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.
When Court Employees Accept Payments: Conduct Prejudicial vs. Misconduct
Court stenographer held liable for conduct prejudicial to service after keeping litigant's payment for over a year; ruling clarifies key distinction.
Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service: SC on Inordinate Delay
The Supreme Court clarifies when the period for inordinate delay begins in Ombudsman cases, citing Quemado v. Sandiganbayan.
Lawyer-Client Relationship and Professional Ethics: Lessons from Zamora v. Gallanosa
When does a lawyer-client relationship begin, and what happens when a lawyer abandons a case? The Supreme Court clarifies in Zamora v. Gallanosa.
Compromise Agreements in Philippine Disputes: When Courts Must Respect Settlements
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts must approve compromise agreements, protecting valid settlements from being overturned on technical grounds.
Probationary Employment Standards: When Vague Job Rules Lead to Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when vague probationary standards make an employee regular, and the consequences for employers who fail to set clear job expectations.
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.
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.
Understanding Psychological Violence Under the Anti-VAWC Act: Insights From a Landmark Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when marital infidelity becomes psychological violence under R.A. 9262, and what proof is needed for conviction.
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.
Credit Card Debt in the Philippines: Interest Rates, Obligations, and the Uysipuo Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies how credit card interest rates are computed and when courts can reduce unconscionable charges.
Understanding Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: Protecting Yourself From Job Scams in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, and how job seekers can spot and avoid overseas employment scams.
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.
Theft vs Estafa: Key Distinctions and Implications for Employees and Employers
When an employee misappropriates company funds, is it theft or estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial distinction in Libunao v. People.
Understanding the Burden of Proof in Disbarment Cases: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court dismissed a disbarment complaint for lack of evidence, clarifying the burden of proof in administrative cases against lawyers.
Execution Pending Appeal in Ejectment Cases: Immediate Judgment Enforcement in the Philippines
Learn how execution pending appeal works in Philippine ejectment cases, including the mandatory rule and key Supreme Court rulings.
Final Judgments Bind Successors in Interest: The Calubad Property Rule
A final court judgment binds buyers and mortgagees who acquire property after the ruling. Learn the Calubad case and due diligence lessons.
Disbarment for Lawyer Misconduct: Conflict of Interest and Deceit in Philippine Legal Practice
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer who deceived his client and profited from a compromise agreement, clarifying disciplinary proceedings are independent of civil cases.
When a Lawyer Betrays a Client: Disbarment and the Independence of Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer who deceived his client into signing a compromise agreement, clarifying that disciplinary cases proceed independently of civil suits.
Judicial Integrity and Procedural Rules in Marriage Annulment Cases: A Cautionary Tale
When a judge ignores procedural rules in annulment cases, the consequences are severe. Learn from a Supreme Court decision on judicial accountability.
Understanding the Special Power to Sell in Real Estate Mortgages: A Supreme Court Ruling
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified what constitutes a valid special power to sell in extrajudicial foreclosure of real estate mortgages.
Understanding the Crime of Using Falsified Documents in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains the crime of using falsified documents, its elements, and why procedural rules matter in appeals.
Non-Diminution of Benefits: When a Company Car Plan Change Is Allowed
The Supreme Court clarifies when changing a company car plan violates the non-diminution rule under Article 100 of the Labor Code.
Understanding Acceleration Clauses in Loan Agreements: A Guide to Immediate Debt Repayment
The Supreme Court explains how acceleration clauses work in loan agreements, allowing creditors to demand full payment upon default.
When a Bank Fails: Jurisdiction Over Claims Against Banks Under Liquidation
Philippine Supreme Court rules on which court hears claims against a bank placed under PDIC liquidation, voiding orders from a court without jurisdiction.