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.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Parent Companies Face Liability for Labor Violations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when parent companies can be held liable for subsidiaries' labor violations, explained for employees and businesses.
Reimbursement Rights When a Payor Can Recover Debt Paid on Another's Behalf
When can a co-maker recover payment made on a debtor's loan? The Supreme Court explains Article 1236 reimbursement rules.
Construction Disputes: Substantial Completion and Liquidated Damages in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when 95% substantial completion bars liquidated damages in construction disputes under CIAP rules.
Continuing Security: How Future Debts Can Affect Real Estate Mortgages in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how a real estate mortgage can secure future loans, not just the original debt, through continuing guaranty clauses.
Custodia Legis and Garnishment: The BSP v. Judge Lanzanas Ruling
Funds in custodia legis cannot be garnished without court approval. The Supreme Court's ruling in BSP v. Judge Lanzanas explains why.
Unrestricted Retained Earnings and the Appraisal Right of Dissenting Stockholders
When can a dissenting stockholder sue to collect the fair value of shares? The Supreme Court clarifies the timing rule.
HLURB Jurisdiction Over Condominium Disputes: Peralta v. De Leon Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed HLURB's exclusive jurisdiction over condominium buyer-developer disputes in Peralta v. De Leon.
Conditional Settlement Agreements: Are They Binding in Philippine Labor Disputes?
The Supreme Court ruled on whether a "conditional" settlement of a labor judgment award is valid and binding, and its effect on pending appeals.
When Banks Dishonor Checks: The Citibank v. Dinopol Case on Fiduciary Duty and Damages
The Supreme Court ruled that banks must exercise the highest degree of diligence, holding Citibank liable for dishonoring a check over a P58.33 charge.
GSIS Pension Rights: Recovering Retirement Benefits After a Wrongful Denial
Learn how the Supreme Court protects government retirees' pension rights, even when GSIS initially approved benefits under the wrong law.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Mishandling Court Funds: A Lesson in Accountability
The Supreme Court ruled on the severe consequences for clerks of court who mishandle judiciary funds, emphasizing their duty as custodians of public money.
Pawnshops and VAT: Clarifying Tax Exemptions for Non-Bank Financial Intermediaries
The Supreme Court clarifies that pawnshops, as non-bank financial intermediaries, were not liable for VAT in 2000 due to deferred effectivity.
Bank Not Subsidiarily Liable Without Clear Obligation: Prudential Bank v. Abasolo
Supreme Court rules a bank is not subsidiarily liable for a loan officer's alleged promises absent a clear obligation or written request.
Reinstatement Rights of Police Officers After Acquittal: The Roaquin Case
When can a discharged police officer demand reinstatement and back pay after acquittal? The Supreme Court explains in Calinisan v. Roaquin.
Cityhood Laws and the Constitutional Criteria for Creating Philippine Cities
The Supreme Court struck down 16 cityhood laws for violating the Constitution's requirement that city creation follow Local Government Code criteria.
Buyers Can Suspend Payments When Title Is Clouded: Daleon v. Tan
When a property's title is clouded by an adverse claim, buyers may stop paying installments without risking forfeiture of their downpayment.
Contract to Sell Default: When Sellers Can Cancel and Keep the Property Off the Market
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a buyer's failure to pay installments in a contract to sell justifies cancellation by the seller.
Void Sale of City-Owned Market Stall: Refund of Price Under Article 1412
When a sale is void because the seller lacked authority to sell city property, the buyer may still recover the price paid under Article 1412.
Void Contracts and Recovery: The Good Faith Exception Under Article 1412
When a contract is void for illegality, can an innocent party recover what was paid? Magoyag v. Maruhom explains the good faith exception.
Demand Is Key to Rescission Rights in Philippine Contract Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that demand is essential before rescission or foreclosure rights can be exercised under contract law.
When Cross Collateral Clauses Clash With Verbal Agreements: Understanding Mortgage Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies that bank branch managers cannot verbally alter mortgage contracts containing cross-collateral or dragnet clauses.
Upholding Government Authority When Public Interest Overrides Private Land Claims In Expropriation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on expropriation, public interest, and limits of private land claims against government authority.
Torrens Title Prevails Over Unregistered Deed in Possession Dispute
Supreme Court rules registered owners have better right to possession than occupants holding unregistered deeds, even notarized ones.
Safeguards Against Unjustified Power Disconnection Protecting Consumer Rights
Learn how Philippine law protects consumers from unjustified power disconnection and what rights you have against utility providers.