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.
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.
Bank Liability for Premature Foreclosure and Dishonored Deposits
When can a bank be liable for damages? The Supreme Court rules on premature foreclosure, dishonored checks, and bad faith.
Indispensable Parties Protecting Mortgagee Rights In Title Nullification Suits
When a title nullification suit omits the mortgagee, the resulting judgment is void. The Supreme Court explains why.
Mortgagee as Indispensable Party in Title Nullification Suits: Key Lessons
A mortgagee must be joined in suits to nullify a Torrens title; otherwise, the resulting judgment is void for lack of jurisdiction.
Prescription in Anti-Graft Cases: When Does the Clock Start Ticking?
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period for anti-graft cases begins, distinguishing discovery from commission of the offense.
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.
Lawyer Suspended for Negligence: The Duty to File Briefs and Protect Clients' Rights
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for failing to file appellant's brief, causing delay in client's criminal appeal and violating professional responsibility rules.
Kidnapping for Ransom: Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on kidnapping for ransom, positive identification, alibi, conspiracy, and damages under Article 267.
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.
Sheriff’s Neglect of Duty: When Failure to Implement a Writ Means Dismissal
The Supreme Court held a sheriff liable for grave misconduct and gross dishonesty for failing to implement a writ of preliminary attachment and mishandling funds.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails in Drug Possession Case: People v. Mariano
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession accused where prosecution evidence fails to prove possession beyond reasonable doubt.
Reversion of Land When Imperfect Titles Threaten Public Domain
Supreme Court explains when the government can seek reversion of land registered under imperfect titles, and the limits of that remedy.
Baseless Administrative Complaints Against Judges: Lessons from Manahon v. Judge Tan
The Supreme Court dismissed a baseless administrative complaint against a judge, reinforcing that substantial evidence is required and frivolous charges will be reprimanded.
Safeguarding Free Speech: The Unconstitutionality of Election Survey Publication Bans in the Philippines
Why the Supreme Court struck down the ban on publishing election surveys before elections as an unconstitutional prior restraint on free speech.
Tax Exemptions Are Strictly Construed: The Sea-Land Service Ruling
Philippine tax exemptions are strictly construed. Learn how the Supreme Court denied a US shipping firm's tax refund claim in Sea-Land Service, Inc. v. CIR.
Option Contract vs Contract to Sell: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between an option contract and a contract to sell in real estate transactions.
Arbitration Clauses and Third Parties: When Courts Refuse to Stay Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when arbitration clauses bind only signatories and why courts may deny suspension of proceedings for non-parties.
Sublessees Rights Establishing Superiority Over THE Original Lessors Claim IN Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when sublessees can assert rights superior to an original lessor's claim in property disputes.
Buyer Beware: Understanding Delivery Delays and Liabilities in Philippine Sales Contracts
Learn how Philippine courts treat conditional sales, court approval requirements, and seller liability when property sales face delays.