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.
Moonlighting and Misconduct: When a Second Job Leads to Legal Trouble in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on loss of trust and confidence as just cause for dismissing managerial employees who engage in misconduct.
Strict Deadlines Matter Navigating SEC Appeals AND Corporate Liability FOR Unlicensed Brokers IN THE Philippin
When is a bank liable for breach of contract in a credit line dispute? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on conditional loan approvals and the duty of banks to exercise prudence in dealing with re
Stock Trading Risks: Broker and Investor Duties in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when brokers and investors are liable for unpaid stock trades and how the pari delicto rule applies.
Authority Matters: Why Verbal Assurances From Bank Clerks Can't Seal Property Deals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why verbal assurances from bank clerks cannot validate property transactions, and the importance of proper authority.
Common Carrier Liability: Negligence and Fortuitous Events in Cargo Loss
When cargo is lost at sea, who pays? Philippine law on common carriers, negligence, and the act of God defense explained.
Brokers Commission Rights When Can a Seller Evade Payment After a Sale
Can a seller evade paying a broker's commission after a sale closes? This case explains when fees remain due.
HLURB Jurisdiction Over Homeowner-Developer Disputes: Key Ruling
The Supreme Court confirms HLURB's exclusive jurisdiction over homeowner-developer construction disputes, not the RTC. Learn the rules and practical implications.
Challenging Local Tax Ordinances: The 30-Day Appeal Rule Under Section 187
Taxpayers must appeal to the Secretary of Justice within 30 days of a local tax ordinance's effectivity or lose the right to challenge it in court.
Solidary Liability of Co-Principals in Agency: Agent May Collect Full Commission From Any Principal
When co-owners appoint an agent for a common transaction, they are solidarily liable. The agent can collect the full commission from any one of them.
Percentage Tax on Commercial Brokers: Lessons from Nichimen Corporation
When does a branch office become a commercial broker liable for percentage tax? The Supreme Court clarifies in Nichimen Corporation.
Written Authority Required for Real Estate Agents: The City-Lite Realty Rule
Under Article 1874 of the Civil Code, an agent selling land must have written authority; otherwise, the sale is void. Learn the rules.
No Premium, No Policy: Philippine Insurance Law on Payment and Coverage
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that fire insurance policies require actual premium payment before coverage attaches, rejecting implied credit arrangements.
Surety vs. Guaranty in Philippine Law: Key Differences and Liability
Learn the difference between surety and guaranty under Philippine law, and why contract wording—not titles—determines your liability.
Marine Insurance: When Arrest of a Vessel by Civil Authorities Is a Covered Risk
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when arrest of a vessel by judicial process is a covered risk under marine cargo insurance policies.