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.
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Mortgagee in Bad Faith: Title Defects and Lender Responsibility in Real Estate Transactions
When a mortgagor lacks title at the time of mortgage, lenders cannot claim good faith protection. Learn from Claudio v. Saraza.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Directors Face Personal Liability for Corporate Debts
The Supreme Court clarifies when corporate directors may be held personally liable for corporate debts, requiring clear and convincing evidence of bad faith or fraud.
Rescission OF Contract Upholding Landowner Rights Against BAD Faith Purchasers
Public Officials' Liability for Negligence in Handling Public Funds: The Luspo Doctrine
Supreme Court ruling on public officials' liability for negligence in disbursing public funds, explaining accountable officer duties and bad faith requirements.
Casino Chips, Ownership, and the Presumption of Title: Subic Bay Legend Resorts v. Fernandez
A casino confiscated chips from two players, claiming they were stolen. The Supreme Court ruled on ownership, possession, and bad faith.
Public Officials Must Answer Letters Within 15 Days: Lessons from Bueno v. Ombudsman
The Supreme Court affirms that public officials must respond to public queries within 15 working days, even without bad faith.
Moral Damages for Illegal Suspension: Bad Faith and Due Process in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Airlines v. Montinola: illegally suspended employees can recover moral and exemplary damages when the employer acts in bad faith or denies due process.
Malicious Prosecution Establishing BAD Faith IN Filing Baseless Lawsuits
Upholding Attorneys Good Faith Erroneous Legal Advice Without Malice IS NOT Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lawyers are not liable for honest mistakes or erroneous advice absent proof of malice or bad faith.
Bargaining in Good Faith: The Fine Line Between Firm Positions and Unfair Labor Practices
When does a company's hardline stance in CBA talks become bad faith bargaining? The Supreme Court clarifies the line.
Breach of Warranty Against Eviction: A Seller's Duty to Defend Property Title
When a seller's gross negligence in defending title causes the buyer's eviction, the seller acts in bad faith and must pay damages under Article 1555 of the Civil Code.
Invalid Retrenchment: Bad Faith Termination and Employee Rights to Reinstatement and Backwages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on invalid retrenchment, bad faith termination, and employee rights to reinstatement with full backwages.
Upholding Attorney Duty Truthfulness in Legal Filings and the Scope of Disciplinary Actions
The Supreme Court clarifies that bad faith in graft cases requires dishonest purpose, not mere error or negligence.
Abuse of Rights Damages Awarded for Bad Faith Demand Letter to Employee's Company
Supreme Court affirms damages against employer for bad faith demand letter accusing employee of theft despite receipt.
Breach of Contract and Good Faith in Security Service Agreements: Adriano v. Lasala
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unlawful termination of security service contracts, bad faith, and damages under Civil Code.
Res Judicata Bars NHA From Relitigating Bad Faith in Land Expropriation Case
The Supreme Court rules that conclusiveness of judgment prevents the NHA from re-arguing ownership and bad faith issues already settled in prior final cases.
When a Lawyer Buys His Client’s Land: Double Sale and Bad Faith Under Philippine Law
A lawyer who bought land his clients had already purchased lost the case. The Supreme Court explains double sales, bad faith, and unregistered land rules.
Unregistered Land Sales: Priority Rights and a Lawyer's Ethical Duty
When a lawyer buys his client's land, bad faith and conflict of interest can void the sale. Learn the rules on unregistered land priority.
Gross Negligence in Cash Advances Is Breach of Public Trust: Bacasmas v. Sandiganbayan
Public officials who approve irregular cash advances face graft liability. The Supreme Court explains gross negligence, bad faith, and conspiracy in Bacasmas v. Sandiganbayan.
Banks Must Exercise Higher Diligence: Land Bank v. Poblete on Mortgage in Bad Faith
When a bank accepts a mortgage over property it failed to verify, it risks losing protection as a mortgagee in good faith.
Reconveyance and Good Faith: When a Torrens Title Is Not Enough
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a Torrens title obtained in bad faith may be defeated by an action for reconveyance by one with a better right.
When a Motion to Dismiss Fails: Bad Faith and Trust Claims Must Go to Trial
The Supreme Court clarifies that allegations of bad faith and implied trust cannot be resolved in a motion to dismiss but require full trial.
Bad Faith in Unregistered Land Sales and Trust Disputes: Belle Corp. v. De Leon-Banks
When can a buyer of unregistered land be sued for bad faith? The Supreme Court clarifies pleading rules in trust and property disputes.
Supreme Court Acquits IMC General Manager But Affirms Convictions in P116M Graft Case
SC ruling clarifies evident bad faith in graft cases, acquitting an IMC official who relied on subordinates while affirming convictions of others.