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.
Garnishment and Legal Compensation in Banking: The BPI v. Central Bank Case
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on bank liability, garnishment, and clearing house operations in BPI v. Central Bank.
Timely Communication and Professional Duties in Legal Practice: Lessons from Ocampo v. Lorica
A lawyer's failure to promptly notify a client of an adverse ruling led to a one-year suspension. Learn the ethical duties at stake.
The Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Delay Dismisses a Libel Charge
A six-year delay in resolving a preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, leading to dismissal.
Gross Misconduct and Serious Dishonesty: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A lawyer who abandoned his client, ignored court orders, and borrowed money from a client faced a three-year suspension. Learn the ethical rules.
Disgraceful and Immoral Conduct: Supreme Court Ruling on Judicial Ethics
The Supreme Court holds court employees accountable for disgraceful and immoral conduct, even after resignation. Learn the rules and penalties.
Understanding Equity of Redemption in Philippine Property Law: A Landmark Case Insight
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the equity of redemption for junior lien holders in judicial foreclosures, protecting their rights when not impleaded.
Submitting Altered Evidence in Court: A Lawyer's Duty to Verify Documents
A lawyer who pre-marks altered evidence without verifying it faces discipline. The Supreme Court explains the duty of candor.
Understanding Jurisdiction in Agrarian Reform Disputes: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified jurisdiction over agrarian reform disputes in Land Bank v. Heirs of Divinagracia, a key Philippine property law case.
Directors' Liability for SSS Contributions: When Courts May Deny Withdrawal of Information
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on directors' liability for unpaid SSS contributions and the trial court's discretion in criminal cases.
Prolonged Preliminary Investigation and Speedy Disposition: What the Supreme Court Said
A dismissed criminal case for failure to prosecute raises the question: when does delay violate the right to speedy disposition of cases?
Forged Signatures and Bank Liability: Upholding Due Diligence in Loan Transactions
When a bank honors a forged check, it bears the loss. The Supreme Court explains why in PNB v. Giron-Roque.
Substantial Evidence Standard in Disbarment Cases: Buntag v. Atty. Toledo
The Supreme Court clarifies the substantial evidence standard in disbarment cases and reminds lawyers to put fee agreements in writing.
Management Prerogative vs Diminution of Benefits: The Coca-Cola Saturday Work Dispute
When can a company stop Saturday work without violating the non-diminution rule? The Supreme Court clarifies in this Coca-Cola case.
VAT Exemption for Agricultural Cooperatives: Protecting Farmers' Collective Interests
The Supreme Court affirms VAT exemption for agricultural cooperatives, protecting farmers' collective interests in sugar production and sales.
Foreign Currency Deposits and Joint Accounts: When Courts Cannot Order Withdrawal
A Supreme Court ruling explains why courts cannot order release of foreign currency deposits and when co-depositor consent is required.
Foreign Currency Deposits and Joint Accounts: Consent Requirements in Estate Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court rules on consent requirements for withdrawing from joint foreign currency deposit accounts during estate settlement.
Sheriff Duties and Neglect in Attachment Cases: Protecting Your Property Rights
Learn how sheriffs must handle attached properties, their inventory duties, and what happens when they neglect these responsibilities.
Breach of Public Trust: Accountability for Mismanagement of Judiciary Funds
Supreme Court rules on accountability of judges and court personnel for tampered receipts and overwithdrawals from judiciary funds.
Official Inaction and Anti-Graft Law: When Delay Becomes Discrimination
Court personnel who leak confidential office documents to embarrass colleagues face administrative liability, even if complainants withdraw their cases.
Perfected Construction Contract Award Trumps Suspension
A bidder's acceptance of a notice to proceed perfects a construction contract; a later suspension does not undo it. The Supreme Court explains.
Lawyer Suspended Two Years for Abandoning Client and Refusing to Return Fees
Supreme Court suspends Atty. Glenn Samson for two years for neglecting a client's case, refusing to return overpaid fees and documents, and ignoring IBP proceedings.
Upholding Notarial Integrity: Consequences for False Certifications in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on a lawyer permanently barred from notarial commission for notarizing without the party's presence, and what it means for notaries.
Notarizing Without the Signatory: When a Lawyer's Carelessness Leads to a Permanent Notarial Ban
A lawyer who notarized a petition while the signatory was abroad was permanently barred from notarial commission. The Supreme Court explains why.
Upholding Notarial Integrity: Personal Appearance Is Mandatory for Notaries
A notary who notarizes affidavits without the affiants' personal appearance faces suspension from law practice and loss of notarial commission.