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.
Extraordinary Diligence: Carrier Liability for Misdelivered Goods
When a courier delivers to the wrong person, the shipment is legally "lost." The Supreme Court explains carrier liability and the limits of air waybill exemptions.
Divorce Abroad: A Filipino Spouse's Right to Remarry After a Foreign Divorce
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Filipino can remarry after a foreign divorce, even if the Filipino initiated the divorce proceedings abroad.
Defense of Relatives and Unlawful Aggression in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when defense of relatives justifies a killing and why unlawful aggression is its indispensable requirement.
Notarial Duty and Identification Validity of Notarization Based on Laws at Time of Execution
Notaries must follow the identification rules in effect when the document is notarized, not later rules. The Supreme Court explains in this administrative case.
Lawyer Suspended for Lending Money to Client: Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three months for lending money to a client, citing Rule 16.04 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
CBA vs Bank Policy: Protecting Workers' Rights Against Unilateral Loan Changes
Supreme Court rules banks cannot impose credit-check requirements on CBA salary loans without negotiating with the union first.
Late Evidence and the Judicial Affidavit Rule: Lara's Gift v. PNB General Insurers
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may admit late evidence and supplemental judicial affidavits under the Judicial Affidavit Rule.
Insanity Plea Under Scrutiny: The Fine Line Between Confusion and Criminal Responsibility
The Supreme Court clarifies when confusion amounts to insanity exempting an accused from criminal liability, and when it does not.
RA 10951 Retroactive Application: Modifying Malversation Penalties After Final Judgment
Explains Hernan v. Sandiganbayan, where the Supreme Court allowed RA 10951's favorable penalty reduction to apply even after final judgment in malversation cases.
Due Process Prevails: Cross-Examination Rights and the Consequences of Missed Notice
A Supreme Court ruling on why a labor arbiter cannot hold non-parties liable in an execution writ without due process and jurisdiction.
Counterclaims in Libel Cases: Compulsory vs Permissive Claims Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when counterclaims in libel suits are compulsory or permissive, and the procedural requirements that follow.
Venue Stipulations in Contracts: When "Exclusive" Means Exclusive in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when contractual venue stipulations are binding and enforceable, and when courts must dismiss cases filed elsewhere.
Protecting Contractors: Quantum Meruit and COA Disallowances in Government Projects
Supreme Court clarifies when contractors may recover from void government contracts under quantum meruit, and the limits of COA's audit powers.
Due Process Rights and Fair Notice in Administrative Cases: The Iglesias Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative due process requires fair notice of charges, but valid original allegations can still support dismissal.
Statutory Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness: Protecting Children Under Philippine Law
Explaining statutory rape vs. acts of lasciviousness, and why an accused's death extinguishes criminal liability under Article 89 of the RPC.
Tax Assumption vs. Tax Exemption: The Mitsubishi Ruling on Government-Promised Tax Relief
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government's promise to assume taxes binds the state—and when it doesn't—in this landmark Philippine tax case.
Upholding Land Ownership: Technicalities Yield to Substantive Rights in Property Disputes
SC rules procedural lapses cannot defeat a registered owner's right to recover property from tolerated occupants.
Credit Card Debt Collection: Proving the Basis of Claims in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on credit card collection cases: creditors must prove the basis of claims, not just submit a statement of account.
Automatic Revocation Clauses in Donations: When Breach Immediately Returns the Property
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that automatic revocation clauses in donations take effect immediately upon breach, without need for judicial action.
Torrens Title vs Prior Possession: Resolving Ejectment Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a Torrens title holder can eject occupants who claim prior possession and ownership.
Implied Trusts and Co-Ownership: Hidden Property Rights in Family Lending Businesses
When a family lending business buys property under one sibling's name, an implied trust may preserve everyone's share.
When a Non-Profit Hospital Still Pays Income Tax: The St. Luke's Ruling
The Supreme Court explains when a charitable hospital's income from paying patients becomes taxable under the NIRC.
Construction Delays and Liquidated Damages: Defining Substantial Completion in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when liquidated damages stop accruing in construction delays—actual substantial completion, not projections, matters.
When Can an Agent Delegate Authority? The Rule on Substitution Under Philippine Law
Philippine law presumes an agent may appoint a substitute unless prohibited. Learn the rules, limits, and risks from a Supreme Court ruling.