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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Lawyer Advertising Balancing Professional Dignity With Public Access TO Legal Services
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between lawyer advertising and professional dignity, balancing public access to legal services with ethical standards.
Agrarian Law Livestock Farms Exempt From CARP Coverage If Primarily Devoted To Livestock Raising Before 1988
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when livestock farms are exempt from agrarian reform coverage under CARP and RA 6657.
Public Officials' Liability in Infrastructure Projects: The Brucal Case
Supreme Court clarifies when public engineers face dismissal for gross neglect in infrastructure projects, and when dishonesty charges fail.
When Can Multiple Parties Be Included in a Single Lawsuit? Permissible Joinder Explained
Learn the rules on permissible joinder of parties in Philippine civil cases, explained through Supreme Court rulings in plain language.
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.
Retroactive Application of Procedural Rules: The Fresh Period Rule for Certiorari Petitions
The Supreme Court clarifies that curative procedural rules apply retroactively, granting a fresh 60-day period for filing certiorari petitions after denial of reconsideration.
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.
When Can You Appeal a Denied Motion to Dismiss? Lessons from Bonifacio Construction
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that denial of a motion to dismiss is interlocutory, not appealable via certiorari. Learn the proper remedy.
Unjust Enrichment and Contractual Obligations: Lessons from Limaco v. Shonan Gakuen
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void land sales, down payment refunds, and unjust enrichment in Limaco v. Shonan Gakuen.
Salary Standardization Act: The July 1, 1989 Cut-Off for Non-Integrated Benefits
Supreme Court clarifies that only incumbents as of July 1, 1989 may continue receiving non-integrated benefits like the NTA's Educational Assistance Incentive Bonus.
Upholding Marital Fidelity Disbarment FOR Lawyers Engaging IN Immoral Conduct
Mutuality of Contracts: When One-Sided Termination Clauses in Employment Contracts Are Void
The Supreme Court explains when a termination clause that leaves dismissal to one party's sole judgment violates the mutuality principle under Article 1308 of the Civil Code.
Possession vs Ownership: How Tax Declarations and Evidence Resolve Land Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling explains how tax declarations and evidence of possession resolve land disputes, and why paper title alone may not win the case.
Protecting Labor's Bread: Defining Employee Status and Rights to Benefits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on security of tenure, back salaries, and the binding authority of CSC regional offices in personnel matters.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Dismissal of Charges Based on Insufficient Evidence of Collusion
Supreme Court denies surety's petition, ruling that procedural lapses and failure to timely challenge bail bond forfeitures bar relief.
VAT Zero-Rating for Services Performed in the Philippines Paid in Foreign Currency
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies VAT zero-rating rules for services performed locally but paid in foreign currency, striking down restrictive BIR regulations.
Valid Service of Court Decisions: Ensuring Due Process Through Proper Notification
Learn how valid service of court decisions protects due process rights, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on notice requirements.
Trademark Infringement Courts Retain Jurisdiction Despite Pending Trademark Cancellation Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that courts can hear trademark infringement cases even while cancellation proceedings are pending before the intellectual property office.
Judicial Accountability: Balancing Efficiency and Integrity in Case Resolution
The Supreme Court affirms that judicial efficiency must never compromise integrity, as shown in P.C. Javier & Sons v. Court of Appeals.
Can a Foreign Corporation Sue for Unfair Competition in the Philippines?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a foreign corporation not doing business locally can pursue unfair competition claims.
Carrier Negligence and the Timely Notice Rule for Damaged Cargo in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on carrier liability for damaged goods and why timely notice under Article 366 of the Code of Commerce is crucial.
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.
Loan Obligations When Imported Goods Are Defective: Rosario Textile Mills v. Home Bankers
The Supreme Court ruled that a borrower must still pay its loan even if imported goods are defective, and a surety remains liable under a valid agreement.
When Government Delays Just Compensation: Property Return After Unreasonable Delay
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: government must pay just compensation promptly or risk losing expropriated property back to its owner.