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.
Solidary Liability of Sureties: Understanding Your Obligations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that sureties solidarity liable with a debtor cannot use corporate rehabilitation stay orders to delay or avoid payment obligations.
Verification and Certification Against Forum Shopping: Why All Petitioners Must Sign
A single unsigned verification can dismiss a case. Learn the strict rules on certification against forum shopping from Formoso v. PNB.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Stockholders Become Liable for Corporate Debts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when stockholders may be held personally liable for corporate debts, including unpaid subscriptions and the trust fund doctrine.
Constructive Dismissal and Optional Retirement: The Ondevilla Case
The Supreme Court clarifies constructive dismissal, optional retirement age, and separation pay in illegal dismissal cases involving managerial employees.
Certiorari and Evidence: Court of Appeals Can Receive New Proof in Special Civil Actions
When may the Court of Appeals admit new evidence in a certiorari case? The Supreme Court clarifies in this foreclosure dispute.
Just Compensation in Land Reform: Ensuring Fair Value for Agricultural Landowners in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation is computed for agricultural landowners under CARP, including DAR formula rules and compensable areas.
SSS Death Benefits: Does Legal Separation Bar a Spouse’s Claim?
Legal marriage alone does not guarantee SSS death benefits—surviving spouses must prove actual dependency, especially after separation.
Can a Bank Foreclose the Entire Loan on a Partial Mortgage? Philippine Supreme Court Rules
Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether a bank may foreclose a real estate mortgage for the full loan amount when only part of it was secured by the property.
Neglect of Duty in Public Service: Timely Delivery of Court Funds and Reports
Court employee fined for simple neglect of duty after failing to deposit collections on time and submit monthly reports.
Unmarried Couples and Property Rights in the Philippines: Proving Co-Ownership
Unmarried couples in the Philippines must prove actual joint contribution to co-own property. Learn the rules from Lacbayan v. Samoy.
Mortgage Obligations and Appeal Rights in Real Estate Disputes
The Supreme Court rules on mortgage obligations, appeal periods, and writs of execution in a dispute between borrowers and PNB.
When Quitclaims and Waivers Over Agrarian Land Are Void: Lessons from Lebrudo v. Loyola
Philippine Supreme Court explains when waivers over agrarian reform land are void, protecting farmer-beneficiaries from losing their awarded property.
Understanding Land Ownership Restrictions Under Philippine Agrarian Reform: The Lebrudo vs Loyola Case
The Supreme Court explains the 10-year ban on selling or transferring agrarian reform lands, and why waivers violating it are void.
When Refusing a Boss's Order Is Not Willful Disobedience: Lores Realty v. Pacia
Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes willful disobedience under Article 282 of the Labor Code and when an employee's refusal is justified.
Conditional Certifications vs Bank Guarantees: When a Bank Is Not Liable
Supreme Court clarifies when a bank's conditional certification of a credit line application does not constitute a binding bank guarantee.
Burden of Proof in Illegal Dismissal Cases: Establishing the Fact of Dismissal First
In illegal dismissal cases, employees must first prove the fact of dismissal before the burden shifts to the employer. Exodus v. Biscocho explains this rule.
Breach of Contract and Bank Negligence: Protecting Clients' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for negligence in terminating credit lines and dishonoring checks without proper notice.
Understanding Novation in Philippine Contract Law: When Can Agreements Be Modified
Learn when a new contract can replace an old one under Philippine law, based on a 2011 Supreme Court ruling on novation.
Mortgage Priority Good Faith Trumps Subsequent Attachment In Property Disputes
Supreme Court ruling on mortgage priority, good faith, and why unregistered attachments don't defeat prior real estate mortgages.
Dismissed Appeal: The Perils of Non-Compliance with Rules of Court
A dismissed appeal shows why strict compliance with Rule 44 on appellant's briefs is mandatory, not optional.
Lateral and Subjacent Support: Excavation Limits for Adjacent Landowners in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the legal easement of lateral and subjacent support between adjacent landowners and its effect on property titles.
Redirect Examination Waiver and Court Discretion: Soriano v. Mendoza-Arcega
When a trial court may deem redirect examination waived due to a party's delay, and why appellate courts will uphold that discretion.
PDIC Investigation vs Examination: When Is Monetary Board Approval Required
The Supreme Court clarifies when PDIC needs Monetary Board approval—investigation and examination are distinct powers under the PDIC Charter.
Contract to Sell vs Dacion en Pago: Protecting Subdivision Lot Buyers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how PD 957 protects subdivision lot buyers even when a developer transfers the property to a bank through dacion en pago.