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.
Liability for Flood Damage: Private vs Public Drainage Systems
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lessor is liable for flood damage—distinguishing private drainage maintenance from public sewer responsibility.
Authority to Sign Certification Against Forum Shopping in Corporate Litigation
Who may sign the certification against forum shopping in corporate cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on authority and false certifications.
Quieting Title Actions Imprescriptible When Plaintiff in Possession — Ragasa v. Roa
Supreme Court ruling: an action to quiet title is imprescriptible if the plaintiff remains in possession, even if an adverse claim exists.
Res Judicata and Forum Shopping: When a Prior Ruling Bars a Second Case
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a prior ruling bars another case, and what constitutes forum shopping.
Usury Law and Contractual Obligations: Striking the Balance in Loan Agreements
The Supreme Court clarifies how the Usury Law interacts with loan restructuring, refinancing, and the binding force of contracts in DBP v. CA.
Tax Exemption vs Beneficial Use: GSIS Charter and Local Government Code Conflict
When does GSIS lose its tax exemption? The Supreme Court clarifies how the Local Government Code limits the GSIS charter's tax immunity.
Senior Citizen Discount Tax Credit: Carry-Over Allowed Even Without Tax Due
Supreme Court rules 20% senior citizen discount is a tax credit, not deduction, and can be carried over when no tax is due.
Surety's Liability Survives Death of Principal Debtor: Stronghold Insurance v. Republic-Asahi
The Supreme Court rules that a surety's solidary liability under a performance bond is not extinguished by the death of the principal debtor.
Untangling Tax Assessment Appeals: Deadlines and Excusable Neglect
A bank missed the 30-day window to appeal its tax assessment to the CTA. The Supreme Court explains why deadlines are jurisdictional and when relief is unavailable.
Unconscionable Interest Rates When Courts Intervene in Surety Bond Disputes
Philippine courts can reduce stipulated interest rates that balloon beyond the principal debt. Learn the rule from a 2006 surety bond case.
Interest on Maritime Liens in the Philippines: When Does the Clock Start Ticking?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest on a maritime lien begins to accrue—from extrajudicial demand, not from foreclosure sale.
Exhausting Administrative Remedies with the COA: A Prerequisite for Money Claims Against Government Agencies
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that money claims against government agencies must first be filed with the COA before going to court.
Protecting Landowner Rights Due Process and Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform
Learn how the Supreme Court balanced landowner due process rights with farmer-beneficiary qualifications in agrarian reform cases under RA 6657.
DARAB Jurisdiction Covers Agrarian Disputes Beyond Landlord-Tenant Relationships
Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction extends to all agrarian disputes, including joint production agreements under CARP, not just traditional landlord-tenant cases.
Judicial Delay in the Philippines: Holding Judges Accountable for Delayed Case Resolutions
A Supreme Court ruling shows Philippine judges face fines for failing to resolve motions within the mandatory 30-day period.
Protecting Your Property Rights: Contract Cancellation in Philippine Real Estate
Learn how RA 6552 protects installment buyers and why procedural rules matter in contract cancellation cases under Philippine law.
Docket Fees and Court Jurisdiction: The Sun Insurance Doctrine Explained
Learn how the Sun Insurance doctrine clarifies when deficient docket fees affect court jurisdiction, and when they merely create a lien on the judgment.
Beyond 30 Days When Preventive Suspension Becomes Constructive Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that preventive suspension beyond 30 days can constitute constructive dismissal, entitling employees to reinstatement and backwages.
No-Spouse Policies in the Philippines: What the Star Paper Ruling Means
Philippine employers cannot enforce no-spouse rules without clear business necessity. The Star Paper ruling explains why.
When a Court Employee's Misconduct Outside the Courtroom Leads to Dismissal
The Supreme Court dismissed a court cashier for tampering with official receipts and misappropriating judiciary funds, reaffirming that integrity is required of all court personnel.
Mortgage Still Valid Loan Restructuring AND Novation IN THE Philippines Reyes V BPI Family Savings Bank
When does loan restructuring cancel a real estate mortgage? The Supreme Court explains novation rules in Reyes v. BPI Family Savings Bank.
Safeguarding Assets: Understanding Preliminary Attachment in Philippine Debt Recovery
Learn how Philippine courts handle writs of possession after extrajudicial foreclosure, and why procedural rules like the hierarchy of courts matter.
Mining Rights vs Property Rights: Balancing Public Benefit and Just Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the Mining Act of 1995, explaining when entry into private lands becomes compensable taking.
Court Personnel Extortion: Dismissal for Misappropriation of Court Funds
Supreme Court ruling on court employee extortion and misappropriation of court documents, explaining penalties under the new Code of Conduct.