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.
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Sheriff Dismissed for Accepting Unofficial Payments From Litigants
Supreme Court dismisses sheriff for receiving P100,000 in direct payments from litigants, ruling such conduct constitutes serious dishonesty.
Piece-Rate Workers Are Regular Employees Entitled to Security of Tenure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that piece-rate payment does not negate regular employment, and abandonment requires proof of intent.
When a Car Purchase Goes Wrong: Establishing Liability in Sales Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a person who receives payment and issues a receipt in a car sale can be held liable as a seller.
Procedural Lapses in Filing Fees Do Not Erase Civil Liability in Swindling Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that underpayment of docket fees based on clerk assessment does not bar recovery of damages in estafa cases.
Eminent Domain Prompt Payment Mandate FOR Government Infrastructure Projects
Supreme Court clarifies RA 8974's 100% zonal value prompt payment rule applies to inverse condemnation cases for government projects.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Client's Ejectment Case Despite Full Payment of Fees
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to file an ejectment case after accepting full payment, despite client's forgiveness and settlement.
Immutability of Judgments in Foreclosure Interest Calculations and Redemption Rights
Supreme Court clarifies that final judgments on foreclosure interest cannot be modified, and redemption rights lapse without payment.
Irrevocability in Tax Overpayments: Refund vs Carry-Over Options Explained
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on when a tax overpayment option becomes irrevocable, and what it means for corporate taxpayers in the Philippines.
Breach of Contract and Estafa: Developer Liability for Unfulfilled Property Sale
When a developer fails to deliver titles after full payment, both civil and criminal remedies may apply. The Supreme Court clarifies when estafa and P.D. 957 violations arise.
Expiration vs Non-Payment: Demand Letter Requirements in Unlawful Detainer Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a demand letter is required before filing an unlawful detainer case, distinguishing lease expiration from non-payment.
When Court Employees Overstep: The Caoili Case on Judicial Misconduct
A clerk of court dismissed for grave misconduct after leaking an unsigned order, procuring lawyers, and receiving monthly payments from a litigant.
Mutual Contract Termination Does Not Waive Payment Claims in Construction Disputes
Supreme Court ruling on DPWH v. CMC/Monark Joint Venture clarifies that mutual termination of a construction contract does not extinguish valid payment claims.
Mutual Termination of a Construction Contract Does Not Erase Unpaid Obligations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that mutually terminating a government construction contract does not waive the contractor's right to collect payment for work already completed.
Withholding Tax Obligations: When Final Withholding Tax Becomes Due
Learn when final withholding tax obligations arise under Philippine tax law, based on a Supreme Court ruling on interest payments.
Rehabilitation Denied: The Imperative of Financial Viability in Corporate Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that corporate rehabilitation requires proven financial viability, not just creditor payment delays.
When Banks Can Refuse Payment: B.P. 22 and Bank Closure in Cu v. SB Corp.
Supreme Court ruling on B.P. 22 liability when a bank is closed by the Monetary Board and placed under PDIC receivership.
Sheriff's Duty to Properly Handle and Liquidate Funds in Court-Ordered Actions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs must deposit execution expenses with the Clerk of Court, not receive direct payments.
Check Fraud Liability: When a Drawee Bank Can Recover From a Collecting Bank
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a drawee bank can avoid liability for unauthorized check payments and how drawers can recover directly from negligent collecting banks.
Kidnapping for Ransom: When Illegal Detention Meets Extortion
The Supreme Court explains when detention becomes kidnapping for ransom and how continued demands for payment support a separate robbery charge.
Good Faith AND Government Liability Protecting Public Officials From Personal Liability IN Disallowed Payments
Agent's Duty to Prioritize Principal's Interests: Lessons from a Carnapped Vehicle Case
When a bank-agent failed to file an insurance claim for a carnapped vehicle and demanded full payment instead, the Supreme Court ruled it breached its fiduciary duty.
Lease Agreements and Assignment of Rights: Clarifying Obligations and Remedies
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how assignment of rights affects lease agreements, including rescission rules and payment obligations.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When Payment Becomes Final Despite a Reversed Award
A Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability benefits, the 120-day rule, and when conditional payment becomes final satisfaction of judgment.
SSS Contribution Remittance: Non-Payment Makes Corporate Officers Criminally Liable
Corporate officers can face jail time for failing to remit SSS contributions. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.