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.
Negligence in Notarization: Consequences for Failure to Comply With Notarial Duties
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplines lawyers who neglect notarial duties and mishandle client funds, with practical compliance tips.
Attorney Misappropriation of Client Funds: Fiduciary Duty and Ethical Obligations of Lawyers
When a lawyer mishandles client money, the Supreme Court does not take it lightly. Learn the ethical rules and consequences.
Breach of Contract in Property Sales: Rights, Interest, and Damages Under Philippine Law
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unpaid property sale balances clarifies when nominal damages, attorney's fees, and 12% interest apply.
Sale vs Promise to Sell: When Ownership Passes in Real Estate Deals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a contract of sale and a promise to sell, and when ownership actually transfers to the buyer.
Prescription in Insurance Claims: When Does the Clock Really Start Ticking
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when the prescriptive period for insurance claims begins, protecting policyholders from delayed denial.
Court Employees' Private Misconduct: When Personal Dealings Undermine Public Trust
A Supreme Court ruling reminds court employees that honesty and integrity are required even in their personal and private dealings.
Prior Payment of Check Value as Defense in Bouncing Checks Cases
When does paying the check amount before prosecution bar a B.P. 22 conviction? The Supreme Court explains in Griffith v. Court of Appeals.
Proving a Lost Lease with Secondary Evidence and Ejectment Rights in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts allow secondary evidence to prove a lost lease contract, and when a lessor may eject a non-paying tenant.
Rescinding a Land Sale in the Philippines: Why a Letter Is Not Enough
Philippine law requires a judicial or notarial act to rescind a sale of immovable property—even with an automatic rescission clause.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Estafa Case on Insufficient Evidence and Hearsay
Supreme Court acquits pawnshop owner in estafa case, ruling that hearsay evidence and uncorroborated testimony cannot overcome the presumption of innocence.
Bouncing Checks and Insufficient Notice: Protecting Individuals From Unjust Convictions
The Supreme Court acquits a check issuer because the prosecution failed to prove receipt of notice of dishonor, a key element under BP 22.
Encroachment and Good Faith: What Builders Must Know Under Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on encroachment, good faith, and accion reinvindicatoria in Evadel Realty v. Soriano.
Bouncing Checks Under B.P. 22: When a Check Used as Loan Security Still Leads to Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that issuing a bouncing check is a crime under B.P. 22, even if the check was only security for a loan.
Subleasing Without Landlord Consent: Ejectment Risks in Philippine Unlawful Detainer Cases
Sublessees without landlord consent face eviction when the main lease ends. Learn the rules from Jimenez v. Patricia, Inc.
Extrajudicial Rescission of Lease Agreements: A Guide for Philippine Landlords and Tenants
Learn how extrajudicial rescission of lease contracts works in the Philippines, including legal grounds, notice requirements, and practical tips for landlords and tenants.
Demurrer to Evidence Reversed on Appeal: When the Court Must Decide on the Plaintiff's Evidence
Learn the consequences when a demurrer to evidence is reversed on appeal and how judicial admissions can establish liability.
Contractor's Tax Assessments: Prescription Periods and Gross Receipts Rules
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax assessment prescription periods, contractor's tax on security agency gross receipts, and protest deadlines under the NIRC.
Delayed Baggage Claims: When Airlines Avoid Moral and Exemplary Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when delayed baggage delivery triggers only limited damages, not moral or exemplary awards.
Notice of Dishonor Under BP 22: Why Actual Receipt Matters in Bouncing Check Cases
Under BP 22, a bounced check issuer can only be convicted if properly notified of dishonor. The Betty King case shows why actual notice is crucial.
When Does Withholding Tax Obligation Arise? Filipinas Synthetic Fiber Corp. v. CA
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the duty to withhold tax on payments to foreign corporations arises—at accrual or payment.
When Can an Appellate Court Remand an Ejectment Case? Key Rules
Explains when RTCs may remand ejectment appeals for further evidence, and when remand is improper under Section 21(d).
Missed Deadlines Missed Defenses: The High Stakes of Ignoring a Request for Admission in Philippine Courts
A Request for Admission is not a mere formality. Ignoring it can mean losing a case by default. Learn the rules.
Perfecting CAR Sales Contracts IN THE Philippines Understanding Buyer Rights AND Seller Obligations
Learn when a car sale contract is perfected in the Philippines, buyer rights, and seller obligations from the Xentrex Automotive case.
Absolute vs Conditional Sale Understanding Philippine Real Estate Contracts
Learn the key differences between absolute and conditional sales in Philippine real estate, and what the Supreme Court says about buyer and seller rights.