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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Good Faith as a Shield: Accountability in Governance for Disallowed Transactions
When can good faith protect public officers from liability for disallowed transactions? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on accountability in governance.
Corporate Opportunity Doctrine: Directors Cannot Take Business Deals for Themselves
Supreme Court clarifies when corporate directors breach their duty of loyalty by taking business opportunities meant for the corporation.
Agrarian Dispute vs Ejectment: Who Has Jurisdiction Over Land Disputes in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when forcible entry cases over agricultural lands belong to the courts or the DARAB.
Marriage Licenses and Nullity Cases: What the Supreme Court’s Ruling in Maristela-Cuan Means
Explore the Supreme Court's 2021 ruling on psychological incapacity, marriage licenses, and nullity cases in the Philippines.
Solidary Liability and Interest Rates in Philippine Partnerships: Key Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
A look at a Supreme Court ruling on solidary liability, novation, and unconscionable interest rates in business loans and partnerships.
Upholding Contractual Obligations When Government Actions Lead TO Breached Agreements
Explore how the Supreme Court protects contractual rights when government actions cause breaches, and the legal remedies available to affected parties.
When a Corporate Dispute Is Not Intra-Corporate: Tortious Interference and Court Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies when a suit for tortious interference against third parties is an ordinary civil action, not an intra-corporate dispute.
Understanding the Binding Nature of Compromise Agreements in Philippine Law
A look at City of Bacolod v. Sugarland Hotel, where the Supreme Court affirmed that a memorandum of understanding is a binding contract, and explored estoppel and jurisdictional challenges.
Final Judgment Immutability: Why an Order of Execution Cannot Be Appealed
The Supreme Court clarifies that orders of execution are not appealable, upholding the immutability of final judgments in ejectment cases.
Beyond Infidelity: The High Bar for Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriages
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that infidelity, immaturity, and lack of support do not automatically constitute psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: How Unique Skills Determine Employment Status in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when unique skills and talent make a worker an independent contractor, not an employee, in Philippine labor law.
Mandamus and Government Contracts: Enforcing Legal Duties in Joint Venture Agreements
When can courts compel government agencies to honor joint venture commitments? The Supreme Court clarifies mandamus and ministerial duties.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility of Victim Testimony and Force in Philippine Law
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of a police officer, ruling on victim credibility, force and intimidation, and alibi defenses.
Tortious Interference vs. Intra-Corporate Dispute: Jurisdiction in Corporate Conflicts
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate conflict is a civil tort case or an intra-corporate dispute, and which court has jurisdiction.
Understanding Intent to Kill: The Fine Line Between Attempted Murder and Serious Physical Injuries
The Supreme Court clarifies when a violent attack is attempted murder or only serious physical injuries, focusing on intent to kill and spontaneous desistance.
Naturalization in the Philippines: Strict Compliance Required, Even for Refugees
Philippine naturalization demands strict compliance with all legal requirements, as shown by a recent Supreme Court ruling denying a refugee's citizenship application.
Conspiracy and Probable Cause: Protecting Private Individuals From Graft Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies when private individuals may be charged under the Anti-Graft law, emphasizing the need for evidence of conspiracy with public officers.
Trademarks and Domain Names in the Philippines: The Kolin Case on Registration Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies how trademark rights apply to domain name registrations under the IP Code, using the Kolin dispute as a guide.
Conspiracy and Graft: Probable Cause Against Private Individuals in Anti-Graft Cases
When can a private person be charged with graft under RA 3019? The Supreme Court clarifies the conspiracy requirement in Arroyo v. Sandiganbayan.
Res Judicata Bars Relitigation of Contract Validity in Loan Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a dismissal order bars a second lawsuit on the same loan contract under res judicata.
When Local Governance Meets Lending: Safeguarding Public Funds in Loan Transactions
Supreme Court clarifies when LGU loan agreements become "manifestly and grossly disadvantageous" under the Anti-Graft Law, acquitting local officials.
Protecting Your Brand Online: Trademark Rights and Domain Names in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects trademark rights in domain names, and what the Kolin case means for your brand's online presence.
Supreme Court Strikes Down BIR Rule on Bank Expense Allocation
The Supreme Court voided Revenue Regulations No. 4-2011 for overstepping BIR authority and violating taxpayers' right to choose accounting methods.
Self-Defense Claim Fails Standards for Justifiable Homicide in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails, using a police officer's murder conviction to illustrate the strict legal requirements.