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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Revival of Judgment and Venue: When Real Property Interests Determine the Proper Court
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on where to file an action to revive a judgment involving real property, and why venue depends on the nature of the underlying action.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: The Cost of Delay and Finality of Judgments
A 28-year expropriation case shows why just compensation must reflect fair market value at the time of taking, and why final judgments must stand.
When Working Conditions Worsen Ailments Entitlement TO Employee Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court rules on employee compensation when working conditions increase the risk of contracting an ailment.
Jurisdictional Thresholds in Property Disputes: Alleging Assessed Value Is a Must
In property disputes, the complaint must allege the assessed value of the property to determine whether the RTC or MTC has jurisdiction.
Dismissal for Falsifying Time Records: Court Interpreter's Act of Punching a Colleague's Time Card
Court interpreter dismissed for punching a colleague's time card. The Supreme Court rules such acts are falsification and dishonesty, grave offenses warranting dismissal.
Lawyer Disbarred for Accepting Private Cases and Fees While in Government Service
Supreme Court disbars PAO lawyer for taking private cases and attorney's fees, violating ethical rules and deceiving a client.
Notarial Misconduct Lawyers Must Adhere to Geographic Limits of Notarial Commissions
A lawyer who notarizes documents outside his commissioned territory commits malpractice and faces suspension and permanent disqualification from notarial practice.
Judicial Overreach When Haste in Execution Leads to Administrative Liability
A judge's one-year suspension for gross ignorance of the law after prematurely declaring a decision final and executing it without proper motion.
Disbarment for Government Lawyers: Ethical Standards and Public Trust
A PAO lawyer's disbarment for accepting private cases and fees while in government service, and for deceiving a client.
Judicial Accountability: Timeliness and Accreditation Rules for Legal Publications
Supreme Court fines judge for undue delay and violating accreditation rules for legal publications under A.M. No. 01-1-07-SC.
The Price of Concealment: Integrity and Honesty in Judicial Appointments
A judge who concealed his prior dismissal from government service was held liable for dishonesty, underscoring the premium on candor in judicial appointments.
Finality of Judgment and Lawyer Accountability in Disbarment Cases
Supreme Court denies disbarred lawyer's attempt to reopen final judgment, citing immutability doctrine and imposing contempt for non-compliance.
Sheriff's Duty in Replevin: Due Process and the Five-Day Rule
A sheriff who delivers replevied property without waiting for court instructions commits simple misconduct, violating due process under Rule 60.
Good Faith Prevails: Protecting Public Officials From Graft Charges in Discretionary Decisions
Supreme Court clears DOH official of graft for following PADPAO rates over lowest bid, affirming good faith in discretionary public decisions.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Interest Payments IN Real Estate Agreements
Untangling Transferees Relief From Judgment AND Timeliness IN Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a transferee pendente lite may file a petition for relief from judgment and the strict deadlines that apply.
Financial Crisis as Fortuitous Event: Real Estate Contract Obligations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether the 1997 Asian financial crisis excuses a developer's failure to deliver condominium units.
Certification Against Forum Shopping: The Corporate Authorization Requirement
Corporate plaintiffs must authorize their signatories to execute certifications against forum shopping, or risk dismissal of their cases.
UCPB Interest Rates, Mutuality of Contracts, and the Truth in Lending Act
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void interest rates, mutuality of contracts, and Truth in Lending Act violations in bank lending.
Jurisdiction and Arbitration in Real Estate Contract Disputes: Frabelle Fishing Case
When do courts, not HLURB, hear real estate contract disputes? The Frabelle Fishing case explains jurisdiction and arbitration rules.
Certiorari Cannot Substitute for a Lost Appeal: Lessons from Negros Merchants v. China Banking
When can a denied motion to dismiss be challenged by certiorari? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on interlocutory orders and forum shopping.
Misrepresentation and Due Process in Seafarer Medical Claims: De Jesus v. POMI
The Supreme Court ruled that a seafarer's concealment of a prior ulcer did not bar medical claims, and that dismissal requires the contract's disciplinary procedure.
Breach of Trust vs Security of Tenure: When Is Dismissal Too Harsh?
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why loss of trust and confidence does not give employers unlimited power to dismiss, even managerial employees.
Unlawful Detainer: Proving Possession and Ownership Claims in Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer cases, possession vs. ownership claims, and evidence rules in ejectment proceedings.