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.
Compromise Agreements When Concealed Property Values Invalidate Settlements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when concealed property values in compromise agreements constitute extrinsic fraud that invalidates settlements.
Judicial Misconduct When Orders Reflect Bias AND Compromise Impartiality
Supreme Court fines judge for gross ignorance, grave misconduct, and bias in issuing irregular orders favoring a party's counsel.
Habeas Corpus and the Family Code: When Child Custody Battles Meet Technical Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus petitions for child custody must comply with Article 151 compromise requirements and barangay conciliation rules.
Family Code vs Rules of Procedure: Certifications and Suits Between Relatives
When sisters sue each other, the Family Code's compromise requirement and forum shopping rules collide. The Supreme Court clarifies.
Compromise Agreements and Illegal Strikes: The Limits of Condonation in Labor Law
When does a compromise agreement waive an employer's right to challenge an illegal strike? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of condonation.
Compromise Agreements Upholding Obligations AND Equitable Relief IN Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sale-leaseback arrangements, equitable mortgages, and deed of assignment effects on debtor obligations.
Amicable Settlement vs Original Obligation: When Does a Compromise Change the Deal
A compromise that is not perfected does not automatically novate the original debt. Learn when an amicable settlement modifies or extinguishes an obligation.
Pre-Trial Conferences and Dismissal of Cases: The Imperative of Preventing Unwarranted Delays
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that courts cannot dismiss cases merely for failure to submit a compromise agreement, and pre-trial conferences must proceed.
Binding Agreements Upholding Compromise Judgments Despite Claims of Fraud and Duress
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when compromise judgments remain binding despite allegations of fraud, duress, and lawyer misconduct.
Lawyers Who Withhold Client Funds Face Suspension: Lessons from Manalang v. Angeles
A lawyer's unauthorized compromise and withholding of client funds led to suspension. Learn the ethical rules on attorney accountability.
Finality of Compromise Agreements: Binding Share Valuation in Corporate Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on compromise agreements, finality of appraisals, and binding share valuation in corporate disputes.
Compromise Agreements and Court Approval in Property Disputes: The PPA v. Maranan Case
The Supreme Court approves a compromise agreement in Philippine Ports Authority v. Maranan, showing how amicable settlements can end property disputes.
When Judges Err on Compromise Agreements: A Lesson in Judicial Duty
A judge's dismissal of an already-decided case shows why ignorance of the law is no defense for members of the bench.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: The Imperative of Timely Performance in Compromise Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling on continuing suretyship, assignment of credit, and trust receipts—clarifying that debtors cannot escape liability through technical defenses.
Compromise Agreements Enforceability and Third Party Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on spousal consortium, habeas corpus, and the limits of court-ordered cohabitation under the Family Code.
The Perils of Compromise When Legal Counsel Exceeds Authority in Criminal Cases
Learn how defective pretrial notice can void default judgments and why counsel's authority to compromise has strict limits.
Family Compromise Rule Does Not Apply to Estate Settlement Proceedings
Supreme Court clarifies that Article 222's family compromise requirement applies only to ordinary civil actions, not special proceedings like estate settlement.
Navigating Sequestration: Why Courts Scrutinize Compromises Involving Public Assets
The Supreme Court explains why sequestered assets like SMC shares require Sandiganbayan approval before any compromise takes effect.
Compromise Agreements in Philippine Labor Disputes: Swift and Amicable Settlements
The Supreme Court approves a compromise agreement in a labor case, showing how parties can settle disputes amicably and avoid prolonged litigation.
Compromise Agreements in the Philippines: Why You Need a Special Power of Attorney
A lawyer cannot compromise a client's case without a special power of attorney. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Challenging Compromise Judgments Protecting Third Party Rights IN Philippine Courts
A look at how Philippine courts treat assignments of delivery receipts, agency claims, and compensation in sugar sale disputes.
Unions Cannot Waive Individual Workers' Rights Without Their Consent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether unions can compromise individual workers' claims without their consent, and the limits of collective bargaining authority.
Compromise Agreements in Philippine Property Disputes: Ending Litigation With Finality
How a judicially approved compromise agreement in a property dispute becomes final and executory, barring further litigation between co-owners.
When Family Disputes Meet the Courtroom: Understanding Compulsory Compromise in the Philippines
A look at how Philippine courts handle family disputes, using the Alitagtag rape case to explain legal principles and procedures.