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.
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Immutability of Judgments: When Final Decisions Stand Firm
Explaining the immutability of judgments through LBP v. Hababag, Sr., where the Supreme Court denied reconsideration and clarified interest rules.
Final Judgment Immutability and Double Interest Under the Insurance Code
A final judgment cannot be altered during execution. The Supreme Court also clarifies the double interest rate under the Insurance Code.
Upholding Client Loyalty THE Prohibition Against Representing Conflicting Interests IN Legal Practice
Lawyer Suspended for Conflict of Interest: When a Former Client Becomes an Adversary
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for six months for representing siblings against a former client, violating Rule 15.03 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Mutuality of Contracts: Banks Cannot Unilaterally Raise Interest Rates Without Borrower Consent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why banks cannot unilaterally increase loan interest rates without borrower consent, citing mutuality of contracts principle.
Demolition of Illegal Structures on Public Roads: Public Welfare Over Private Interests
Supreme Court rules illegally constructed houses on public roads are nuisances that must be demolished, prioritizing public welfare over private claims.
Attorney Disqualification: The Limits of Contingency Fees and Conflicts of Interest
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyers acquiring client property during litigation, void contracts, and contingency fee limits.
Heirs Obligations Settling Debts Before Inheritance Distribution
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on heirs' duty to settle decedent's debts before inheritance distribution, including interest rules.
Financial Assistance After Termination: Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Interests
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when separation pay may be granted to employees validly dismissed for just cause.
Payroll Deductions and Employer Obligations: PAL v. PESALA
When an employer ignores court orders on payroll deductions, it may be liable for undeducted amounts plus interest.
Injunctions and Property Rights: Balancing Ownership and Possession in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when preliminary injunctions may issue, distinguishing real parties in interest from indispensable parties in property disputes.
When Can a Law Firm File Certiorari on Its Own Behalf? Standing Rules Explained
The Supreme Court explains when a law firm, though not a party to the case, may challenge a court order via certiorari to protect its own interests.
Just Compensation and Inflation: What Expropriation Law Really Requires
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that inflation is not added to just compensation; interest covers currency devaluation in expropriation cases.
Timely Compensation Determining Interest on Delayed Agrarian Land Payments
The Supreme Court clarifies when 12% interest accrues on delayed agrarian reform compensation, ruling it runs from the time of taking, not from revaluation.
Unilateral Interest Rate Setting in Loan Agreements: Mutuality of Contracts Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unilateral interest rate setting in PNB loan agreements and the mutuality of contracts principle.
Mortgage Rights Prevail Protecting Mortgagee Interests Over Subsequent Property Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how registered mortgages prevail over later contracts to sell, protecting mortgagee rights.
Pactum Commissorium: When Mortgage Agreements Unfairly Benefit Lenders
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mortgage validity, unconscionable interest rates, and when borrowers cannot escape contractual obligations.
Defining Construction Cost Interest Expenses and Reserved Units in Joint Development Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what counts as actual construction cost in joint development agreements, excluding interest expenses from the computation.
Procedural Lapses vs Substantial Justice: When Courts Must Look Beyond Deadlines
The Supreme Court clarifies when procedural rules bind litigants strictly and when courts may relax them in the interest of substantial justice.
Stare Decisis in Retrenchment Cases: When Prior Rulings Bind Similar Claims
The Supreme Court applies stare decisis to deny reconsideration in a retrenchment case, affirming that identical issues and parties with common interest are bound by prior rulings.
Supreme Court Voids 'Right to Top' Clause in Government Asset Sale: Osmeña v. PSALM
The Supreme Court invalidated a 'right to top' provision in a government land lease, reaffirming that competitive public bidding protects public interest.
Demurrer to Evidence Dismissal Upheld for Insufficient Proof of Installment Sale and Insurable Interest
A Supreme Court ruling explains how a demurrer to evidence works and why a plaintiff who fails to prove his case can lose even before the defense presents evidence.
Construction Contracts and Legal Interest: Determining Liability in Government Projects
The Supreme Court clarifies when 6% legal interest applies to unpaid construction claims against government agencies and local governments.
Right to Inspect Corporate Books: Protecting Minority Stockholders' Interests in Philippine Corporations
A stockholder's right to inspect corporate books under the Corporation Code, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Terelay Investment v. Yulo.