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.
Mortgage Foreclosure in the Philippines: Protecting Your Rights Against Unilateral Interest Rate Hikes
Learn how the Supreme Court protects borrowers from unilateral interest rate hikes and what notice is required in Philippine mortgage foreclosures.
Conditions vs. Warranties in Philippine Sales Contracts: The Power Commercial Case
Learn how Philippine law distinguishes contract conditions from warranties, and when a seller's failure to deliver possession justifies rescission.
Consequences of Neglecting Duty: A Philippine Court Clerks Case
A clerk's neglect of duty can lead to administrative liability. This article explains the legal standards and consequences for court personnel in the Philippines.
Seaworthiness and Insurance Subrogation in Philippine Maritime Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on shipowner liability for unseaworthy vessels, insurer subrogation rights, and the limited liability rule.
When Stockholder Disputes Belong to the SEC: Garcia v. Court of Appeals
A stockholder's damages suit against another stockholder may still be an intra-corporate dispute under SEC jurisdiction, not regular courts.
Solidary Liability Holding Principals Accountable FOR Wage Violations OF Contractors IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine labor law holds principals solidarily liable for wage violations of their contractors and the rules on valid dismissal.
Medical Malpractice Proving Negligence and the Doctrine of Res Ipsa Loquitur in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts apply res ipsa loquitur in medical malpractice cases and what patients must prove to establish negligence.
When Can a Judge Be Held Liable for Taking Bribes: A Philippine Case Study
A Supreme Court ruling on judicial misconduct shows when a judge can be dismissed for bribery and corrupt practices.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Are Company Officers Liable for Corporate Debts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when corporate officers and close corporation stockholders can be held personally liable for separation pay.
Constructive Trusts Protecting Beneficiaries From Abuse OF Confidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive trusts, fiduciary duty, and remedies for abuse of confidence in property relations.
When Is Dismissal Justified for Employee Misconduct in the Philippines
Philippine law on employee misconduct: when dismissal is justified, what constitutes serious misconduct, and the due process requirements employers must follow.
Negligence Trumps Fortuitous Events: Service Shops Must Insure Customer Vehicles
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a service shop's failure to insure customer property makes it liable for loss by fire, even if the fire is a fortuitous event.
Earnest Money and Conditional Obligations: Navigating Real Estate Sales in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on earnest money, conditional obligations, and what happens when a seller fails to deliver in Philippine real estate sales.
Verbal Agreements to Sell Property: When Are They Enforceable in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when oral contracts to sell real property are enforceable and why buyers must prove readiness to pay.
Liability for Damage to Stored Goods: Negligence and Interest Rates Explained
A warehouse operator's negligence can mean paying for damaged goods. Learn the rules on liability and the correct interest rates.
When Can Dishonesty Lead to Employee Termination? A Philippine Labor Law Perspective
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when dishonesty justifies dismissal, distinguishing serious offenses from minor lapses in this labor law case analysis.
Contract of Sale vs. Contract to Sell: Key Differences Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains the crucial distinction between a contract of sale and a contract to sell, and why the label on the document does not always determine the true agreement.
Investment or Loan? Understanding Estafa and Fiduciary Duty in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a failed investment becomes estafa under the Revised Penal Code, and why fiduciary duty matters.
Clerks of Court Responsibilities Liabilities and Breaches of Trust
A Supreme Court ruling on the dismissal of a clerk of court who failed to remit Judiciary Development Fund collections, and the duties of court cash custodians.
Just Cause Termination for Workplace Fighting: The Royo Case and Due Process in the Philippines
When can an employer fire an employee for fighting? The Royo case clarifies serious misconduct as just cause and the due process required.
Consequences of Neglecting Fiduciary Duties: A Guide for Philippine Government Officials
Learn how a judge's four-year delay in remitting court funds led to a P20,000 fine for gross neglect of duty.
Liquidated Damages in Lease Agreements: Enforceability and Practical Implications
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when liquidated damages in lease contracts are enforceable and how courts treat penalty clauses.
Estafa vs Breach of Contract: When a Civil Wrong Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when failure to return leased property crosses from civil breach to criminal estafa, requiring criminal intent.