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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Moral Damages in Breach of Contract: Proof of Loss and Bad Faith Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court in BPI v. Leobrera explains why moral damages require proof of bad faith and a pleaded amount, and why courts cannot award what was never claimed.
Judges Must Decide Cases Within the Prescribed Periods or Face Sanctions
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges that failing to decide a case on time is gross inefficiency, even without bad faith, and merits a fine.
Maintaining Decorum Upholding Courtesy Standards FOR Court Personnel
A look at how the Supreme Court defines abuse of rights and bad faith in administrative disputes, using Andrade v. Wingsing as a guide.
Bank Liability for Premature Foreclosure and Dishonored Deposits
When can a bank be liable for damages? The Supreme Court rules on premature foreclosure, dishonored checks, and bad faith.
Judicial Conduct: Upholding Impartiality and Addressing Allegations of Unjust Decisions
The Supreme Court dismissed a complaint against a judge, ruling that judicial acts are shielded unless tainted by bad faith, fraud, or corruption.
Mortgage in Bad Faith: When a Bank's Claim Is Trumped by a Prior Sale
A bank that forecloses on property it knew was already sold to another buyer cannot claim good-faith protection. Here's why.
Bona Fide Purchasers and the Protection of Innocent Buyers of Registered Land
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a buyer of registered land may rely on the Torrens title and why a complaint must allege bad faith to state a cause of action.
Bad Faith Litigation: When Filing Suit Leads to Damages
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when filing an unfounded lawsuit constitutes bad faith, exposing litigants to moral and exemplary damages.
The Right to Litigate Must Be Exercised in Good Faith: Lessons from a Baseless Insurance Suit
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when filing a baseless lawsuit can expose a party to damages for bad faith litigation.
Double Sale of Land: Good Faith Registration Is Key to Ownership
In a double sale of land, the buyer who registers first in good faith wins. Bad faith registration confers no ownership.
Mortgage in Bad Faith: Due Diligence in Unregistered Land Transactions
When a bank fails to verify ownership of unregistered land before accepting it as collateral, it acts in bad faith and loses protection as a mortgagee.
When Can You Sue a Building Official: Error vs. Bad Faith in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when building officials can be sued for graft—error of judgment is not enough; bad faith must be shown.
When Is a Public Official's Act Bad Faith in Anti-Graft Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public official's act amounts to "evident bad faith" under Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law.
Judicial Errors vs Misconduct: When to File an Administrative Case Against a Judge
Philippine Supreme Court explains the difference between a judge's mere error of judgment and administrative misconduct requiring bad faith.
Protecting Your Property Rights: Encroachment and Builder in Bad Faith in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle property encroachment and the consequences of being a builder in bad faith, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
When Court Errors Are Not Misconduct: Lessons from Tallado v. Racoma
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that errors in a judge's judicial function are not administrative misconduct absent bad faith or malice.
Employers Bad Faith Actions Employee Rights AND Remedies IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine law protects employees and passengers from employer bad faith, with remedies and damages explained in plain language.
Valid Reorganization vs Constructive Dismissal: Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Employer Prerogatives
When a valid company reorganization abolishes a position and reassigns an employee without bad faith, no constructive dismissal arises.
Solidary Liability of Corporate Officers: When Are They Liable for Illegal Dismissal
Corporate officers can be held personally liable for illegal dismissal when they act in bad faith, as shown in this Supreme Court ruling.
Partnership Disputes: When a Deed of Sale Is Simulated and Fiduciary Duties Endure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on simulated deeds of sale in partnership disputes, fiduciary duties, and bad faith withholding of funds.
Temporary Business Suspension: When Is It Bad Faith in the Philippines?
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a temporary business suspension is bad faith, and the employer's burden to prove bona fide closure.
Forged Deeds and Property Rights: Understanding Acquisitive Prescription in the Philippines
Can a forged deed ripen into ownership through prescription? The Supreme Court explains why bad faith blocks acquisitive prescription on titled land.
PAL v. Court of Appeals: When Off-Loading Baggage Becomes Bad Faith in Air Carriage
Philippine Airlines held liable for moral and exemplary damages after off-loading passengers' baggage in bad faith, despite Warsaw Convention limits.
Tax Credit Claims and Official Certifications: Lessons from Pareño v. Sandiganbayan
BIR officers cannot be convicted for relying on official certifications when processing tax credit claims absent proof of bad faith or conspiracy.