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.
When Public Duty and Private Conduct Collide: A Judge’s Venue Ruling Upheld
The Supreme Court affirms a judge’s dismissal of a case for improper venue, clarifying exclusive venue stipulations in loan contracts.
When Can NEA Administrators Suspend or Remove Electric Cooperative Officers
Supreme Court clarifies when NEA administrators may validly suspend or remove electric cooperative officers under PD 269.
Upholding Decorum: Judicial Employees' Duty to Maintain Respect and Civility in the Workplace
Court employees must maintain civility and respect at all times. Gross discourtesy warrants suspension under Civil Service rules.
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.
GSIS v. Villamayor: When Illness Is Not Work-Related, No Death Benefits
Supreme Court denies GSIS death benefits for breast cancer death, ruling claimants must prove work connection, not just illness.
Premature Partition: Estate Settlement Before Property Distribution
When heirs can and cannot demand partition of a decedent's property before estate settlement proceedings are completed.
When Can Cases Be Reassigned? Understanding Judicial Inhibition and Venue Transfer
The Supreme Court clarifies when cases may be transferred to another judge after inhibition, and why venue transfer is not automatic.
Tax Refund vs Deficiency: The Rules on Set-Off in Philippine Tax Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when tax refunds can be set off against tax deficiencies, and the limits of compromise agreements in tax settlements.
Judicial Reconstitution of Lost Titles and the Limits of the Bercede Guidelines
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may rely on "other documents" to reconstitute lost titles, and how the Bercede guidelines apply.
Suspended Sentences for Juvenile Offenders: Limits and Implications in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a juvenile offender cannot get a suspended sentence, even under RA 9344.
Mandatory Arbitration Prevails: Contractual Disputes Must Go to Arbitration First
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: when a contract has a mandatory arbitration clause, parties must arbitrate before going to court.
Right of First Refusal in Property Sales: Understanding Legal Obligations
Learn how Philippine courts treat right of first refusal in property sales, including the rules on offers, counter-offers, and legal redemption.
Official Duty vs Criminal Liability: Defining Boundaries in Government Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials face criminal liability for anomalous government transactions despite claims of mere ministerial duty.
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.
Quorum in Nonstock Corporations: Counting Only Living Voting Members
Supreme Court ruling on quorum in nonstock corporations—dead members excluded, only living voting members count.
SEC Retains Power to Execute Decisions in Pending Intra-Corporate Cases
Supreme Court rules the SEC may enforce its final decisions in intra-corporate cases retained under Section 5.2 of the Securities Regulation Code.
Warranty Against Eviction: Why Buyers Must Implead the Seller in Eviction Suits
Buyers who lose property to third-party claims must implead the seller in the eviction suit to enforce the warranty against eviction under Philippine law.
Faulty Substituted Service of Summons: When Courts Fail to Acquire Jurisdiction
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when substituted service of summons is invalid, and why courts fail to acquire jurisdiction over defendants.
Structural Integrity vs Superficial Damage: What Property Buyers Must Know About Warranties
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when cracks and leaks in a purchased property justify a refund or damages under the law.
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.
Philippine Supreme Court Upholds Consumer Rights Publication Required FOR Electricity Rate Hikes
The Supreme Court ruled that electricity rate hike applications must be published and opened for public comment, protecting consumer rights under the EPIRA.
Dismissal of Administrative Complaint Against Court Interpreter: Burden of Proof in Administrative Cases
Administrative complaints require substantial evidence; mere allegations and assumptions are insufficient to hold court personnel liable for misconduct.
Military Discipline vs Civilian Courts: Jurisdiction Over Service-Connected Offenses
Supreme Court clarifies when military personnel face court-martial for service-connected offenses under RA 7055, citing the Oakwood mutiny case.
Default Judgments and Due Process: What Civil Litigants Must Know
A bus company was declared in default for missing trial. The Supreme Court clarified the rules on default, due process, and procedural rights.