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.
Unreasonable Trial Delays: A Judge's Duty to Control Court Proceedings
When a judge tolerates repeated postponements, the Supreme Court steps in. Learn the rules on trial delays and judicial accountability.
Gross Negligence of Public Officials: Understanding Liability in Philippine Law
When are public officials liable for gross negligence? This article explains the legal standard and how Philippine courts apply it.
Fishpond Ownership in the Philippines: When BFAR Jurisdiction Overrides Court Decisions
Philippine courts cannot declare private ownership over public land designated for fishponds—only BFAR holds that authority. Learn the rules.
Breach of Trust: Understanding Lawyer Disbarment for Misappropriating Client Funds in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts discipline lawyers who misappropriate client funds, the ethical rules involved, and practical lessons for attorneys.
Attorney Negligence in the Philippines: A Lawyer's Duty of Diligence and the Consequences of Abandoning a Clie
When can a lawyer abandon a client? The Supreme Court explains the duty of diligence and the penalty for neglect in Aromin v. Boncavil.
Equitable Mortgage vs. Sale With Right to Repurchase: Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a "sale with right to repurchase" is actually an equitable mortgage, protecting borrowers from unfair foreclosure.
Tortious Interference in the Philippines: Upholding Contractual Rights in Business Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies tortious interference with contract elements, malice requirement, and attorney's fees in business lease disputes.
Court Personnel Extortion: When Demanding Money for Court Records Is Gross Misconduct
A Supreme Court ruling on a court interpreter who extorted money from a litigant shows how the judiciary polices its own and what conduct merits dismissal.
Condition Precedent in Philippine Contracts: Ensuring Clear Title Before Purchase
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a buyer's obligation to purchase depends on the seller's prior compliance with a condition precedent.
Premature Complaints Against Judges: Why Timing Is Crucial in Philippine Judicial Ethics
Explore how the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Sesbreño clarifies why premature complaints against judges fail and timing matters in judicial ethics.
Protecting Your Conjugal Property: Understanding Time Limits for Annulment in the Philippines
Learn how res judicata bars repeated attacks on Torrens titles, and why final judgments protect conjugal property ownership.
Partnership Dissolution and Receivership: Protecting Assets in Business Disputes Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when receivership is proper after partnership dissolution, and why due process requires hearing all affected parties.
Execution Pending Appeal in Philippine Courts: When "Good Reasons" Are Not Enough
Philippine courts rarely allow execution of judgments pending appeal. Learn the strict "good reasons" rule from Maceda v. DBP.
Mortgage Law in the Philippines: Why You Can’t Mortgage Property You Don’t Own
Philippine mortgage law requires absolute ownership. Learn why mortgaging property you don't fully own is void, based on Lagrosa v. Court of Appeals.
MSF Tire v. CA: When a Company Cannot Claim "Innocent Bystander" Status in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a company with ties to a business in a labor dispute cannot claim "innocent bystander" status to obtain an injunction against picketing.
Deadfreight and Demurrage in Charter Parties: NFA v. Hongfil Shipping
Supreme Court clarifies when charterers owe deadfreight but not demurrage, and when corporate officers escape personal liability.
Due Process and the Right to Present Evidence in Philippine Criminal Cases
When may a trial court validly treat a counsel's absence as a waiver of the accused's right to present evidence? The Supreme Court explains.
Unlawful Aggression Is Key to Self-Defense Claims in Philippine Law
Understand why unlawful aggression is the foundation of self-defense in Philippine criminal law, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Voluntary Confessions in Philippine Law: Safeguarding the Rights of the Accused
Understanding the constitutional safeguards governing voluntary confessions in Philippine criminal procedure, and how courts protect the accused.
Retroactive Application of Laws: How Courts Ensure Fair Justice When Laws Change
Philippine courts apply laws prospectively, but exceptions exist. This article explains retroactivity principles through a 1999 rape case.
Managerial vs. Supervisory Employees: Unionization Rights Under Philippine Labor Law
Learn how Philippine law distinguishes managerial from supervisory employees and why misclassification can block unionization rights.
Intent Is Key: Understanding Kidnapping Laws in the Philippines and Deprivation of Liberty
Learn how Philippine courts determine intent in kidnapping cases, based on a Supreme Court ruling on a child abduction case.
Think Before You Share: Understanding Republication Libel in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when sharing or republishing a news article becomes libel, and the crucial role of malice.
Mortgage Foreclosure After Death of a Debtor: Creditor Options in the Philippines
When a mortgagor dies, creditors have three legal options. Learn how extrajudicial foreclosure works under Philippine law.