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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Reopening Corporate Disputes: Finality, Fraud, and the Abadilla Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may reopen proceedings, pierce corporate veils, and award damages in intra-corporate disputes.
Cyber Libel Prescription: One Year from Discovery, Not Publication
The Supreme Court clarifies that cyber libel prescribes in one year from discovery, not publication, and settles the doctrinal value of unsigned resolutions.
Surety Bonds, Deficiency Claims, and the Burden of Proof in Collection Suits
The Supreme Court clarifies when a demand for payment is valid and what evidence creditors must present to collect a deficiency after foreclosure.
Supreme Court Upholds VAT Refund Law for Foreign Tourists
The Supreme Court upheld the VAT refund law for foreign tourists, ruling it does not violate equal protection and uniform taxation.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Court Clarifies Burden of Proof Under RA 26
Supreme Court clarifies the rules on judicial reconstitution of lost titles, emphasizing the order of sources and burden of proof under RA 26.
When Court Errors Are Not Misconduct: Lessons from Tallado v. Racoma
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's erroneous ruling is a judicial matter, not administrative misconduct, and warns against harassment suits.
Bank Negligence Bars Recovery: Solutio Indebiti and Unjust Enrichment in Check Clearing Errors
Supreme Court rules banks cannot recover funds lost to their own gross negligence in check clearing, explaining solutio indebiti and unjust enrichment.
When a Judge's Private Misconduct Becomes a Public Offense: The Aranas Case
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for an extramarital affair and suspended him from law practice, clarifying ethical standards for judges and lawyers.
Workplace Misconduct and Immorality: Defining Acceptable Behavior in the Philippine Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling reminds court personnel that smoking or vaping inside court premises is a punishable offense, even when the photo evidence is unclear.
Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accidents: When Negligence and Vicarious Responsibility Override Defenses
Supreme Court affirms insurer's subrogation claim, holding driver negligent and employer vicariously liable for damages in vehicular accident.
Sheriff Dereliction of Duty: When Delayed Execution Violates Judicial Mandate
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriffs' ministerial duty to execute writs promptly, with lessons on process server obligations.
Double Jeopardy and Reinstating a Dismissed Criminal Case: What the Supreme Court Says
When can a dismissed criminal case be reinstated without violating double jeopardy? The Supreme Court explains the rules on provisional dismissal.
Sheriffs Held Accountable for Neglecting Writs of Demolition
Philippine Supreme Court rules sheriffs must implement writs promptly; delays and procedural shortcuts draw fines for dereliction of duty.
Employer-Employee Relationship and Illegal Dismissal: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the control test for employer-employee relationship and rules on illegal dismissal due to disease in Sy v. Court of Appeals.
Procedural Rigor vs Substantial Justice: Upholding the Rules of Certiorari
The Supreme Court reminds litigants that procedural rules, including Rule 65 requirements, cannot be ignored even in cases with substantial merit.
Dismissal for Illness: Employer Must Prove Disease Grounds and Due Process
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an employer may validly terminate an employee due to disease, and the separation pay owed.
Misrepresentation and Estafa: When Silence Isn't Golden in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estafa under Article 316(2) RPC, the need for express misrepresentation, and civil liability for bad faith sales.
Mortgage Foreclosure Estoppel Prevents Claimants From Denying Prior Actions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how estoppel bars property claimants from questioning a mortgage foreclosure after prior inconsistent acts.
Accountability for Conspiracy: Identifying Active Roles in Homicide Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains how conspiracy in homicide is proven and why all participants share equal liability for the crime.
When a Sale Is Not an Equitable Mortgage: Lessons from Molina v. Flores
The Supreme Court explains when a deed of sale is a true sale and not an equitable mortgage, and why courts respect written contracts.
Breach of Contract: GSIS Liable for Failure to Return Title Despite Absence of Bad Faith
Philippine Supreme Court holds GSIS liable for breach of contract for failing to return a property title, even without bad faith. Learn the legal rules.
Co-Equal Court Rule: When a Spouse Cannot File a Separate Case to Nullify a Levy
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a spouse cannot file a separate case to nullify a levy made by a co-equal court, and when third-party claims apply.
When Is a Deed of Sale Actually a Mortgage: Lessons from Molina v. Flores
The Supreme Court explains when a deed of absolute sale may be presumed an equitable mortgage under Article 1602 of the Civil Code.
Mortgage Release: Full Payment Trumps Bank's Restructuring Claim
Full payment of a loan obliges a bank to release the mortgage. The Supreme Court clarifies when a bank's restructuring claim fails.