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.
Condonation Doctrine: Limits on Administrative Liability for Re-elected Officials
The Supreme Court clarifies the condonation doctrine's scope, applying it only to elected officials re-elected before April 12, 2016.
Choice of Law Clauses in Cross-Border Contracts: The Standard Chartered Ruling
How Philippine courts resolve conflicting choice-of-law clauses in cross-border contracts, explained through the Standard Chartered Bank v. Philippine Investment Two ruling.
When Lawyers Serve Two Masters: Ethical Violations in Land Deals and Public Office
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer-mayor for helping circumvent land ownership rules and practicing law while in public office.
Notarizing Without a Commission: Supreme Court Discipline for Lawyers
Learn the disciplinary consequences for Philippine lawyers who notarize documents without a valid commission, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Enforcing a Philippine Judgment: Time Limits, Property Levies, and Revival
Learn the 5-year rule for executing judgments in the Philippines, how to revive a dormant judgment, and what property a sheriff can levy.
When a MOA Becomes a Binding Contract: Lessons from a Property Sale Dispute
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a Memorandum of Agreement becomes a binding contract of sale, and why parties cannot later disavow it.
Retrenchment in the Philippines: Proving Business Losses Under Article 298
Retrenchment is legal only if employers prove serious, ongoing losses. The Philphos case shows what evidence courts require.
Copyright Assignment and Forgery: What the Supreme Court Ruled
A forged Deed of Assignment does not transfer copyright ownership, and using the work anyway can lead to infringement liability.
Reconstitution of Lost Land Titles: Register of Deeds' Duty Under RA 26
When registry records go missing, who must reconstitute your land title? The Supreme Court clarifies the Register of Deeds' duty under RA 26.
Due Process and Summons: Supreme Court Ruling on Unresolved Motions for Reconsideration
The Supreme Court clarifies that ignoring a motion for reconsideration violates due process, while explaining how courts acquire jurisdiction over defendants.
Defective Summons and Voluntary Appearance: Due Process in Property Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when defective extraterritorial summons can be cured by voluntary appearance—and why due process still protects the defendant.
Defective Summons Voids Trustee Appointment: Key Lessons from Diversified Plastic Film v. PI-One
Defective summons can void court proceedings. Learn the jurisdictional limits and SPV Act requirements from this Supreme Court ruling.
Supreme Court Upholds CIAC Jurisdiction, Strikes Down 14-Day Arbitration Limit in Government Contracts
Supreme Court affirms CIAC jurisdiction over government construction disputes and voids unreasonably short 14-day arbitration periods as contrary to public policy.
Writ of Kalikasan: Supreme Court Requires Concrete Evidence, Not Mere Allegations
The Supreme Court clarifies that Writ of Kalikasan petitioners must present concrete evidence linking a defendant's acts to environmental damage, not just allegations.
Writ of Kalikasan Requires Concrete Evidence, Not Speculation: Water for All Refund Movement Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that a Writ of Kalikasan demands concrete evidence of environmental harm, not mere speculation or unsubstantiated allegations.
Probating a Foreign Will in the Philippines: Lessons from a Landmark Case
Learn the formalities for probating foreign wills in the Philippines, from a landmark Supreme Court case on foreign law proof.
Discernment in Juvenile Justice: Key Lessons from CICL XXX vs. People
Understand how Philippine courts determine a minor's discernment and criminal liability, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in CICL XXX vs. People.
Bunkhouse Residency and Voter Registration: The Bascon Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court affirms that workers living in employer-provided bunkhouses can establish voter residency, provided they meet legal requirements.
Concubinage Beyond the Conjugal Home: What the Supreme Court Ruled
The Supreme Court clarifies that cohabitation in any place, not just the conjugal home, can constitute concubinage under Philippine law.
When a Missing Estate Administrator Does Not Void a Contract Case: Heirs of Manzano v. Kinsonic
The Supreme Court clarifies when the absence of an estate administrator is not fatal to a contract dispute, distinguishing indispensable from necessary parties.
Bank Liable for Moral Damages Over Mortgage Redemption Insurance Non-Disclosure
When a bank offers mortgage redemption insurance, it must disclose coverage limits. Learn from Land Bank v. Miranda why non-disclosure can lead to damages.
Defective Informations and Qualifying Circumstances: Lessons from People v. Pilen
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Pilen clarifies when defective Informations waive objections and how treachery is proven.
Bank Negligence in the Philippines: The BDO v. Seastres Case on Extraordinary Diligence
When banks fail to exercise extraordinary diligence, they can be held fully liable for unauthorized withdrawals, as the Supreme Court ruled in BDO v. Seastres.
Illegal Dismissal of Cooperative Officers: CDA, Not Labor Tribunals, Has Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that illegal dismissal complaints by cooperative officers fall under CDA jurisdiction, not labor tribunals.