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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Lawyer Suspended for Borrowing from Client: Anacay v. Alberto Explained
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years for borrowing money from a client without protecting the client's interests, reaffirming strict fiduciary duties.
Understanding Interest on Final Judgments: A Guide for Property Owners and Legal Professionals
The Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest begins to run on final money judgments against government agencies, protecting property owners' rights.
Navigating Public Office Integrity: Misconduct and Government Contracts
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public official's dealings with interested parties in government contracts amount to grave misconduct, not just simple misconduct.
When Signing an Inspection Report Is Not Dishonesty: Insights from Gaspar v. Field Investigation Office
The Supreme Court clarifies when signing an inspection report does not amount to serious dishonesty or conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Proper Party in Reversion Cases: AFAB v. F.F. Cruz and State Ownership of Public Lands
When can a government agency sue to cancel titles over public lands? The Supreme Court clarifies reversion actions and real party in interest rules.
Loan Agreements and Interest Rates: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when banks may impose penalty charges and compound interest under loan restructuring agreements.
When Is a Loan Interest Rate Unconscionable in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court explains when a monthly interest rate on a loan becomes unconscionable and void, and what rate applies instead.
Understanding Just Compensation in Philippine Expropriation: Landmark Ruling on Interest Rates
The Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest accrues on unpaid just compensation in expropriation cases, citing Republic v. Heirs of Francisco.
Understanding Lawyer Negligence: Protecting Your Legal Rights and Interests
When a lawyer fails a client, the consequences can be severe. Learn what constitutes lawyer negligence and how the Supreme Court protects clients' rights.
Court Employee Liability for Unauthorized Pamphlet Distribution: A.M. No. 2019-11-SC
A Supreme Court employee was held liable for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service for facilitating unauthorized pamphlet distribution to justices' offices. Learn the rules.
Conflict of Interest in Legal Practice: The Fine Line Lawyers Must Navigate
When can a lawyer's business venture become a conflict of interest? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on lawyer loyalty and competing businesses.
Understanding Conflict of Interest: A Lawyer's Duty of Loyalty in Settlement Negotiations
When does a lawyer's settlement talk with the opposing party become a conflict of interest? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of a lawyer's duty of loyalty.
Republic v. Heirs of Bernabe: Who May Sue for Reversion of Former Military Lands
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Republic, not the BCDA, is the real party in interest in reversion cases involving former military reservations.
Mortgage Sales and Interest Claims: Lessons from DBP v. Heirs of Danico
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when buyers of mortgaged property become liable for interest and how mortgage obligations are enforced.
Defamation and Public Interest: Balancing Freedom of the Press and Protection of Reputation
Philippine law balances press freedom and reputation protection. Learn the rules on defamation and public interest.
Storage Fee Disputes: Key Lessons From a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when storage fees are collectible and how interest applies, offering key lessons for businesses and clients.
Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service: SC on Inordinate Delay
The Supreme Court clarifies when the period for inordinate delay begins in Ombudsman cases, citing Quemado v. Sandiganbayan.
Court Employees and Private Loans: When Public Office Creates a Conflict of Interest
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a court or government employee's private loan becomes an administrative offense, and the proper remedy for dismissed complaints.
Credit Card Debt in the Philippines: Interest Rates, Obligations, and the Uysipuo Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies how credit card interest rates are computed and when courts can reduce unconscionable charges.
Final Judgments Bind Successors in Interest: The Calubad Property Rule
A final court judgment binds buyers and mortgagees who acquire property after the ruling. Learn the Calubad case and due diligence lessons.
Disbarment for Lawyer Misconduct: Conflict of Interest and Deceit in Philippine Legal Practice
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer who deceived his client and profited from a compromise agreement, clarifying disciplinary proceedings are independent of civil cases.
Real Party in Interest in Unlawful Detainer: Lessons from Collao v. Albania
The Supreme Court clarifies who may sue for unlawful detainer and why procedural technicalities should not delay eviction cases.
Just Compensation Interest Rates and Payment Delays in Agrarian Reform
Learn how the Supreme Court rules on interest for delayed agrarian reform compensation, including the reckoning date and applicable rates.
Civil Registry Corrections: Why Impleading All Interested Parties Matters
The Supreme Court explains why correcting a birth record requires impleading all affected parties, not just publication.