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.
Execution Pending Appeal: Balancing Public Interest and Court Discretion in Insurance Claims
When can a winning party execute a judgment while the appeal is pending? The Supreme Court explains the "good reasons" standard in this insurance dispute.
When a Final Judgment Limits Liability: Execution Cannot Add Interest
A writ of execution must strictly follow the final judgment. Adding interest not decreed by the court is void.
Execution of Judgment: Liability Limited to the Dispositive Portion of the Court Decision
A writ of execution must conform to the dispositive portion of a final judgment. Learn from Solidbank v. Court of Appeals.
Fortuitous Events and Carrier Liability: Navigating the Perils of the Sea
When a vessel sinks in a storm, is the carrier liable? The Supreme Court explains the rules on fortuitous events.
Percentage Tax on Commercial Brokers: Lessons from Nichimen Corporation
When does a branch office become a commercial broker liable for percentage tax? The Supreme Court clarifies in Nichimen Corporation.
When a Lawyer's Missed Deadline Costs a Client's Case: Ramos v. Dajoyag
A lawyer's failure to file a petition on time is negligence, not excusable error. Learn the duty of diligence.
Public vs Private Sector: Defining Government Control in Anti-Graft Cases
When is a government employee a public officer? The Macalino case clarifies jurisdiction in anti-graft prosecutions.
Amendment of Information: Balancing Procedural Rules and the Accused's Right to Due Process
When can the prosecution amend an Information after the accused pleads? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between formal and substantial amendments.
Compromise Agreements and Court Approval in Property Disputes: The PPA v. Maranan Case
The Supreme Court approves a compromise agreement in Philippine Ports Authority v. Maranan, showing how amicable settlements can end property disputes.
Negligence in Public Office: Defining the Scope of Duty and Responsibility
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative liability for negligence requires proof that the duty neglected was actually assigned to the public officer.
Written Authority is Key: Upholding Property Rights in Corporate Transactions
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies why written consent matters in property deals involving mortgaged assets—and what parties must prove to claim possession.
Judicial Accountability Balancing Independence AND Diligence IN Case Resolution
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 60-day period for filing certiorari is counted from receipt of the denial of a motion for reconsideration.
Invalidation of BOI Manual of Operations Incentives for Registered Enterprises
Supreme Court voids BOI's unpublished manual that reduced tax credit incentives for registered export producers.
Personal Liability in Corporate Obligations When Signing Blurs the Line
When do corporate officers become personally liable for company debts? A Supreme Court ruling on trust receipts and letters of credit provides clear guidance.
Judicial Ethics: When a Judge's Business Ties Undermine Impartiality
A judge's reprimand for attending corporate meetings shows how judicial office prestige cannot be used for private interests.
Right of First Refusal in Property Sales: A Binding Contractual Obligation
When is a right of first refusal enforceable in Philippine property sales? The Supreme Court clarifies in PUP v. Firestone Ceramics.
Upholding Contractual Agreements: Trust Receipts and Surety Agreements in Loan Obligations
The Supreme Court reaffirms that contracts are the law between parties, enforcing stipulated interest, penalties, and service charges in trust receipt loan transactions.
Partnership vs Employment: Sharing Profits in Lending Ventures Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when profit-sharing in a lending business creates a partnership, not an employment relationship, and how profits are computed.
Chattel vs Real Property: How Mortgage Classification Affects Foreclosure Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when machinery is chattel or real property, and why classification determines what a mortgage covers.
Unconscionable Penalties in Real Estate Contracts: Balancing Equity and Contractual Obligations
When a 3% monthly penalty on unpaid installments becomes unconscionable, Philippine courts may reduce it under Civil Code Articles 1229 and 2227.
Prescription in Anti-Graft Cases: When Does the Clock Start Ticking?
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period for anti-graft cases begins, distinguishing discovery from commission of the offense.
Simple Neglect of Duty: How Philippine Courts Distinguish Administrative Offenses
Philippine Retirement Authority v. Rupa clarifies when a public officer's delay is simple neglect, not conduct prejudicial to the service.
Beyond Labels: How Factual Allegations Define Criminal Charges in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts look past the label of a complaint to its factual allegations to determine jurisdiction, as Fabia v. Court of Appeals shows.
Piercing the Corporate Veil in Philippine Foreclosures: DBP v. Remington
When can Philippine courts pierce the corporate veil? The Supreme Court clarifies the strict rule in DBP v. Remington.