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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Judicial Accountability: Habitual Absenteeism and Public Trust in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court dismissed a process server for habitual absenteeism, affirming that public office is a public trust demanding accountability.
Double Sale Prior Good Faith Purchaser Prevails Over Subsequent Mortgagee
Judicial Ethics for Court Employees: The Limits of Public Service
A Supreme Court ruling reminds court personnel that good intentions do not excuse using court authority and resources for purely private matters.
When Good Faith Fails: Financing Firm's Foreclosure Voided for Ignoring Occupants' Rights
A financing firm's foreclosure was voided for bad faith because it ignored occupants' notice of a prior unregistered sale. Learn the due diligence rule.
Court Personnel Cannot Use Official Position to Send Private Demand Letters
Supreme Court rules court employees who send private demand letters using court letterheads and franking privileges commit simple misconduct.
Disability Benefits for Seafarers: Defining Total and Permanent Incapacity
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's illness counts as total and permanent disability, entitling them to full benefits.
Overcoming Technicalities in Employees Compensation for Associated Illnesses
How the Supreme Court ruled that a worker's death from a non-listed illness may still be compensable if associated with a compensable disease.
Injunctions in Ejectment: Balancing Immediate Execution With Equitable Considerations
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may issue preliminary injunctions despite the immediately executory nature of ejectment judgments.
Counsel's Negligence in Appeals: Timeliness and Client Diligence
A lawyer's failure to pay docket fees and file certifications can doom an appeal—and trigger administrative sanctions for negligence.
Ombudsmans Discretion Challenging Probable Cause Determinations IN Corruption Cases
Livestock Lands Untouchable DAR A O NO 9 Declared Unconstitutional
Attorneys Neglect Leads TO Suspension Upholding Diligence IN Legal Representation
Shareholder Rights and Corporate Obligations: How Trust Agreements Affect Corporate Governance
Supreme Court ruling on trust agreements, stock transfer books, and shareholder rights under Philippine corporate law.
Ejectment Actions and Contracts to Sell: Clarifying Possession Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a buyer under a contract to sell may be ejected, and the duties of banks purchasing properties.
Procedural Rules vs Substantive Rights: Dismissal of Appeals for Technical Defects
Learn how the Supreme Court treats appeals dismissed for technical defects, and why procedural rules matter as much as substantive rights.
Banks' Duty of Care: Liability for Unauthorized Withdrawals and Moral Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for unauthorized withdrawals, gross negligence, and awards of moral and exemplary damages.
Tax Collection Deadlines: Prescription in Philippine Tax Law Explained
Learn how the BPI v. CIR case clarifies the three-year prescription period for tax collection and when it may be suspended.
Due Process in Criminal Prosecution: When the State May Present Additional Evidence
Explaining when courts may allow the prosecution to present additional evidence and how the State's right to due process balances against the accused's right to speedy trial.
When Banks Breach Fiduciary Duty: Liability for Unauthorized Withdrawals
Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for unauthorized withdrawals by employees, moral damages, and the fiduciary duty of banks to depositors.
Reopening Inquiry Service Provider Rights and Due Process in Airport Terminal Agreements
Court rules Ombudsman committed grave abuse of discretion in dismissing service operators' complaint without complete preliminary investigation.
Unearthing Liability When Treasure Hunts Lead to Tort Claims
A treasure hunt that damaged a chapel led to solidary liability for joint tortfeasors under Philippine law. Learn the rules.
Habitual Tardiness in Public Service: Court Holds Family Obligations Not a Valid Excuse
Supreme Court reprimands court stenographer for habitual tardiness, ruling family obligations do not excuse repeated lateness in public service.
Judicial Accountability Premature Issuance OF Arrest Warrants AND THE Duty OF Legal Proficiency
Retrenchment Requirements: Proving Financial Losses and Fair Criteria in Employee Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on retrenchment: employers must prove substantial losses and use fair criteria like seniority when dismissing employees.