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.
Jurisdiction vs Exercise of Jurisdiction: Upholding Court Authority Despite Procedural Errors
The Supreme Court clarifies that jurisdiction over labor cases persists despite procedural lapses, and rules on retirement age, CBA benefits, and tax refund claims.
Partnership Disputes: Absence of Formalities Does Not Negate Partnership Existence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a partnership may exist without formal documents, based on the parties' intent and conduct.
Dragnet Clauses in Mortgages: Limits on Securing Future Debts with Existing Collateral
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a dragnet clause in a real estate mortgage covers future loans, and when separate security prevails.
Equitable Interest When Mortgage Rates Clash With Legal Limits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on redemption rights, mortgage rates, and legal limits in Banco Filipino case.
Lease After Foreclosure Overrides Writ of Possession: Philippine Rule
A post-foreclosure lease between mortgagor and mortgagee creates a new relationship, making ejectment, not writ of possession, the proper remedy.
Redemption Rights Strict Compliance AND THE Limits OF Repurchase Agreements After Foreclosure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict compliance with statutory redemption periods and limits of repurchase agreements after foreclosure.
Corporate Identity and Loan Obligations: Name Change Does Not Excuse Debt Payment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a corporate name change or bank identity affects loan obligations and surety liability.
The Counter Bond Conundrum: Ensuring Fair Attachment in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts should compute counter-bonds to discharge preliminary attachment, preventing excessive demands on debtors.
Authority Matters: Why Verbal Assurances From Bank Clerks Can't Seal Property Deals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why verbal assurances from bank clerks cannot validate property transactions, and the importance of proper authority.
Homeowner Rights vs Developer Authority Clarifying Subdivision Regulations in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a homeowner's Torrens title can be subdivided, and a bank's liability for releasing a mortgaged owner's duplicate certificate.
Breach of Duty Accountability for Negligence in Bank Appraisal
Court personnel must avoid any act that diminishes public faith in the judiciary; misuse of office warrants dismissal.
Third-Party Complaints: When Can a Defendant Implead Another Party?
Learn when Philippine courts allow third-party complaints and why a mere business connection between transactions is not enough.
Court Clerk Dismissed for Misappropriating Judiciary Funds: Lessons on Fiduciary Duty
Supreme Court dismisses court clerk for misappropriating P171,450 in judiciary funds, underscoring strict accountability for court personnel.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Misappropriating Judiciary Funds: Sollesta v. Mission
Supreme Court dismisses a clerk of court for converting P171,450 in judiciary funds, ruling restitution does not erase administrative liability.
Emancipation Patent Cancellation: Land Cultivation and Tenant Rights Under Agrarian Reform
Supreme Court ruling on when an emancipation patent can be cancelled for violating agrarian reform rules on personal cultivation and tenancy.
Usufruct Rights and Survey Authority: Determining Land Boundaries in NHA v. Court of Appeals
A look at how the Supreme Court resolved conflicting surveys over a seven-hectare usufruct, and the rules on boundary determination.
Venue Stipulations in Promissory Notes Extend to Surety Agreements
When a promissory note fixes an exclusive venue, that stipulation binds the surety agreement supporting it, the Supreme Court rules.
Judicial Accountability: Independent Evaluation Required Before Dismissing Criminal Cases
Supreme Court holds judges liable for granting motions to dismiss without independent review, notice, and hearing.
Judicial Ethics and Impartiality: When a Judge's Errors Become Gross Ignorance of the Law
A judge's hasty grant of reinvestigation and dismissal without notice or hearing amounts to gross ignorance of the law, violating judicial ethics.
Psychological Incapacity and Marital Damages: Reconciling Grounds for Nullity and Liability
Explains why damages cannot be awarded when a spouse's acts stem from psychological incapacity, and how property is divided in void marriages.
Foreclosure Validity: Proper Notice and Publication in Extrajudicial Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies posting and publication requirements for valid extrajudicial foreclosure sales under Act No. 3135.
Letters of Credit and Attorney-in-Fact Duties: Land Bank's Dual Role Explained
Supreme Court clarifies a bank's limited role under letters of credit versus its fiduciary duties as attorney-in-fact in export collections.
Bouncing Checks Law: Insufficient Funds and the Necessity of Demand
Understand BP 22's rules on insufficient funds, notice of dishonor, and when demand is truly required.
When a Recommender Is Not Liable: Civil Liability After an Acquittal in Estafa
Explaining when a person who recommends an investment can be held civilly liable after an acquittal in an estafa case.