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.
Attorney Neglect: Upholding Diligence and Communication in Client Representation
A lawyer who forgets a client's case and fails to inform them of its status breaches the Code of Professional Responsibility and faces sanctions.
Rescinding a Land Sale in the Philippines: Why a Letter Is Not Enough
Philippine law requires a judicial or notarial act to rescind a sale of immovable property—even with an automatic rescission clause.
Breach of Trust: When a Lawyer's Actions Lead to Ethical Misconduct
When a lawyer solicits a client's letter then uses it against them, the Supreme Court says it is misconduct.
Upholding Workplace Conduct: Carrying Firearms in the Hall of Justice and Employee Rights
The Supreme Court rules on a court employee carrying a firearm in the Hall of Justice, finding misconduct and oppression while protecting employee rights.
Judicial Efficiency: The Imperative of Timely Case Resolution in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's delay in deciding a murder case underscores the constitutional mandate for courts to resolve cases within 90 days.
Prescription in Contract Disputes: The 10-Year Rule Under Philippine Law
Learn how the 10-year prescription period for written contracts works in the Philippines, and why delay can bar a valid claim.
PNB v. Ritrato Group: Suing the Wrong Party in Foreclosure Disputes
Learn why the Supreme Court dismissed an injunction suit against PNB, a mere attorney-in-fact, and how corporate veil piercing works.
Breach of Trust: The Supreme Court's Stance on Incestuous Rape and Parental Authority
A stepfather's rape conviction upheld, but death penalty reduced to reclusion perpetua for failure to prove minority and relationship.
Right of First Refusal Validity and Enforceability in Philippine Contract Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a right of first refusal is valid and enforceable in property and contract disputes.
Breach of Trust Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Witnesses
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, even without eyewitnesses or medical examination.
Accion Pauliana: When the Four-Year Clock Starts on Fraudulent Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the four-year prescriptive period for accion pauliana begins, protecting creditors from fraudulent conveyances by debtors.
Court Funds in Personal Accounts: A Lesson in Public Fiduciary Duty
Court employee fined for depositing court-entrusted funds in personal account. A lesson on public trust and ethics.
Res Judicata and Final Judgments: Why Property Disputes Cannot Be Relitigated
The Supreme Court explains how res judicata bars relitigating property disputes, using the Avisado v. Rumbaua case as a guide.
Upholding Stockholder Rights Derivative Suits AND Corporate Governance IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies derivative suits, stockholder standing, and jurisdiction over intra-corporate disputes under RA 8799.
Consolidation of Cases: Ensuring Comprehensive Justice and Preventing Inconsistent Rulings
When related cases involve the same parties, Philippine courts may order consolidation to ensure comprehensive, consistent resolution of all issues.
Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in the Philippines: Summary Judgment and Forum Non Conveniens
Philippine courts explain when summary judgment is proper in enforcing foreign judgments and when forum non conveniens applies.
Upholding Attorney Accountability A Lawyers Duty TO Clients Despite FEE Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer's duty to clients despite fee disputes, jurisdictional rules, and carrier liability for passenger safety.
Strict Accountability for Court Funds: Consequences for Clerks of Court Mismanagement in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on clerk of court liability for mismanaged judiciary funds, emphasizing strict accountability and administrative consequences.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Fraud and Mismanagement as Grounds for Corporate Liability
The Supreme Court explains when courts may disregard corporate fiction and why mere control or mismanagement is not enough.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as a Valid Ground for Dismissal: The Vitarich Case
Philippine law requires more than an employer's mere assertion of lost trust to justify dismissal. Learn the rules from Vitarich v. NLRC.
Breach of Trust: Parental Rape and Child Protection Laws in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court affirms death penalty for father who raped his 12-year-old daughter, clarifying parental authority and rape laws.
Sheriffs Duty in Judgment Execution: Avoiding Excessive Levy and Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriffs' duty to avoid excessive levy in judgment execution and the consequences of misconduct.
Public Trust Betrayed: Rape on a Bus and the Duty of Care in Philippine Public Transportation
The Supreme Court affirms a bus driver's rape conviction, highlighting the vulnerability of passengers and the high duty of care owed by public transport operators.
Justice Delayed IS Justice DenIED: Judicial Delay and Your Rights in the Philippines
When judges fail to decide cases on time, the public suffers. Learn the rules on judicial delay and your remedies.