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.
When Banks Can Refuse Payment: B.P. 22 and Bank Closure in Cu v. SB Corp.
Supreme Court ruling on B.P. 22 liability when a bank is closed by the Monetary Board and placed under PDIC receivership.
Public Use Prevails Over Private Claims in Road Right-of-Way Dispute
Supreme Court rules that road rights-of-way are public dominion property, and private claimants cannot demand just compensation for land never validly acquired.
Upholding Notarial Duties: Consequences for Negligence in Document Notarization
A notary's failure to verify documents and record notarizations leads to commission revocation and disqualification in this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Upholding Local Authority When Business Permits AND Public Welfare Collide
Supreme Court ruling on when local governments may validly withhold permits and shut down businesses for sanitation violations.
Attorney Suspended for Conflicting Representation and Accepting Fees from Opposing Party
A lawyer's one-year suspension for negotiating with the opposing party and accepting professional fees from them, violating client loyalty rules.
When Business Closure Is Valid: Employer Prerogative vs. Employee Security
The Supreme Court explains when a company may validly close operations and terminate employees, and how workers can challenge the closure.
Union Registration Misrepresentation Claims and the Limits of Cancellation Under the Labor Code
The Supreme Court clarifies that only grounds listed in Article 247 of the Labor Code justify cancellation of union registration, not lack of mutuality of interests.
Valid Consignation Demands Strict Compliance With Legal Requirements
Learn when depositing rent in a bank account is not valid consignation, and what the law requires for debt payment.
Franchise Tax After EPIRA: NPC's Liability and the Limits of Local Government Power
The Supreme Court clarifies when the local franchise tax applies after EPIRA, nullifying Bataan's levy on NPC properties.
Digging for Trouble: When Unauthorized Excavation Leads to Dismissal
Supreme Court rules on grave misconduct for court employees who dug for hidden treasure inside the SC compound in Baguio.
When Can an Agent Delegate Authority? The Rule on Substitution Under Philippine Law
Philippine law presumes an agent may appoint a substitute unless prohibited. Learn the rules, limits, and risks from a Supreme Court ruling.
Writ of Possession After Tax Delinquency Sale: No Forum Shopping Certification Required
Supreme Court clarifies that a writ of possession petition after a tax delinquency sale is not an initiatory pleading, so no certification against forum shopping is needed.
Duty of Disclosure in Insurance Contracts: Insurers Must Prove Concealment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that insurers bear the burden of proving concealment or misrepresentation by convincing evidence before rescinding policies.
Assignees of Bank Mortgagee Entitled to Shorter Redemption Period Under General Banking Law
Supreme Court rules assignees of a bank mortgagee benefit from the shorter three-month redemption period under the General Banking Law.
Emancipation Patents Under Voluntary Land Transfer: The Marinas Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when emancipation patents are valid under PD 27's Voluntary Land Transfer scheme, including co-owner consent and payment timing.
When a Spouse's Consent Is Missing: Void Mortgages and Conjugal Liability
A mortgage on conjugal property without the other spouse's consent is void, but the loan itself may still bind the family.
Ensuring Access: The Indispensable Right to a Legal Easement of Right of Way
When a property becomes landlocked through no fault of its owner, Philippine law grants a legal easement of right of way. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Amending Pleadings: When Courts Should Grant Leave to File Amended Complaints
Explore when Philippine courts should allow amended pleadings, based on a Supreme Court ruling on a bank foreclosure case.
Unconscionable Penalties: Reassessing Loan Obligations in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may reduce penalty charges and attorney's fees in deficiency claims after foreclosure.
Attorney Suspended Five Years for Deceitful Conduct and Breach of Professional Responsibility
Lawyer suspended five years for deceiving clients into paying P350,000 for a property redemption she never processed, violating the Lawyer's Oath and Rule 1.01.
Ejectment Actions Beyond Lease Agreements: The Contract to Sell Rule in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that ejectment cases cover contract to sell violations, not just lease agreements or forcible entry.
Protecting Deliberations: The Scope of Deliberative Process Privilege in Philippine Law
Explore the deliberative process privilege in Philippine law, its scope, limits, and how courts balance confidentiality with transparency.
Credibility of a Rape Survivor's Positive Identification and Corroborating Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how a victim's credible, positive identification and corroborating evidence outweigh defenses of denial and minor inconsistencies.
Valid Notice in Corporate Meetings: Mailing vs Receipt in the Philippines
Learn when termination notices are valid in the Philippines—mailing vs receipt, and the 30-day rule under the Labor Code.