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.
Construction Contracts and Legal Interest: Determining Liability in Government Projects
The Supreme Court clarifies when 6% legal interest applies to unpaid construction claims against government agencies and local governments.
Ombudsman's Probable Cause Discretion and Grave Abuse in Public Official Cases
Courts rarely interfere with the Ombudsman's probable cause findings unless grave abuse of discretion is clearly shown. This case explains the rule.
Real Party in Interest: When Can an Agent Sue on Behalf of a Principal?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an agent may sue in its own name and the limits of an agent's authority to file suit.
Surety Bonds and Indemnity: Why Renewal Disputes Don't Erase Contractual Liability
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a deed of indemnity authorizing bond renewals binds signatories even without separate consent to each renewal.
Upholding Client Trust: Lawyer Suspended for Mismanaging Settlement Funds and Unauthorized Agreements
A lawyer who settled a client's case without consent and kept the P100,000 proceeds was suspended for two years and ordered to return the money.
Garbage Fees and Socialized Housing Tax: When Local Levies Go Beyond Legal Limits
The Supreme Court ruled on Quezon City's power to impose garbage fees and socialized housing tax under the Local Government Code.
Revocation and Renewal: Understanding Surety Obligations in Philippine Banking
When a continuing surety expires or is revoked, a bank cannot hold the surety liable for loans made after that point.
Supervening Events and Restitution: When Final Judgments Can Be Overturned
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when supervening events justify setting aside final judgments and ordering restitution of executed amounts.
Just Compensation in Eminent Domain: Balancing Judicial Discretion and Statutory Guidelines
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts must balance judicial discretion with statutory guidelines in determining just compensation for agrarian reform lands.
Breach of Trust: Understanding Malversation of Public Funds in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the elements of malversation under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code, including the presumption of misappropriation when funds are not forthcoming upon demand.
Local Autonomy vs National Interest: Can Congress Override Local Taxing Power
The Supreme Court strikes down RA 9167 provisions that diverted local amusement taxes to a national agency, affirming local fiscal autonomy.
Breach of Duty and Dishonesty: Dismissal of a Court Clerk for Misappropriating Judiciary Funds
The Supreme Court dismissed a Clerk of Court for gross neglect of duty, grave misconduct, and serious dishonesty over unremitted judiciary funds.
Dismissal of Clerk of Court for Gross Neglect, Grave Misconduct, and Serious Dishonesty in Handling Judiciary
Supreme Court dismisses a clerk of court who failed to remit judiciary collections and submit financial reports, ruling that restitution does not erase administrative liability.
Cash Deposit or Counter Bond: The Only Ways to Discharge an Attachment in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that only cash deposits or counter-bonds can discharge a writ of attachment—not real property.
Probable Cause and Estafa: Balancing Judicial Discretion and Individual Rights in Criminal Arrests
Learn how the Supreme Court balances probable cause requirements and individual rights in estafa cases, from arrest to attachment.
When Can a Bank Deposit Real Property Instead of Cash to Lift an Attachment?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that under Rule 57, only cash deposit or counter-bond can lift a writ of attachment.
Lawyer Suspended for Non-Payment of Debt: Ethical Standards for Attorneys
A lawyer's deliberate failure to pay a just debt constitutes gross misconduct warranting suspension from the practice of law under Rule 1.01.
Theft vs. Estafa: When Employee Misappropriation Is Not Estafa (Benabaye Doctrine)
The Supreme Court in Benabaye v. People clarifies when an employee's misappropriation of funds is theft, not estafa, based on possession.
Breach of Trust Establishing Guilt in Qualified Theft Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how a cashier's breach of confidence proves qualified theft, affirming reclusion perpetua for P640,353.86 misappropriation.
Final Judgments in Lawyer Discipline: Why They Cannot Be Reopened
The Supreme Court denies a disbarred lawyer's bid to reopen his case, reaffirming the doctrine of finality of judgment.
Lawyer Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds in Breach of Fiduciary Duty
A lawyer's failure to account for and return client funds collected on behalf of a client constitutes gross misconduct warranting suspension.
Habeas Data and Facebook Privacy: When Photos Posted Online Lose Legal Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when Facebook photos lose privacy protection and how the writ of habeas data applies to social media posts.
Duplicate Originals as Evidence: When Photocopies Are Admissible in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when duplicate originals are admissible evidence, reversing the Court of Appeals' exclusion of invoices in a collection case.
Written Stipulation Is Key: Enforceability of Loan Interest Agreements in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when 12% interest applies versus 6% in construction disputes, emphasizing written stipulations.