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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Limits of DOLE Jurisdiction: When the Labor Secretary Can Intervene in Philippine Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Labor Secretary may only assume jurisdiction over strikes in industries indispensable to national interest.
Philippine Supreme Court Upholds Arbitration Finality and Limited Court Intervention
Explore how the Supreme Court affirmed arbitration finality under RA 876 while correcting interest rates and damages in National Steel Corp. v. E. Willkom Enterprises.
Legal Interest Rates in the Philippines: When Does 6% vs 12% Apply
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when 6% or 12% legal interest applies—loans and forbearance versus other obligations. Learn the rules.
Filing Deadlines vs Public Interest: SC Ruling on Foreshore Land Reversion
Supreme Court ruling on whether the OSG's late appeal brief should be excused when foreshore land reversion involves public interest.
Credit Card Interest Rates and Escalation Clauses: What the Supreme Court Says
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on credit card interest escalation clauses, mutuality of contracts, and validity of variable rates.
Philippine Legal Interest on Loans: When Does 12% Apply? Villanueva v. CA Explained
Learn when 12% legal interest applies to unpaid loans in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Villanueva v. Court of Appeals.
Attorney Ethics: Navigating Conflicts of Interest in the Philippines
A lawyer cannot represent conflicting interests, even in good faith. The Supreme Court explains the rule and its penalties.
Breach of Trust and Conflict of Interest: Attorney Suspended for Unethical Conduct in Estate Settlement
A CPA-lawyer's suspension for breach of trust, conflict of interest, and unethical conduct in settling a client's estate.
Accountability in Judiciary Funds: A Practical Guide for Court Personnel
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on JDF and Fiduciary Fund mishandling clarifies deposit rules, interest accounting, and court personnel liability.
Oil Deregulation in the Philippines: Balancing Competition and Public Interest
The Supreme Court struck down key provisions of the oil deregulation law for blocking competition, reshaping Philippine energy policy.
Strikes and Return-to-Work Orders: Balancing Labor Rights and Employer Interests in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strikes, return-to-work orders, and the delicate balance between labor rights and employer interests.
Insurable Interest: Can a Landlord Claim Insurance on a Tenant's Property?
Philippine Supreme Court rules a landlord cannot claim fire insurance proceeds on a tenant's merchandise without insurable interest. Learn the key principles.
Who May Challenge an Execution Sale: The Real Party in Interest Rule
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who may question an execution sale and the real party in interest doctrine in civil procedure.
Intervention in Philippine Litigation: Protecting Your Interests as a Transferee
Learn when Philippine courts allow intervention by purchasers pendente lite and how transferees can protect their rights in ongoing litigation.
Mortgage Foreclosure in the Philippines: Protecting Your Rights Against Unilateral Interest Rate Hikes
Learn how the Supreme Court protects borrowers from unilateral interest rate hikes and what notice is required in Philippine mortgage foreclosures.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Consequences and Ethical Obligations
Court employee dismissed for dishonesty and non-disclosure of business interests. Learn the ethical rules for public servants.
When Banks Cannot Unilaterally Raise Interest Rates: The Florendo Rule
The Supreme Court ruled that banks cannot unilaterally raise loan interest rates without a valid Central Bank issuance, upholding mutuality of contracts.
Loan Interest Rates CAN Banks Unilaterally Increase Them
Navigating Telecommunications Franchises: Competition vs. Public Interest
A 1996 Supreme Court ruling on government telephone operations clarifies that franchises are not exclusive and competition serves the public interest.
Usury Law Interest Rates: When Courts Can Intervene in Stipulated Loan Interest
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts can reduce stipulated interest rates on loans under the Usury Law and CB Circular 905.
Liability for Damage to Stored Goods: Negligence and Interest Rates Explained
A warehouse operator's negligence can mean paying for damaged goods. Learn the rules on liability and the correct interest rates.
Court Employees and Conflicts of Interest: The Bagolbagol Case on Selling to Litigants
Court employees must avoid business dealings with litigants. The Bagolbagol ruling explains why, even when the employee claims the litigant initiated the arrangement.
Ethical Boundaries for Court Employees: Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
A court stenographer was fined for processing land titles for litigants. Learn the ethical rules for court personnel.
Mutuality of Contracts: Why Banks Cannot Unilaterally Change Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why banks cannot unilaterally raise loan interest rates without borrower consent, citing mutuality of contracts.