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.
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.
Unutilized Creditable Withholding Tax: Proving Claims for Refund or Tax Credit
The Supreme Court clarifies what a taxpayer must prove to claim a refund of unutilized creditable withholding taxes, and what need not be proven.
Overcoming Jurisdictional Hurdles in Philippine Property Disputes: The Philippine Veterans Bank Case
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified jurisdictional boundaries between courts and DARAB in expropriation cases involving agrarian reform lands.
Breach of Trust: Dismissal for Dishonesty and Grave Misconduct in Philippine Courts
A clerk of court's falsified receipts and unreported collections led to dismissal for dishonesty and grave misconduct in this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Clerks of Court Accountability: Fiduciary Funds and Gross Neglect of Duty
The Supreme Court holds court personnel liable for gross neglect of duty over mishandled fiduciary funds, even after retirement and restitution.
Proof of Service in Philippine Courts: Why Proper Documentation Matters
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling on court fund mismanagement underscores the importance of proper documentation and accountability in Philippine courts.
Court Efficiency and Accountability Penalties for Mismanaged Court Records
A Supreme Court ruling on court clerks fined for gross neglect of duty in handling fiduciary funds and records.
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.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: How Filing Similar Cases Can Get Your Suit Dismissed
Learn how the Supreme Court defines forum shopping in the Philippines and why filing similar cases can lead to dismissal with prejudice.
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.
Sheriff's Duty in Extrajudicial Foreclosure: When Stubborn Reliance on Obsolete Rules Costs a Career
A sheriff's dismissal for gross neglect of duty in extrajudicial foreclosure shows why court officers must keep abreast of procedural rules.
Liquidation Court Jurisdiction Over Claims Against Insolvent Banks in the Philippines
When a bank is placed under liquidation, all claims against it—including annulment and damages suits—must be filed with the liquidation court.
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.
Bank Liability for Dishonored Checks: Protecting Your Credit and Reputation
When a bank dishonors a check for an amount not yet due, it may be liable for damages. Learn from the Citibank v. Dinopol case.
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.
Right of First Refusal in Lease Agreements and Property Sales in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lessee's right of first refusal when leased property is sold, explained in plain language.
When Can Employees Be Fired for Participating in a Strike in the Philippines
Philippine law protects rank-and-file strikers from dismissal for mere participation in an illegal strike, but union officers face stricter liability.
Partial Summary Judgments: Why They Are Not Immediately Executable
A partial summary judgment is interlocutory, not final. It cannot be executed while the main case is pending, explains Philippine Business Bank v. Chua.
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.
Finality of Judgments: Understanding Immutability and Exceptions in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the doctrine of finality of judgments and its exceptions in a labor case involving illegal dismissal and retirement.
Continuing Suretyship Scope and Enforceability in Loan Renewals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a continuing suretyship covers renewed credit facilities and subsequent loan availments.
Protecting Possessory Rights When A Writ Of Possession Cannot Override Third Party Claims
When a third party actually possesses foreclosed property under an adverse claim, a writ of possession is not ministerial. Learn the rule.
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.