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.
Administrative Power in the Philippines: Data Protection for Public Interest
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on FPA's proprietary data protection under P.D. 1144, upholding administrative power for public interest.
DTR Rules and Office Hours for Government Employees: Key Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling on falsified DTRs clarifies strict office hours, the 40-hour work week, and flexi-time limits for government employees.
Government Incentives When Must Employees Repay Disallowed Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when government employees must refund disallowed incentive benefits, distinguishing good faith recipients from approving officers.
Malicious Prosecution in Estafa Cases: When a Criminal Complaint Becomes a Tort
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing an estafa complaint without probable cause constitutes malicious prosecution, making the complainant liable for damages.
Overseas Worker Repatriation: Agency Duty and Due Process Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that recruitment agencies must repatriate OFW remains without prior hearing, upholding RA 8042 rules.
Agency vs Assignment: Who Is the Real Party in Interest in Contract Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a representative is an agent rather than an assignee, and who may sue on a contract.
Tax Refund vs Deficiency: The Rules on Set-Off in Philippine Tax Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when tax refunds can be set off against tax deficiencies, and the limits of compromise agreements in tax settlements.
Corporate Asset Purchases and Prior Presidential Approval: DBP v. COA
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling in DBP v. COA on prior presidential approval for government corporate vehicle purchases and disallowance.
Presidential Approval Required for Government Vehicle Purchases: DBP v. COA
Supreme Court affirms COA disallowance of DBP's vehicle purchases for lack of presidential approval under LOI 667 and Letter of Implementation No. 29.
The Signature Imperative: Why Unsigned Pleadings Fail in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts require pleadings signed by counsel or party. Learn why an answer signed by an unauthorized person is void and triggers default.
Board Resolution Required for Corporate Legal Representation: United Paragon Mining v. CA
Corporate officers cannot file suits or sign verifications for a corporation without a board resolution authorizing them, as United Paragon Mining v. CA shows.
Upholding Integrity in the Judiciary: Dishonesty and Misconduct Lead to Dismissal for Court Personnel
Clerk of Court dismissed for dishonesty, forgery, and misuse of public funds in violation of the Code of Conduct for Court Personnel.
Authority to Sign Certification Against Forum Shopping in Corporate Litigation
Who may sign the certification against forum shopping in corporate cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on authority and false certifications.
Election Bans and Government Employee Reassignments: What Davalos Teaches Us
A look at how the Supreme Court treats cash advances, liquidation duties, and accountability of public officers.
Boundary-Hulog Agreements and Employer-Employee Relations: What Drivers Should Know
A boundary-hulog agreement does not automatically erase the employer-employee relationship. Control over the driver remains the key test.
Demurrage in Philippine Shipping: Consignee Duties and Avoiding Penalties
Philippine law holds consignees liable for demurrage when cargo is not claimed promptly. Learn the rules and practical steps to avoid penalties.
Can One Co-Owner File an Ejectment Case in the Philippines? Yes, Under Article 487
A single co-owner can file an ejectment suit without the others. The Supreme Court explains how Article 487 of the Civil Code works.
Territorial Jurisdiction in Estafa Cases: Where the Crime Must Be Proven
In estafa cases, venue is jurisdictional. The Supreme Court explains why the prosecution must prove where the fraud occurred.
Presidential Power Limits on Foreign Debt Contraction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the President's power to contract foreign loans, including debt buybacks and bond conversions, under Section 20, Article VII of the Constitution.
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.
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.
When a Spouse's Sale of Conjugal Property Without Consent Is Valid
The Supreme Court explains when a sale of conjugal property by one spouse without the other's consent stands, and when heirs can still demand partition.
Authority Matters: Why Verbal Assurances From Bank Clerks Can't Seal Property Deals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why verbal assurances from bank clerks cannot validate property transactions, and the importance of proper authority.
Lawyer Fined for Unauthorized Appearance as NEA Counsel in GOCC Case
Supreme Court fines lawyer P5,000 for appearing as NEA counsel without required OGCC conformity and COA concurrence.