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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Navigating Sequestration: Why Court Approval Is Mandatory for Disposing of Assets in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why sequestered assets, including dividends, cannot be sold without Sandiganbayan approval.
Trademark Territoriality and Bad Faith Registration in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies territoriality principle and bad faith in trademark registration under R.A. 166 in Shangri-La case.
Surrender of Leased Property: Padlocking Doesn't Always Mean Continued Possession
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when padlocking a surrendered leased unit does not amount to continued possession, and explains the rules on surrender.
Dishonesty in Public Office: Understanding Administrative Liability in the Philippines
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Apolinario v. Flores on administrative liability for dishonesty, double jeopardy, and substantial evidence.
Philippine VAT Zero-Rating for Services: The "Doing Business Outside the Philippines" Requirement
Supreme Court clarifies VAT zero-rating for services requires the recipient to be doing business outside the Philippines, not just payment in foreign currency.
Habeas Corpus as a Remedy for Excessive Penalties: Understanding Sentence Reclassification in the Philippines
When can habeas corpus challenge an excessive penalty? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of sentence reclassification under R.A. 8353.
Enforcing Arbitration: Why Contract Validity Doesn't Always Matter in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains the separability doctrine: an arbitration clause survives even if the main contract is challenged.
Philippine LAW Owner Liability FOR Contractor Debts Understanding Article 1729
When can a building owner be held liable for a contractor's unpaid debts? The Supreme Court explains Article 1729 of the Civil Code.
Online Psychological Abuse and Higher Penalties Under RA 9262 and the Cybercrime Law
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for online psychological abuse under RA 9262 and raises the penalty because the offense was committed through Facebook.
Breach of Trust: When Can a Manager Be Dismissed in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when employers may validly dismiss managerial employees for loss of trust and confidence.
Judge Dismissed for Extramarital Affair: High Court Reinforces Judicial Morality Standards
Supreme Court dismisses judge for gross immorality over extramarital affair and child, suspends him from law practice for three years.
Scope of a Doctor's Duty: No Administrative Liability for Patient's Departure Against Medical Advice
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that doctors are not administratively liable when a patient leaves against medical advice, defining the scope of medical duty.
Bouncing Checks and Unconscionable Interest: BP 22 Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when unconscionable loan interest affects criminal liability for bouncing checks under BP 22.
Lost Titles and Land Disputes: When a Lost Title Isn't Really Lost
The Supreme Court clarifies that a petition to replace a "lost" title requires proof of actual loss—a jurisdictional fact that cannot be assumed.
Construction Contract Disputes: Why Written Agreements and Arbitration Decisions Matter
A Supreme Court ruling on construction disputes shows why written agreements and final arbitration decisions matter in Philippine law.
Upholding Timely Justice: The Consequences of Neglect for Court Stenographers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court holds court stenographers accountable for delayed transcripts, reinforcing the duty to ensure speedy justice for all.
When Government Officials Are Personally Liable for Audit Disallowances
The Supreme Court explains when public officials may be held personally liable for disallowed government expenditures, and when good faith approval is enough.
Personal Liability of Public Officials: Good Faith as a Defense Against COA Disallowances
When can a public official be personally liable for COA disallowances? The Supreme Court clarifies the good faith defense in Salva v. COA.
Breach of Trust: A Lawyer's Duty to Client Property in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyers who took a client's car as payment, explaining the fiduciary duty over client property.
Final Judgment IS Final Understanding Immutability IN Philippine Courts
Learn how the doctrine of immutability of judgment prevents courts from altering final decisions, with insights from a Philippine Supreme Court case.
When Must Private Entities Account for Government Funds? Campomanes v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies when private individuals receiving government funds must render accounts to the COA, and when they cannot be held liable under Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code.
When Courts Can Compel Disclosure of Foreign Currency Deposits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may compel banks to disclose foreign currency deposits despite the secrecy rule under RA 6426.
Tax Clearance Not Required for BSP-Ordered Bank Liquidation in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling: banks closed by the BSP and liquidated by PDIC need not secure a BIR tax clearance before asset distribution.
Double Jeopardy in Labor Disputes: Res Judicata and Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
Learn how res judicata bars relitigation of illegal dismissal claims, using the Supreme Court's ruling in Williams v. Days Hotel.