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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Upholding Notarial Duty Consequences FOR Incomplete AND Improperly Executed Documents
A notary public who notarized deeds with missing signatures and absent parties faces suspension and commission revocation, as ruled by the Supreme Court.
Quantum Meruit and Government Contracts: Fair Compensation for Completed Projects
When can a contractor recover payment from the government without a written contract? The Supreme Court explains quantum meruit.
Constructive Dismissal: When a "Voluntary" Resignation Is Not Voluntary at All
The Supreme Court clarifies when a signed resignation letter is actually constructive dismissal, protecting employees from forced resignations disguised as voluntary acts.
Revoking a Surety Agreement: Proving Timely Notice and Release from Liability
A surety who sends a timely revocation letter by registered mail can escape liability—provided the notice is properly proven and received.
Corporate President's Authority to Sign Demand Letters and Verification in Unlawful Detainer
Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate president may validly issue demand letters and sign pleadings without a board resolution.
Upholding Attorneys Duty Demand Letters AND Ethical Boundaries IN Legal Representation
Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's demand letter is legitimate advocacy versus unethical extortion, dismissing disbarment case against Atty. Freddie Feir.
UCPB Liability as Assignee in Real Estate Development: What Buyers Should Know
Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a bank-assignee of receivables becomes liable to condominium buyers for a developer's failure to complete a project.
Expiration vs Non-Payment: Demand Letter Requirements in Unlawful Detainer Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a demand letter is required before filing an unlawful detainer case, distinguishing lease expiration from non-payment.
When Verbal Termination of Lease Ends the Need for a Demand Letter in Unlawful Detainer
The Supreme Court clarifies when a demand letter is unnecessary in unlawful detainer cases, particularly involving month-to-month verbal leases.
Mutual Termination of a Construction Contract Does Not Erase Unpaid Obligations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that mutually terminating a government construction contract does not waive the contractor's right to collect payment for work already completed.
Negligence in Notarial Practice: Revocation and Disqualification for Incomplete Certificates and Improper Reco
A notary's incomplete certificates and sloppy register entries led to perpetual disqualification from notarial practice and one-year suspension from law.
Ethical Boundaries in Attorney Communications: Lessons from Buenviaje v. Magdamo
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for calling an opposing party a "swindler" and "fugitive" in a letter to a bank, reminding attorneys that zealous advocacy has limits.
HMO VAT Assessments Void Without Letter of Authority: Medicard Case
Supreme Court voids HMO VAT assessment without Letter of Authority; only service fees, not earmarked medical funds, are taxable gross receipts.
BIR Assessments Without a Letter of Authority Are Void for Lack of Due Process
Philippine Supreme Court voids BIR deficiency assessments issued without a Letter of Authority, and clarifies HMO gross receipts for VAT.
Construction Delays and Liquidated Damages: Defining Substantial Completion in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when liquidated damages stop accruing in construction delays—actual substantial completion, not projections, matters.
Enforceability of Oral Contracts: Protecting Contractors' Rights Through Quantum Meruit
Oral contracts are binding in the Philippines. Learn how quantum meruit protects contractors who complete work without written agreements.
Conspiracy and Probable Cause in Corporate Criminal Cases: The Ient v. Tullett Prebon Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies when conspiracy and probable cause establish criminal liability for corporate officers under the Corporation Code.
Supreme Court: Early Retirement Must Be Voluntary—Illegal Dismissal Ruling Against Letran
SC rules an employee cannot be retired early without express consent; Letran liable for illegal dismissal, separation pay, and backwages.
Project Employees: When Length of Service Does Not Mean Regular Employment
Supreme Court clarifies that project employees may be validly terminated upon project completion, even after years of continuous service.
Correspondent Banks' Right to Reimbursement in Dishonored Letters of Credit
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on correspondent banks' right to reimbursement when letters of credit are dishonored, explained in plain language.
Substantial Completion and Contract Termination in Construction Disputes: PSHS v. Pirra Construction
When is a project substantially completed, and when can a government agency terminate a construction contract? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Lawyer Suspended for Abusive Language in Demand Letter: A Lesson in Professional Conduct
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for using abusive, offensive language in a demand letter, reaffirming Rule 8.01 of the CPR.
Ethical Boundaries: Lawyers' Duty to Avoid Abusive Language in Professional Dealings
The Supreme Court reminds lawyers that demand letters must remain respectful, not abusive or defamatory, under Rule 8.01 of the CPR.
Supreme Court Reverses on Bt Eggplant Field Trials, Dismisses Case as Moot
The Supreme Court reverses its 2015 ruling on Bt talong field trials, dismissing the case as moot due to completed permits and a new regulatory framework.