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.
Certiorari Dismissed Untimely Appeals AND THE Finality OF Judgments
Explore how the Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of a Rule 65 petition, reinforcing the finality of judgments and the limits of certiorari.
Health Care Agreements: Insurers Must Prove Pre-Existing Conditions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who bears the burden of proving pre-existing conditions in health care agreements, and insurer liability for damages.
Co-Ownership Consent and the Limits of Property Rights in the Philippines
One co-owner's consent cannot authorize construction on common property. The Supreme Court explains forcible entry rules in co-ownership disputes.
Mutuality of Contracts: The Limits of Bank Discretion in Setting Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that unilateral interest rate setting violates mutuality of contracts, but the principal loan obligation remains valid and enforceable.
Breach of Trust: When Workplace Conduct Undermines Employer Confidence
Supreme Court ruling on when managerial employees may be validly dismissed for breach of trust and loss of confidence.
BPI v. Reyes: Physical Evidence Prevails in Bank Deposit Dispute
Supreme Court explains preponderance of evidence in bank deposit disputes, ruling physical evidence outweighs bare testimony.
Demurrer to Evidence: Insufficient Proof in Customs and Anti-Graft Cases Leads to Dismissal
When prosecution evidence fails to establish a prima facie case, a demurrer to evidence may lead to dismissal. The Supreme Court explains.
Teachers Reassignment Balancing Rights AND Educational Needs
Explains when public school teachers may be validly transferred or reassigned, citing the Supreme Court ruling in Superintendent of City Schools v. Azarcon.
Timeshare Contracts and SEC Registration: What Buyers Should Know
Supreme Court clarifies that unregistered timeshare sales violate the Securities Act, and buyers may rescind such contracts.
Hospital Liability for Consultant Doctors: The Doctrine of Apparent Authority
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on hospital liability for consultant physicians' negligence under apparent authority and corporate negligence doctrines.
Enforcing Contractual Obligations: Valid Payment and the Courts' Supervisory Role
When may a buyer rescind a timeshare contract? The Supreme Court clarifies registration rules, rescission periods, and appeal deadlines.
Breach of Trust, Dishonesty, Misconduct, and Accountability in Public Service
The Supreme Court's ruling in Mangandingan v. Adiong on judicial misconduct, raffle manipulation, and accountability in public service.
Cohabitation and Ethical Standards: Defining Immorality in the Judiciary
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when cohabitation by court employees amounts to grossly immoral conduct warranting administrative discipline.
Credibility of Witness Testimony in Rape Cases: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how victim credibility determines guilt beyond reasonable doubt in statutory rape cases.
Rape Conviction: Why Specificity in Criminal Charges and Evidence Matters
A look at People v. Zamoraga, where the Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction, explaining how credible victim testimony and precise charges secure a guilty verdict.
Finality Prevails Withdrawing Appeal Bars Subsequent Modification of Judgment
Withdrawing an appeal makes a judgment final and executory. The Supreme Court explains why courts cannot later modify it.
Loan vs Malversation: When Public Funds Become Private After Ownership Transfer
When does public money stop being public? The Supreme Court clarifies how a loan transfers ownership and defeats malversation charges.
Agrarian Reform Just Compensation and Timely Valuation of PD 27 Lands
When are PD 27 lands valued for just compensation? The Supreme Court clarifies the date of taking and applicable law.
Burden of Proof: Uncorroborated Testimony Insufficient to Establish Liability in Damages Claim
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why a plaintiff's sole, uncorroborated testimony cannot establish liability in a damages claim.
Rehabilitation Proceedings: The "Serious Financial Situation" Requirement for Corporate Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the "serious situation test" for corporate rehabilitation petitions under the Interim Rules, citing Pryce Corporation v. Court of Appeals.
Certiorari and Grave Abuse of Discretion: Limits on Reviewing Judicial Actions in Damage Suits
The Supreme Court explains when certiorari may question judicial rulings, distinguishing errors of jurisdiction from errors of judgment.
When Apparent Authority Binds a Corporation: Lessons from Filipinas Life v. Pedroso
When can a corporation be liable for its agent's unauthorized acts? The Supreme Court explains apparent authority and ratification in Filipinas Life v. Pedroso.
Bidding Required Government Contracts Must Ensure Fair Competition
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when public bidding is mandatory for government service contracts and why negotiated awards violate fair competition.
Protecting Children Credibility IN Rape AND Lasciviousness Cases Involving Minors
The Supreme Court affirms that minor inconsistencies do not destroy a child rape victim's credibility, explaining why delay in reporting is justified.