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.
Certification Against Forum Shopping: Why the Principal Party Must Sign and When Courts Relax the Rule
Philippine courts require the principal party to sign the certification against forum shopping. Learn the rule, its exceptions, and practical lessons from Abaigar v. Abaigar.
Intent to Kill vs Intent to Rob: Distinguishing Murder From Robbery With Homicide in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a killing is murder, not robbery with homicide, based on the accused's intent.
When Court Officials Clash: Professional Conduct in the Philippine Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge and clerk's public quarrel, and what it means for decorum in the judiciary.
Unconscionable Greed: Attorney's Fees Must Be Reasonable and Just
Philippine Supreme Court nullifies P50M attorney's fee claim, ruling lawyers' compensation must be reasonable, not driven by greed.
Habeas Corpus Requires Proof of Illegal Detention, Not Just Disappearance
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that habeas corpus requires proof of actual detention, not merely a person's disappearance.
When Self-Defense Fails: Justifying Force in Lawful Duty Requires Reasonable Response
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense and performance of official duty justify killing, and why both failed for PNR security officers.
Illegal Recruitment: The Fine Line Between Referral and Criminal Activity
When does helping a neighbor find overseas work become illegal recruitment? The Supreme Court clarifies the line in this 2006 ruling.
Judicial Accountability: Good Faith Exception for Erroneous Judgments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judges cannot be disciplined for erroneous rulings made in good faith, absent fraud or malice.
Navigating Corporate Disputes Jurisdiction AND Procedural Pitfalls IN Philippine LAW
Learn how Philippine courts handle jurisdiction and procedural errors in corporate disputes, with key takeaways from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Real Party-in-Interest and CIAC Jurisdiction in Construction Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies indispensable parties and CIAC jurisdiction in construction arbitration, using the Heritage Park case as a guide.
Quieting Title Actions Imprescriptible When Plaintiff in Possession — Ragasa v. Roa
Supreme Court ruling: an action to quiet title is imprescriptible if the plaintiff remains in possession, even if an adverse claim exists.
Res Judicata and Forum Shopping: When a Prior Ruling Bars a Second Case
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a prior ruling bars another case, and what constitutes forum shopping.
Surety's Liability Survives Death of Principal Debtor: Stronghold Insurance v. Republic-Asahi
The Supreme Court rules that a surety's solidary liability under a performance bond is not extinguished by the death of the principal debtor.
Attorney Negligence in the Philippines: Upholding Client Trust and Diligence
A lawyer's failure to file a memorandum and return a client's money order leads to reprimand, reaffirming duties of diligence and fidelity.
Reckless Driving and Property Damage: Understanding Liability for Negligence on Philippine Roads
When a bus swerves and damages property, who pays? This case clarifies reckless imprudence, actual damages, and the sudden emergency rule.
Upholding Integrity: Public Officials Held Accountable for Dishonesty and Misconduct
The Supreme Court reinstates the Ombudsman's ruling against a school principal for dishonesty, grave misconduct, and prohibited private practice under R.A. 6713.
Protecting Client Confidences: Attorney-Client Privilege and Conflicts of Interest in the Philippines
A lawyer cannot represent opposing parties without full disclosure and written consent. This case explains the rule and its penalties.
Mining Rights vs Property Rights: Balancing Public Benefit and Just Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the Mining Act of 1995, explaining when entry into private lands becomes compensable taking.
Personal Liability for Business Debts: Surety and Co-Maker Obligations in Philippine Loans
Learn when Philippine courts hold corporate officers personally liable as sureties or co-makers on business loans, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Mayor's Authority to Sign Contracts: Local Government Powers Under Philippine Law
Learn when a city mayor can validly sign contracts for the local government, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on market stall leases.
Just Compensation in the Philippines: Value Pegged at Time of Taking, Not Current Market Value
Philippine law pegs just compensation at the time of taking, not current market value. MIAA v. Rodriguez explains the rule.
When Government Takes Property Without Expropriation: Just Compensation Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to value property taken by government without expropriation proceedings, and when back rentals are due.
Rescission of Real Estate Sales: Understanding Breach of Contract and Third Party Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who may sue for rescission of real estate contracts, real party in interest rule, and implied trusts under Article 1448.
Forcible Entry in the Philippines: Why Prior Possession Wins Cases
Learn how prior physical possession, not ownership, decides forcible entry cases in the Philippines, guided by Dumo v. Espinas.