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.
Implied Lease Renewals and Right of First Refusal: What Tenants Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that implied lease renewals do not revive a tenant's right of first refusal unless expressly agreed.
Ensuring Integrity in Drug Busts: The Crucial Role of Witnesses and Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, stressing that third-party witnesses must be present during arrest and seizure, not just inventory.
Understanding Robbery With Rape Legal Insights AND Victims Rights IN THE Philippines
Learn about robbery with rape in the Philippines, including legal definitions, penalties, and victims' rights under Philippine law.
Brokers Entitlement Establishing Procuring Cause IN Real Estate Joint Ventures
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a real estate broker earns a commission in a joint venture deal, explained in plain language.
Ensuring Integrity in Drug Busts: The Critical Role of Chain of Custody in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody—what Section 21 requires and why witness presence matters.
Timely Filing of Motions: Why Service on Counsel Matters in Philippine Courts
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified that notice to counsel, not the party, determines the timeliness of motions in Philippine litigation.
Consent in Contracts: Supreme Court Voids Mortgage for Lack of Genuine Agreement
Supreme Court voids mortgage where a bank misled an elderly woman into signing a loan document she believed was a mere guarantee.
Matibag v. Dangerous Drugs Board: CES Eligibility and Security of Tenure Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that Career Service Executive Eligibility (CSEE) alone does not guarantee security of tenure in CES positions.
Limits of Post-Judgment Examination: Protecting Third-Party Rights in Execution
Third-party claimants can vindicate ownership of levied property through independent actions without being penalized for exercising their right to litigate.
Divorce Abroad: How Philippine Courts Recognize Foreign Decrees After Galapon v. Republic
The Supreme Court clarifies that foreign divorce decrees obtained jointly by a Filipino and alien spouse may be recognized under Article 26(2) of the Family Code.
Substantial Compliance in Verification: When Procedural Lapses Still Cost the Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that substantial compliance with verification rules cannot excuse a belatedly filed motion for reconsideration in civil cases.
Notarial Duties and the High Cost of Sloppy Document Authentication
A lawyer who notarized documents without checking identities or proper forms faces suspension and revocation of his notarial commission.
When Procedural Lapses Yield to Substantial Justice: The Latogan Doctrine
The Supreme Court in Latogan v. People relaxed procedural rules to prevent a grave injustice, protecting a defendant's right to appeal a murder conviction.
Breach of Contract: Enforceability of Employment Contracts Absent Actual Deployment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a perfected employment contract binds parties even without actual deployment, and which court has jurisdiction over breach claims.
When a Lawyer’s Suspension Does Not End Automatically: Compliance and Court Orders
A lawyer’s suspension is not automatically lifted when the period ends. The Court must first issue an order lifting it.
Demurrage and Detention Fees: Supreme Court Clarifies Tax Treatment for International Shipping
The Supreme Court ruled demurrage and detention fees are subject to regular corporate income tax, not the preferential Gross Philippine Billings rate.
Understanding the Principle of Totality of Infractions in Philippine Labor Law
Learn how the totality of infractions principle works in Philippine labor law, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on employee dismissal.
Presence During Hazing as Prima Facie Evidence: The Supreme Court's Ruling on the Anti-Hazing Law
The Supreme Court upheld the Anti-Hazing Law's presumption that presence during hazing is prima facie evidence of participation as a principal.
Navigating Presumptive Death: Legal Requirements for Declaring a Spouse Deceased in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict "well-founded belief" standard for declaring a spouse presumptively dead under Article 41 of the Family Code.
Accountants Liability Scope Of Responsibility In Disallowed Government Transactions
Supreme Court clarifies when government accountants may be excused from solidary liability for disallowed payments under COA rules.
Baptismal Certificates and Inheritance Rights: Proving Filiation in Property Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified when baptismal certificates can prove filiation and inheritance rights in Philippine property disputes.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Lawyers Responsibility Beyond Professional Capacity
A lawyer's duty to a client does not end with accepting a case. The Supreme Court reminds lawyers of their ethical obligations in this disciplinary case.
Surety Agreements and Solidary Liability: Lessons from a Philippine Loan Dispute
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when sureties become liable for corporate loans and why economic crises do not excuse payment.
Unconscionable Interest Rates: When 5% Monthly Loan Interest Is Void in the Philippines
Philippine courts void unconscionable loan interest rates even if borrowers agreed to them. Learn the rules, the legal interest substitute, and foreclosure effects.