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.
Breach of Construction Contract: Liability for Additional Works Beyond Original Scope
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contractor liability for additional works ordered beyond original construction contract scope.
Annulment of Judgment: When Can a Court Overturn a Final Decision in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the limited scope of annulment of judgment under Rule 47, which applies only to RTC decisions.
When a over his 15.3955-hectare unregistered parcel of land in Davao City in favor of Benny Go for P20,000.00.
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Judicial Discretion vs Duty: When Can a Judge Inhibit From a Case?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the limits of voluntary judicial inhibition, balancing a judge's discretion against the duty to decide cases.
Due Process in Termination: Ensuring Fair Notice and Opportunity to Be Heard
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the twin notice rule in employee dismissal and the consequences of non-compliance.
Parol Evidence Rule Bars Verbal Conditions on Written Contracts: Allied Banking v. Cheng Yong
Supreme Court clarifies that clear written contracts cannot be varied by verbal stipulations, applying the parol evidence rule to loan and mortgage agreements.
Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Authority in Philippine Termination Procedures
The Supreme Court clarifies the two-notice rule in employee dismissal, balancing employer authority with due process rights.
Navigating Fishpond Leases: The Republic's Discretion vs. Corporate Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when government land reserved for public use can be claimed by private occupants under urban land reform laws.
Due Process and Immigration Law: When a Judge’s Procedural Errors Become Gross Ignorance
A judge’s disregard of the three-day notice rule and immigration law results in administrative liability for gross ignorance of the law.
Mortgage Agreements Defining THE Limits OF A Debtors Liability IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on dragnet clauses in mortgages and their effect on a debtor's liability limit.
Urban Land Redemption Size Speculation and Neighborly Rights in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when homeowners associations can sue, the limits of mandamus, and the rules on urban land disposition.
Tourism Zones and Agrarian Reform: When Land Use Classifications Collide
The Supreme Court clarifies how tourist zone declarations affect agrarian reform coverage and the limits of appeal in DARAB cases.
When Debts Collide: Understanding Legal Compensation in Philippine Contract Law
Learn how Philippine courts apply legal compensation in contract disputes, using the Mavest v. Sampaguita case as a guide.
Bank Negligence and the Duty of Care in Handling Depositor Accounts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on banks' fiduciary duty and liability for unauthorized withdrawals from depositor accounts.
Protecting Trademarks: The Balance Between Brand Identity and Business Operations
The Supreme Court clarifies when preliminary injunctions may issue in trademark cases, balancing brand protection against business disruption.
Urban Land Reform: Right of First Refusal in Priority Development Areas
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tenants' right of first refusal under P.D. 1517 in urban land reform zones.
Estafa Through Misappropriation: Liability Even Without Direct Handling of Property
Supreme Court clarifies that estafa under Article 315(1)(b) can arise even when property is received by an employee, not the accused directly.
Forum Shopping: When Multiple Lawsuits Undermine Judicial Efficiency in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when filing multiple petitions—even in the same court—constitutes forum shopping and warrants summary dismissal.
Forum Shopping Dismissal of Multiple Petitions in the Philippines Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court defines forum shopping and why filing multiple petitions in the Court of Appeals can lead to summary dismissal.
Establishing Ownership: The Decisive Role of Documentary Evidence Over Testimonial Claims in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why documentary evidence outweighs testimonial claims in land registration cases.
Financial Leasing Agreements Are Valid Contracts Despite Lessee Default
Supreme Court affirms that financial leasing agreements are genuine contracts; defaulting lessees remain bound by their terms and obligations.
Conflict of Interest Rules for Lawyers: The Quiambao v. Bamba Case
A lawyer cannot represent opposing clients even in unrelated cases. Learn the conflict of interest rules from Quiambao v. Bamba.
Union Busting or Business Judgment? Understanding Legitimate Closures Under Philippine Labor Law
When can a company close a department without being guilty of union busting? The Supreme Court explains in this labor law case.
Lease Agreements Upholding Contractual Grace Periods Despite Payment Restructuring
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how payment restructuring letters affect contractual grace periods in lease agreements.