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.
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Equitable Mortgage vs Pacto de Retro: Protecting Borrowers From Unfair Loan Agreements
When is a "sale with right to repurchase" really a loan? The Supreme Court explains equitable mortgage and pactum commissorium.
Tenant Rights vs Landowner Control: Clarifying Agrarian Dispute Jurisdiction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts must refer ejectment cases to the DAR and what the DAR certification must contain.
Constructive Possession Knowledge AND Control IN Drug Offenses
The Supreme Court explains when a passenger in a car carrying drugs can be convicted of constructive possession under RA 9165.
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.
Upholding Academic Freedom: Supreme Court Limits State Control Over Law School Admissions
The Supreme Court strikes down the PhiLSAT requirement as an unconstitutional intrusion on law schools' academic freedom to admit students.
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.
Unlocking Filipino Citizenship: How a Philippine Passport Can Prove Your Nationality
A Philippine passport is strong proof of citizenship. The Supreme Court explains its weight in correcting civil registry entries.
Understanding Retroactive Application of Regulatory Resolutions Impact on Electric Cooperatives in the Philipp
This article explains the Supreme Court's ruling on the 120-day period for VAT refund claims and how BIR Ruling No. DA-489-03 affects electric cooperatives and taxpayers.
Res Judicata and Prescription in Banking Disputes: Key Lessons from Metrobank v. Spouses Uy
The Supreme Court clarifies when a prior judgment bars a later case and how prescription runs in collection suits involving dishonored checks.
Crossed Checks as Proof of Debt: A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court ruled that crossed checks issued to a named payee are strong evidence of debt, reversing the Court of Appeals.
Capital Reduction Rules in the Philippines: What Shareholders Should Know After Metroplex v. Sinophil
The Supreme Court clarifies the requirements for reducing corporate capital stock under Section 38 of the Corporation Code, and limits SEC review.
Understanding the Limits of Government Audit Jurisdiction: Insights from the Pagcor Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of COA audit jurisdiction over government-owned or controlled corporations and their subsidiaries.
Excise Tax Exemptions on Petroleum Sold to International Carriers: Key Lessons from Pilipinas Shell
The Supreme Court clarifies that excise tax exemptions under Section 135 benefit manufacturers and importers, not just international carriers, and explains refund rules.
When Lawyers Cross the Line: The Limits of Advocacy in Corporate Disputes
A lawyer's duty to the court limits zeal for clients. The Supreme Court suspends counsel for evading a TRO in a corporate control fight.
Unfair Competition as a Continuing Offense: What the Petron v. Yao Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies when selling counterfeit goods is a continuing offense, affecting jurisdiction and prosecution strategy.
Due Process and Finality of Judgments: A Landmark Philippine Case Analysis
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on due process, finality of judgments, and annulment in Thomas v. Trono.
Lawyer's Courtroom Conduct and Disciplinary Liability Under the CPRA
Supreme Court clarifies lawyer discipline under the CPRA, including fines for disbarred lawyers and standards for respectful court conduct.
Sheriff Misconduct and Religious Bias: A Landmark Philippine Administrative Case
A sheriff's excessive force and Islamophobic justification lead to a one-year suspension and a strong rebuke from the Supreme Court.
The Fiduciary Duty of Banks in Loan Accounting: A Guide to Metrobank v. Cruz
The Supreme Court affirms that banks owe clients a fiduciary duty to keep accurate loan records and render full accounting, beyond any internal retention policy.
When Lawyers Must Uphold Honesty in Private Deals: Lessons from Aguinaldo v. Asuncion
A lawyer's suspension for deceitful conduct in a private land sale shows that ethical duties extend beyond the courtroom.
Navigating Title Reconstitution: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies the strict jurisdictional requirements for reconstituting lost or destroyed land titles under R.A. No. 26.
Ensuring Integrity in Drug Seizure Cases: The Critical Role of Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police breached chain of custody rules, reaffirming that procedural lapses can destroy a case.
Navigating Easement Rights: Protecting Property Access in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects voluntary easements and property access rights in the Philippines, using the Castro v. Esperanza case as a guide.
Probable Cause and Government Procurement: Insights from the DOH v. Pascua Case
The Supreme Court dismissed DOH petitions against a trial court's TRO and injunction in a bidding dispute, ruling the case moot after the project proceeded.