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.
Syndicated Estafa Liability and Investor Protection Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court affirms syndicated estafa conviction under PD 1689, clarifying liability of corporate officers and investor protection.
SEC Approval Needed to Trade Securities: SC Clarifies Probable Cause in Securities Fraud
Supreme Court clarifies when SEC approval is needed to trade securities and the limits of probable cause review in securities fraud cases.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Director Liability in Investment Fraud Cases
When can directors be personally liable for corporate fraud? The Supreme Court's ruling in Virata v. Ng Wee provides clear guidance.
Stockholder Rights to Corporate Records Survive SEC Revocation, SC Rules
Supreme Court affirms that a stockholder's right to inspect corporate records continues even after SEC registration is revoked, upholding criminal liability of officers who refuse access.
Corporate Representation: The Necessity of Board Resolutions in Legal Actions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers need board resolutions to file or defend legal actions, and the limits of derivative suits.
Summary Judgment vs Trial: Protecting Rights in Contract Disputes
How the Supreme Court protects judgment debtors from irregular execution sales in contract disputes, and what it means for your rights.
Breach of Contract: Temperate Damages Awarded for Failure to Deliver Property Titles
Supreme Court awards temperate damages to buyer when developer failed to deliver deeds and titles, explaining when such damages apply.
Securities Deposit Immunity Protecting Policyholders Interests IN Insurance Contracts
Learn how the Supreme Court protects policyholders' interests through the securities deposit immunity rule in insurance contracts.
Surety Liability After Foreclosure: Carodan v. China Banking Corporation
When a bank releases a principal debtor's collateral, a surety may still be liable for the deficiency if the surety agreement expressly allows it.
Illegal Dismissal: PAL's Duty to Prove Valid Retrenchment Explained
Philippine Airlines failed to prove valid retrenchment, making employee dismissals illegal. Learn the burden of proof employers must meet.
Surety Agreements: Solidary Liability and Waiver of Rights in Loan Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on surety liability, accommodation mortgagors, and waiver clauses in loan deficiency claims.
Lawyer Suspended for Dishonoring Obligations and Issuing Bouncing Checks
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for issuing worthless checks and evading debts, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Cash Deposit or Counter Bond: The Only Ways to Discharge an Attachment in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that only cash deposits or counter-bonds can discharge a writ of attachment—not real property.
Upholding Stockholder Rights Jurisdiction In Intra Corporate Disputes Involving Sequestered Entities
The Supreme Court clarifies that intra-corporate disputes involving sequestered firms belong to the RTC, not the Sandiganbayan.
When a Corporate Club Member Changes Nominees: Who Pays the Membership Fee?
Supreme Court ruling on whether a golf club can charge new membership fees when a corporate member replaces its designated nominees.
Corporate Membership Dues: Who Pays When Nominees Change
Supreme Court rules on whether golf clubs can charge new membership fees when corporate members replace their nominees.
Election Controversies Determining Jurisdiction In Proxy Validation Disputes
When a proxy dispute affects director elections, regular courts—not the SEC—have jurisdiction. Learn the rule from this case.
Land Reclassification and CARP Coverage: Prior Zoning Determines Exemption
When does a zoning ordinance exempt land from agrarian reform? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on land classification and CARP coverage.
Mergers and Documentary Stamp Tax: Clarifying Tax Obligations in Corporate Restructuring
The Supreme Court clarifies when documentary stamp tax applies to property transfers in corporate mergers under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Bidding Rules and Government's Right to Reject: Protecting Public Interest in Privatization
Supreme Court affirms government's right to reject bids in privatization auctions, protecting public interest over bidder expectations.
Electronic Fund Transfers and Documentary Stamp Tax: Navigating Tax Laws in the Digital Age
The Supreme Court ruled that electronic fund transfer instructions are not bills of exchange subject to documentary stamp tax under Section 181.
Mootness Doctrine: When Supervening Events Make Court Cases Academic
Learn how the mootness doctrine works in Philippine civil procedure, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Republic v. Manalo.
When Can the Ombudsman Issue Preventive Suspension: Safeguarding Public Trust
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of the Ombudsman's preventive suspension power and when courts may intervene to protect public officials.
SEC Suspension Order as a Valid Defense in B.P. 22 Cases: Gidwani v. People
When a lawful SEC suspension order precedes check presentment, the drawer may be excused from B.P. 22 liability.