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.
Credit Card Obligations Without Signed Agreements: When Interest Rates Bind
Supreme Court rules on credit card debt when no signed agreement exists, and when interest charges may be unenforceable.
CBA Loan Benefits vs Bank Policy: When Management Rules Violate the Agreement
SC rules on when a bank's "no negative data bank" policy for employee loans violates the existing CBA. Learn the limits of management prerogative.
Ratification Validates Unauthorized Acts: Agency Law in Philippine Mortgages
Explaining how ratification under Philippine law validates an agent's unauthorized mortgage acts, as ruled in Prieto v. Court of Appeals.
Simplified Union Registration in the Philippines: Understanding DOLE Department Order 40-03
The Supreme Court upheld DOLE Department Order 40-03, confirming simplified registration rules for local chapters of labor federations.
Conditional Certifications vs Bank Guarantees: When a Bank Is Not Liable
Supreme Court clarifies when a bank's conditional certification of a credit line application does not constitute a binding bank guarantee.
When Banks Dishonor Checks: The Citibank v. Dinopol Case on Fiduciary Duty and Damages
The Supreme Court ruled that banks must exercise the highest degree of diligence, holding Citibank liable for dishonoring a check over a P58.33 charge.
Bank Liability for Dishonored Checks: Protecting Your Credit and Reputation
When a bank dishonors a check for an amount not yet due, it may be liable for damages. Learn from the Citibank v. Dinopol case.
Seafarers' Rights: Employer Liability for Illness Manifesting During Employment Despite Post-Contract Death
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer death benefits when illness manifests during employment but death occurs after contract term.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Corporate Officer Liability in Labor Disputes
When can corporate officers be personally liable for labor claims? The Supreme Court clarifies the doctrine of piercing the corporate veil in Nisda v. Sea Serve Maritime Agency.
Perfected Contract to Sell vs Cancellation for Default: Lessons from Traders Royal Bank v. Cuison
When is a contract to sell perfected, and when can a seller cancel it for default? The Supreme Court clarifies in Traders Royal Bank v. Cuison.
Reinstatement Pending Appeal: Employer Obligations and the Corporate Rehabilitation Exception
When can a company under rehabilitation skip payroll reinstatement? The Supreme Court explains the two-fold test for wage claims pending appeal.
Bouncing Checks and Iniquitous Interest: When a Civil Case Cannot Stop a Criminal Prosecution
Learn when a dispute over unconscionable interest rates can—and cannot—suspend criminal prosecutions for bouncing checks under BP 22.
Security Codes and Promo Prizes: Why 349 Crown Holders Lost in Court
The Supreme Court denied claims of 349 crown holders in the Pepsi number fever promo, ruling that the correct security code was indispensable to win.
B.P. 22 Issuing a Worthless Check Is a Crime Regardless of Intent
The Supreme Court affirms that issuing a worthless check is a crime under B.P. 22, regardless of the issuer's intent or purpose.
Illegal Strikes and Return-to-Work Orders: What Philippine Labor Law Requires
When can a strike be declared illegal in the Philippines? The Supreme Court explains the binding effect of assumption and return-to-work orders.
DARAB Jurisdiction Covers Agrarian Disputes Beyond Landlord-Tenant Relationships
Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction extends to all agrarian disputes, including joint production agreements under CARP, not just traditional landlord-tenant cases.
Financial Leasing Agreements Are Valid Contracts Despite Lessee Default
Supreme Court affirms that financial leasing agreements are genuine contracts; defaulting lessees remain bound by their terms and obligations.
When a Civil Case Can Resolve Inheritance and Property Disputes in the Philippines
Learn when Philippine regular courts, not labor arbiters, have jurisdiction over breach of contract and property disputes.
When Redundancy Becomes Illegal Dismissal: Lessons from Lopez Sugar Corporation
The Supreme Court clarifies when a redundancy program is a valid management prerogative and when it becomes an illegal dismissal.
Emancipation Patent Cancellation: Land Cultivation and Tenant Rights Under Agrarian Reform
Supreme Court ruling on when an emancipation patent can be cancelled for violating agrarian reform rules on personal cultivation and tenancy.
Mining Rights vs National Patrimony: The La Bugal Case on Foreign Control of Philippine Resources
Explaining the Supreme Court's La Bugal ruling on the Philippine Mining Act and foreign ownership limits over the country's mineral resources.
Collective Bargaining: When Partial Agreements Do Not Make a CBA
Supreme Court clarifies that partial agreements in conciliation do not constitute a completed CBA; parties must still negotiate in good faith.
Negligence in Public Office: Defining the Scope of Duty and Responsibility
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative liability for negligence requires proof that the duty neglected was actually assigned to the public officer.
Upholding Contractual Agreements: Trust Receipts and Surety Agreements in Loan Obligations
The Supreme Court reaffirms that contracts are the law between parties, enforcing stipulated interest, penalties, and service charges in trust receipt loan transactions.