Client in the Dark: Lessons from Quitazol v. Capela
The Supreme Court reminds lawyers that neglecting a client's case is inexcusable negligence, even if the client later withdraws the complaint.