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.
Clerk of Court Suspended for Unauthorized Fee Collection: Breach of Duty
A branch clerk of court was suspended for collecting commissioner's and stenographer's fees without authority. Learn the rules on court fee collection.
Breach of Trust and Confidence: Upholding Termination of Supervisory Employees in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on valid dismissal of supervisory employees for breach of trust and confidence in Coca-Cola Bottlers case.
Probationary Employment: Employers Must Inform Workers of Regularization Standards
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on probationary employment: employers must inform workers of regularization standards at the start of engagement.
Mortgagor's Stipulated Right to Notice Prevails in Foreclosure Proceedings
Supreme Court rules banks must honor contractual stipulations requiring personal notice to mortgagors before extrajudicial foreclosure, or risk nullifying the sale.
Breach of Trust vs Estafa: Delineating Fiduciary Duty in Investment Transactions
When does an investment house's failure to return funds become estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between fiduciary duty and mere debtor-creditor relations.
Gross Negligence and Employee Termination: When One Mistake Justifies Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a single act of gross negligence can be a valid just cause for terminating a regular employee.
Breach of Contract and Delay Damages in Construction Projects: Uy v. Public Estates Authority
A Supreme Court ruling on contractor claims for delay damages, standby equipment costs, and the strict written-change-order rule under Article 1724.
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.
Illegal Dismissal: Proving Valid Cause and the Right to Reinstatement and Backwages
Learn the rules on illegal dismissal, valid cause, and the employee's right to reinstatement and backwages from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Sellers Obligation Delivering Titles Despite Encumbrances IN Philippine Property LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on subdivision sellers' duty to deliver clean titles despite encumbrances, and buyer remedies.
Navigating Mining Disputes When DO Courts NOT Mining Agencies Decide
The Supreme Court clarifies when regular courts, not the Panel of Arbitrators, have jurisdiction over mining-related contract disputes under the Philippine Mining Act.
Stevedores and the Duty of Care: When Cargo Damage Is Not Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that stevedores owe ordinary diligence, not the higher standard of common carriers, in loading and stowing cargo.
The Expert Witness Imperative: Proving Medical Negligence in the Philippines
Philippine courts require expert medical testimony to prove negligence in most malpractice cases. Learn the rules and practical steps.
Forged Signatures and Public Trust: Examining Falsification of Documents by Public Officials
A lawyer's deceitful sale of client property leads to suspension, exploring falsification claims and professional responsibility.
Breach of Preliminary Attachment: Officials Liable for Undue Injury Under RA 3019
Supreme Court rules local officials who released retention money despite a writ of preliminary attachment face criminal liability under RA 3019.
Breach of Trust and Confidence: When Managerial Employees Lose Separation Pay
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when loss of trust and confidence justifies termination and bars separation pay for managerial employees.
Dishonesty in Public Office: The Price of False Entries and Delayed Deposits
A cashier's false cashbook entry and delayed bank deposits amount to dishonesty, warranting dismissal from government service.
When Landlords Can Cut Utilities: Lessons from Barbasa v. Tuquero
Learn when a lessor may lawfully disconnect utilities under a lease's penalty clause without committing grave coercion.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: What Lawyers and Clients Should Know
A disbarred lawyer's attempt to reopen his case fails, as the Supreme Court enforces the doctrine of finality of judgment and cites him for indirect contempt.
CIAC Jurisdiction Prevails Over Arbitration Agreements in Construction Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed CIAC's exclusive jurisdiction over construction disputes even when contracts name a different arbitration body.
When Sangguniang Approval Is Needed for Local Government Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when local chief executives need sanggunian approval before signing contracts binding their LGUs to new obligations.
Untruthful Certificates of Service: A Judge's Duty Beyond the Salary
A judge's false certificate of service leads to suspension. Learn the ethical rules and consequences from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Breach of Contract and Bad Faith: Airlines' Liability for Downgraded Seats
Philippine Airlines held liable for downgrading a passenger's business class seat to economy, with the Supreme Court affirming damages for breach of contract in bad faith.
Solidary Liability of Recruitment Agencies: Protecting Overseas Workers' Right to Fair Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recruitment agencies' solidary liability for overseas workers' unpaid wages and the prescriptive period for money claims.