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.
Disbarment for Disrespect: Upholding Judicial Authority and Ethical Conduct in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for repeated abuse of court processes, dilatory tactics, and disrespect toward a Court of Appeals justice.
Sale vs Agency: When Unpaid Vendors Are Not Guilty of Estafa
The Supreme Court clarifies when a failed real estate deal is a breach of contract, not estafa, and why unpaid vendors cannot be criminally liable.
Navigating Lump-Sum Appropriations: Insights from the Supreme Court's Belgica Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that not all lump-sum appropriations are unconstitutional, provided they comply with the rule on singular correspondence.
Compromise Agreements Bind Courts: Enforcing Terms as Written
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on compromise agreements, judicial authority, and remedies for breach in Bernardo v. Union Bank.
Forged Check Nullifies Loan and Foreclosure: Lessons from PNB v. Giron-Roque
A forged check voids a loan and its foreclosure. Learn the banking diligence rules and borrower remedies from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
B.P. 22 and the Corporate Veil: When Corporate Officers Face Personal Liability
The Supreme Court pierces the corporate veil in B.P. 22 cases, holding officers personally liable for bouncing checks—but only with proper notice of dishonor.
Writ of Possession After Foreclosure: Third-Party Claims in Philippine Mortgage Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on writ of possession in mortgage foreclosures, explaining when third-party adverse claims can block eviction.
Mutuality of Contracts: When Banks Cannot Unilaterally Change Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on banks' unilateral interest rate hikes violating mutuality of contracts under Article 1308, Civil Code.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Are Corporate Officers Personally Liable in Labor Cases?
The Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers can be held personally liable for labor claims, emphasizing the need for clear allegations and proof of bad faith.
Recruiting Minors for Criminal Activities Is Trafficking Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court rules that recruiting minors to commit robberies constitutes qualified trafficking in persons under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
Disbarment for Misleading the Court: Candor as a Lawyer's Highest Duty
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for misleading the court and breaching candor, reaffirming that honesty is the foundation of legal practice.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Company Officers Face Personal Liability
A corporate officer can be held personally liable for labor awards if the judgment is final. Learn the risks and rules.
Guarantee vs Suretyship: How Waiving Excussion Changes Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a "guarantee" becomes a suretyship, and why a rehabilitation stay order does not protect a surety.
Corporate Rehabilitation and Court-Approved Penalty Reductions: La Savoie v. Buenavista
A stay order voids judgments rendered in violation of it, and rehabilitation courts may reduce contractual penalties under an approved plan.
Abuse of Rights in Contractual Dealings: Upholding Freedom to Contract and Good Faith
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on corporate rehabilitation, contractual penalties, and the limits of judicial interference in contracts.
When SEC Authority Prevails: Jurisdiction and Real Party in Interest in Corporate Debt Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified jurisdiction and real party in interest rules in corporate debt disputes under SEC authority.
When Can a Landlord Claim Unpaid Rent: Lessons from Booklight v. Tiu
Learn when landlords can claim unpaid rent and why tenants must present evidence at pre-trial, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Loan Restructuring and Surety Obligations: Understanding Novation and Continuing Guarantees
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loan restructuring extinguishes a surety's obligation and the binding effect of continuing guarantees.
Corporation By Estoppel: When Unregistered Entities Can Receive Valid Donations
Philippine law on corporation by estoppel and donations to unregistered entities, explained with practical guidance for donors and recipients.
Safeguarding Rights Strict Compliance With Drug Evidence Rules Protects Against Wrongful Convictions
The Supreme Court rules that notarized deeds of sale enjoy a presumption of validity that only clear and convincing evidence can overcome.
Judicial Demand as Cure for Default and Foreclosure Rights in Loan Agreements
How filing a complaint can cure lack of extrajudicial demand, and why collection and foreclosure are mutually exclusive remedies.
Overlapping Land Claims Resolving Boundary Disputes IN Property Registration
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies remedies for unpaid sellers in land sales, distinguishing dacion en pago from absolute sale.
Due Process and Delay: Upholding Debt Recovery Despite Repeated Postponements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how repeated postponements do not violate due process in debt recovery cases.
Unpaid Property Resolving Sales When Buyers Fail TO PAY
When buyers fail to pay, sellers may rescind the sale. This article explains the legal rules on unpaid property sales in the Philippines.