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.
Extrajudicial Contract Rescission in the Philippines: Reclaiming Property Without Court Intervention
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a party may extrajudicially rescind a contract and retake property, and when court action becomes necessary.
Statute of Limitations in Philippine Contract Law: The 10-Year Rule for Written Contracts
Learn the 10-year prescriptive period for written contracts in the Philippines, when it starts, and how the Supreme Court applied it in a stock pledge dispute.
When Is Circumstantial Evidence Enough for a Conviction in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when circumstantial evidence suffices for conviction, using an estafa case against a judge as the backdrop.
Breach of Trust vs Criminal Intent: Understanding Estafa in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that estafa through abuse of confidence does not require criminal intent—breach of trust suffices.
Amended Complaints and Court Jurisdiction: The Que v. Court of Appeals Rule
Amending a complaint to add parties or claims does not automatically strip a Philippine court of jurisdiction if the original cause of action remains intact.
Missed Deadlines Lost Cases Understanding Appeal Periods IN Philippine Real Estate Disputes
Learn how a 15-day appeal period in HLURB cases can bar your claim, from the SGMC Realty case.
Breach of Client Trust: Lawyer Misconduct and Disciplinary Action in the Philippines
When lawyers in government betray public trust, they face disciplinary action. The Supreme Court explains the rules on lawyer misconduct.
Enforcing Court Orders: Why Sheriffs and Judicial Restraint Matter in Philippine Cases
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lease rescission, execution pending appeal, and the limits of a sheriff's power to enforce court orders.
Extrajudicial Rescission of Lease Agreements: A Guide for Philippine Landlords and Tenants
Learn how extrajudicial rescission of lease contracts works in the Philippines, including legal grounds, notice requirements, and practical tips for landlords and tenants.
Lawyer Suspended for Deceit in Client Property Dealings: A Lesson in Professional Trust
A Supreme Court ruling suspends a lawyer for one year for gross misconduct in handling a client's property, underscoring fiduciary duties.
Due Process in Preliminary Investigations: Raro v. Sandiganbayan Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that defects in a preliminary investigation do not automatically invalidate an information or violate due process.
Finality of Judgment and the Limits of Post-Decision Remedies in Disbarment Cases
A disbarred lawyer's belated motion to reopen his case fails before the doctrine of finality of judgment, earning him contempt and fines.
Judicial Accountability: Why Delayed Case Resolution Undermines Justice
Supreme Court holds judge liable for three-year delay in resolving a case, reinforcing the constitutional mandate of speedy disposition.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Misconduct Upholding Fiscal Responsibility in the Philippine Judiciary
Supreme Court dismisses a clerk of court for grave misconduct, emphasizing the judiciary's strict fiscal accountability standards.
Attorneys Fees and Simulated Sales: Protecting Lawyers' Rights in the Philippines
A lawyer's right to collect contingent fees can extend to challenging simulated sales that defeat payment, as the Supreme Court ruled in Alberto v. Court of Appeals.
Contract of Sale vs Contract to Sell: Key Differences and Legal Implications
Philippine Supreme Court explains the difference between a contract of sale and a contract to sell, and why the distinction matters in real estate disputes.
Non-Compete Clauses and Preliminary Injunctions: Time Limits and Mootness in Philippine Employment Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how non-compete clauses affect preliminary injunction validity, time limits, and mootness in employment disputes.
Jurisdictional Boundaries Resolving Employer Employee Damage Claims IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that labor arbiters, not regular courts, have exclusive jurisdiction over employer damage claims arising from employment.
Labor vs Civil Law: Who Hears Employer Damage Claims Against Employees?
Supreme Court clarifies that employer claims for damages against dismissed employees fall under Labor Arbiter jurisdiction, not regular courts.
Due Process and Judicial Conduct: When Speedy Action Becomes Abuse of Authority
A judge who ruled on a motion before the scheduled hearing was fined for violating due process. Learn the rules on notice and hearing.
Defining Jurisdiction: Courts vs Energy Regulatory Board in Overcharging Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that regular courts, not the ERB, hear disputes over electric overcharging and recovery of sums.
Delayed Baggage Claims: When Airlines Avoid Moral and Exemplary Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when delayed baggage delivery triggers only limited damages, not moral or exemplary awards.
Breach of Banking Duty: Bank Liable for Mortgage Fraud Due to Negligence in Identifying Impostors
Philippine Supreme Court holds bank liable for mortgage fraud when it failed to verify impostors' identity, applying the last clear chance doctrine.
Unilateral Rescission Limits in Philippine Contract Law: PNCC v. Mars Construction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unilateral rescission, contract interpretation, and damages in PNCC v. Mars Construction (G.R. No. 133909).