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.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Agreed Upon Interest Rates in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court affirms 2% monthly interest on unpaid construction balance, enforcing contractual stipulations between owner and contractor.
Maintaining Professionalism: Lawyers' Duty to Courteous Conduct
Philippine Supreme Court rules on lawyer discipline for uncivil conduct toward fellow attorneys, citing Canon 8 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Proportional Representation in Electoral Tribunals: The Pimentel Case
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on proportional representation of party-list groups in the HRET and Commission on Appointments.
Checks as Guarantee in Loan Agreements: No Estafa Without Deceit
Supreme Court clarifies that postdated checks as loan guarantees do not constitute estafa absent proof of fraud or deceit.
Resolving Conflicting Supreme Court Decisions: The Doctrine of Law of the Case
When two Supreme Court divisions issue conflicting final rulings, the en banc resolves the impasse. Learn the law of the case doctrine.
Judicial Overreach Limits On MCTC Judges Granting Bail After Jurisdiction Transfer
MCTC judge fined for granting bail after jurisdiction transferred to RTC. Learn the limits of bail authority.
Can a Non-Party Be Bound by an Injunction? The Due Process Rule
A preliminary injunction binds only parties to the case. Here's what Mabayo Farms v. Santos means for due process.
Independent Counsel Requirement in Custodial Investigation: The Velarde Case
A mayor acting as counsel during custodial investigation is not independent, making confessions inadmissible and leading to acquittal.
Usury Law Suspension, Freedom to Contract, and Unconscionable Interest Rates in Loan Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether courts can reduce interest rates agreed upon by parties after the Usury Law suspension.
Optional Retirement and Illegal Dismissal: The Ondevilla Case on Security of Tenure
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's early retirement is voluntary, and the rights of illegally dismissed employees who reach compulsory retirement age.
Judges' Marriage Solemnization: Territorial Limits and License Requirements
A judge who solemnizes a marriage outside his court's jurisdiction or without a marriage license faces administrative liability, as this case shows.
Residential vs Agricultural Land: Resolving Land Use Classification and Tenant Rights
Supreme Court clarifies when land is residential and exempt from agrarian reform, plus the rules on irrevocable agency coupled with interest.
How the Supreme Court Sanctions Judicial Delay and Prosecutorial Nonfeasance in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court annulled an acquittal tainted by prosecutorial nonfeasance and judicial delay, reaffirming due process for offended parties.
Health Care Agreements vs Insurance Contracts: The Incontestability Clause Explained
The Supreme Court ruled that health care agreements are insurance contracts, so the incontestability clause applies to HMOs.
Execution Pending Appeal: Balancing Public Interest and Court Discretion in Insurance Claims
When can a winning party execute a judgment while the appeal is pending? The Supreme Court explains the "good reasons" standard in this insurance dispute.
Attorney Negligence: When a Lawyer's Lapses Cost Clients Their Case
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to file briefs, costing clients their property in a recovery case.
Conviction Upheld on Circumstantial Evidence Despite Accused's Escape in Rape-Homicide Case
Supreme Court affirms death penalty for rape-homicide based on circumstantial evidence, ruling escape waives right to appeal.
Gross Negligence of Counsel Reopening Cases for Fair Trial
When a lawyer's gross negligence deprives a client of a fair trial, courts may reopen the case to serve justice.
Negligence in Public Office: Defining the Scope of Duty and Responsibility
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative liability for negligence requires proof that the duty neglected was actually assigned to the public officer.
Clerk of Court Fined for Delayed Fund Remittance Despite Full Restitution
Supreme Court holds clerk of court administratively liable for delayed remittance of judiciary funds, imposing fine despite full restitution after retirement.
Priority in Litigation: Determining Which Case Prevails in Overlapping Contract Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts resolve overlapping contract disputes and which case prevails when judgments appear to conflict.
Upholding Contractual Agreements: Trust Receipts and Surety Agreements in Loan Obligations
The Supreme Court reaffirms that contracts are the law between parties, enforcing stipulated interest, penalties, and service charges in trust receipt loan transactions.
Interest on Penalties: The Limits of Compounding in Loan Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when interest may be charged on unpaid penalty charges in loan contracts, and when courts may reduce unconscionable penalties.
Foreclosure and the Right to Possession: Protecting Bank Assets in Liquidation
A bank in liquidation can still seek a writ of possession over foreclosed property. Learn the rules on jurisdiction, intervention, and redemption.