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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Assignment of Mortgage and BSP’s Foreclosure Authority Hinges on Valid Deed
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a bank may foreclose a mortgage assigned to it, requiring a valid deed of assignment.
Reformation of Contract: Correcting Errors to Reflect True Intent in Real Estate Mortgages
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may reform a real estate mortgage to reflect the true intent of the parties, not its literal wording.
When an Employer's Right to Discipline Becomes Abuse of Rights: PCIB v. Gomez
The Supreme Court rules on when an employer's disciplinary actions cross the line into abuse of rights, clarifying civil court jurisdiction over damages claims.
Illegal Dismissal Requires Both Just Cause and Due Process: Noblado v. Alfonso
The Supreme Court clarifies that dismissal without just cause and due process is illegal, entitling workers to backwages and separation pay.
Finality Prevails: Understanding the Limits of Annulment of Judgment in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when annulment of judgment is available, distinguishing lack of jurisdiction from errors in exercising jurisdiction.
Guardian Convicted of Qualified Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness Against Minor
Supreme Court affirms conviction of a guardian for qualified rape of his 11-year-old ward, explaining key rules on statutory rape, delay in reporting, and damages.
Positive Identification and Alibi in Murder Cases: Lessons from People v. Cuesta
The Supreme Court explains when positive identification prevails over alibi and why sudden attacks do not always amount to treachery.
Loan Transfers and Corporate Rehabilitation: Clarifying Creditor Rights in Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on whether loan sale proceeds deposited with a creditor are covered by a loan transfer during corporate rehabilitation.
Navigating Corporate Disputes Ensuring Proper Court Assignment FOR Shareholder Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies that intra-corporate disputes wrongly raffled to a regular RTC branch should be transferred, not dismissed.
Upholding Judicial Accountability: Failure to Decide Cases and Its Consequences for Judges and Court Personnel
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges and court staff that misconduct and failure to follow lawful directives carry the ultimate administrative penalty.
Breach of Trust Dismissal for Court Employee Accepting Money From Litigants
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of court clerk who accepted money from litigants to process bail bond, ruling it constitutes grave misconduct.
Disbarment for Gross Immorality: When a Lawyer’s Private Conduct Ends the Legal Career
The Supreme Court disbars a Court of Appeals clerk for an adulterous affair, reaffirming that lawyers must uphold high moral standards in private life.
Discovery Rights in Administrative Proceedings: Balancing Efficiency and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies when modes of discovery may be denied in administrative cases, balancing efficiency with due process in PHIC proceedings.
Seafarer Death Benefits: Proving Suicide as a Defense Against Employer Liability
The Supreme Court explains when an employer may escape liability for seafarer death benefits by proving suicide as a willful act.
Stare Decisis in Retrenchment Cases: When Prior Rulings Bind Similar Claims
The Supreme Court applies stare decisis to deny reconsideration in a retrenchment case, affirming that identical issues and parties with common interest are bound by prior rulings.
Corporate Stock Transfers: Why Registration in Corporate Books Is Mandatory
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that unregistered stock transfers do not confer stockholder rights like voting or calling meetings.
Due Process in Membership Termination: The Imperative of Proper Notice in Non-Stock Corporations
Supreme Court ruling on Valley Golf clarifies that terminating a non-stock corporation membership requires proper notice under substantial justice principles.
Simulated Contracts: When a Deed of Sale Isn't Really a Sale
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a deed of sale is absolutely simulated and void, using Tanchuling v. Cantela as a guide.
Open Space vs Private Property: Resolving Subdivision Land Disputes in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling on when subdivision open spaces remain private property, and the limits of homeowners' claims over them.
Open Spaces and Private Land: What Talayan Village Teaches About Donations and Subdivision Parks
The Supreme Court ruled that a subdivision block used for years as a park remained private land because the donation of it was never accepted by the city government.
Upholding Integrity: Attorney Liability for Altered Notarial Documents
A lawyer who alters a notarized document without proper safeguards faces suspension and loss of notarial commission, as ruled by the Supreme Court.
Incestuous Rape: Upholding Parental Moral Ascendancy and Protecting Minor Victims
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of a father figure, clarifying force, minority as aggravating circumstance, and damages.
Breach of Trust When Employee Disloyalty Justifies Termination in the Philippines
When does employee disloyalty justify termination? The Supreme Court explains breach of trust doctrine in Philippine labor law.
Writ of Possession: Absolute Right After Ownership Consolidation
Foreclosure buyers gain an absolute right to possession once title consolidates. The Supreme Court explains the limits of appeals and stay orders.