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.
Dishonesty in Public Office: The Price of False Entries and Delayed Deposits
A cashier's false cashbook entry and delayed bank deposits amount to dishonesty, warranting dismissal from government service.
Final Judgments and Clerical Errors: The PhilHealth v. Chinese General Hospital Case
When a final judgment contains a clerical omission, courts may clarify it by reading the decision as a whole.
Reversion of Land: Balancing State Ownership and Good Faith Improvements
When land reverts to the State, what happens to improvements planted in good faith? The Supreme Court provides guidance.
Donation Mortis Causa vs Inter Vivos: Understanding Estate Transfers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a donation is mortis causa, not inter vivos, and why formalities of a will matter.
Fair Valuation in Agrarian Reform: Just Compensation Under R.A. 6657
The Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation for lands acquired under P.D. 27 must follow R.A. 6657 and DAR regulations, not outdated formulas.
Condominium Ownership for Foreign Nationals: Property Rights Under the Condominium Act
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that foreigners may own condominium units under RA 4726, separating land ownership from unit ownership.
Debt Recovery Execution: Waiver of Demand and Proving Overlevy
Learn when a sheriff's failure to demand payment is excused and how to prove overlevy in execution sales under Rule 39.
Investment or Loan? The Estafa Trap in Misrepresented Business Ventures
When a business deal fails, is it a breach of contract or estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies when false pretenses turn a failed investment into a criminal offense.
Breach of Trust and Qualified Theft: When Employee Misconduct Justifies Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's theft against a co-worker constitutes a valid cause for termination under Philippine labor law.
Guarantor's Defense of Excussion: What the Supreme Court Requires
Explaining the benefit of excussion for guarantors under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Bitanga v. Pyramid Construction.
Altered Checks and Holder in Due Course Protection Under the Negotiable Instruments Law
Supreme Court ruling on drawee bank liability for altered checks and holder in due course protection under the Negotiable Instruments Law.
Unconscionable Interest Rates: Protecting Borrowers From Excessive Loan Costs
The Supreme Court affirms that monthly interest rates of 5% to 7% are unconscionable and may be reduced to 12% per annum.
Breach of Duty and Mitigating Circumstances: Balancing Justice and Compassion in Public Service Misconduct
When a clerk of court faces dismissal for fund shortages, mitigating circumstances can temper the penalty. The Supreme Court explains how.
Parol Evidence Rule and Oral Agreements in Lease Contracts: Key Lessons from Amoncio v. Benedicto
When can oral agreements modify a written lease? The Supreme Court explains the parol evidence rule and its exceptions.
Heirship and Filiation: Proving Inheritance Rights in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on proving filiation through baptismal certificates and the rights of heirs in property disputes.
Conditional Sale Buyers' Rights and Sellers' Obligations After Partial Payment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies buyer and seller rights in contracts to sell, including when a buyer can demand a deed of absolute sale.
Perfecting Appeals: Strict Observance of Timelines in Labor Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court enforces strict appeal deadlines in labor cases and why missing them is fatal to a party's cause.
Extrajudicial Termination Clauses in Lease Agreements: What the Supreme Court Says
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lessor may validly terminate a lease and repossess property without court action under Philippine law.
Simulated Sales: When Continued Possession Trumps a Deed of Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on simulated sales: continued possession and tax payments can nullify a deed of absolute sale.
When a Financing Company Is Not a Mortgagee in Good Faith: Lloyd's Enterprises v. Dolleton
A financing firm that failed to inspect a mortgaged property cannot claim good faith. Learn the due diligence rule from this 2008 case.
SEC Authority Validating Stock and Transfer Books Over Intra-Corporate Disputes
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that the SEC has regulatory jurisdiction to validate and cancel stock and transfer books.
Sheriffs Must Execute Writs Promptly: Lessons from Dacdac v. Ramos
A sheriff's four-year delay in issuing a certificate of sale drew administrative liability. Learn the rules on execution of judgments.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Choosing the Right Path for Legal Review in the Philippines
Learn when to file a petition for certiorari versus an appeal under Rule 45, explained through a Philippine Supreme Court labor case.
Gross Negligence and Project Employment: Protecting Employee Rights Against Unjust Dismissal
Learn how the Supreme Court defined gross negligence and project employment in Belle Corporation v. Macasusi, protecting employees from unjust dismissal.