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.
Admonishing Delay in Executing Final Judgments: A Lesson for Judges
Sandiganbayan justices admonished for delaying execution of a final conviction, highlighting the ministerial duty to implement judgments promptly.
Theft in Telecommunications: Defining International Simple Resale and the Limits of Search Warrants
The Supreme Court clarifies that international simple resale constitutes theft under Philippine law and explains the rules on search warrants.
Rehabilitation vs Secured Interests: Balancing Creditor Rights in Corporate Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how corporate rehabilitation balances secured creditors' rights with the need for equal treatment and recovery.
Seafarers' Rights: Timely Medical Exams and Disability Claims Under the POEA-SEC
A seafarer's disability claim survives if the employer fails to provide timely post-employment medical examination, as ruled in Career Philippines v. Serna.
Sheriffs' Duty of Timely Execution and Reporting: Lessons from Vicsal v. Dela Cruz-Buendia
A sheriff's failure to file timely returns and furnish parties copies constitutes simple neglect of duty, as ruled in Vicsal Development Corp. v. Dela Cruz-Buendia.
Credit Card Obligations Without Signed Agreements: When Interest Rates Bind
Supreme Court rules on credit card debt when no signed agreement exists, and when interest charges may be unenforceable.
Redundancy Programs Balancing Business Needs AND Employee Rights IN THE Philippines
Understand Philippine redundancy rules through Morales v. Metrobank: valid termination requires good faith, fair criteria, proper notice, and separation pay.
Order of Battle and the Writ of Amparo: Proving a Real Threat to Life, Liberty, and Security
The Supreme Court clarifies when inclusion in a military Order of Battle amounts to a real threat warranting amparo protection.
Formal Will Requirements: Strict vs Substantial Compliance in Probate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when defective attestation clauses invalidate wills, distinguishing strict from substantial compliance under Civil Code Articles 805 and 809.
Establishing Filiation: Clear and Convincing Evidence Required for Support Orders in the Philippines
Philippine courts require clear and convincing evidence to establish filiation for child support. Learn the legal standards and practical implications.
Preliminary Injunction and Foreclosure: When Mortgagors Can Stop a Sale
The Supreme Court clarifies when a mortgagor may obtain a preliminary injunction to stop an extrajudicial foreclosure sale.
Brokers Entitlement to Commission: The Efficient Procuring Cause in Real Estate Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a real estate broker earns a commission, the efficient procuring cause rule, and written authority contracts.
Judicial Conduct and Impropriety: Upholding Public Trust in the Judiciary
A judge's jail visits to solicit inmate signatures constituted simple misconduct, underscoring the duty to avoid impropriety.
Judicial Accountability: The Price of Delay in Rendering Decisions
This article examines the Supreme Court's ruling on the consequences of delayed decisions and the importance of judicial accountability in the Philippine legal system.
Foreclosure vs Rehabilitation: When a Stay Order Takes Effect
A stay order in corporate rehabilitation does not undo a foreclosure completed before the petition. Ownership matters.
Balancing Security and Liberty: Substantial Evidence in Amparo and Habeas Data Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the evidentiary standard for amparo and habeas data petitions, balancing national security concerns with individual liberty.
Proof of Notice in B.P. 22 Cases: Registry Receipt Alone Insufficient
In B.P. 22 cases, a registry return receipt alone cannot prove notice of dishonor. Learn what evidence the prosecution must present.
Sheriffs Must Execute Writs Promptly: The Timely Enforcement Duty in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs have a ministerial duty to execute writs promptly, with no discretion to delay absent a court order.
Bad Faith in Unregistered Land Sales and Trust Disputes: Belle Corp. v. De Leon-Banks
When can a buyer of unregistered land be sued for bad faith? The Supreme Court clarifies pleading rules in trust and property disputes.
Untangling Time: When Does the Clock Start Ticking for Relief from Judgment?
Explaining the 60-day and 6-month periods for filing a petition for relief from judgment under Rule 38, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Court of Tax Appeals an
Supreme Court Acquits IMC General Manager But Affirms Convictions in P116M Graft Case
SC ruling clarifies evident bad faith in graft cases, acquitting an IMC official who relied on subordinates while affirming convictions of others.
Revival of Judgment: When Does the Clock Start Ticking on Prescription in Civil Actions?
Learn when the 10-year prescriptive period for reviving a judgment starts and how interruptions affect the deadline, explained in plain language.
Upholding Client Confidentiality When Prior Representation Bars Subsequent Claims
A lawyer who sued a former client for a new client violated the duty against conflicting interests, earning a one-year suspension.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: When a Formal Hearing Is Not Required
The Supreme Court clarifies that due process in administrative cases does not always require a full formal hearing, as long as the respondent is given an opportunity to be heard.