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.
BSP Bank Closure Powers: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means for Depositors
The Supreme Court upheld the BSP's power to close banks without prior hearing, protecting depositors while limiting legal challenges.
Acquitted Corporate Officer Not Civilly Liable for Bouncing Check: Supreme Court Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies that a corporate officer acquitted of BP 22 violations cannot be held civilly liable for the dishonored check's value.
When a Corporate Officer Escapes Civil Liability for a Bounced Check Under BP 22
The Supreme Court clarifies that an acquitted corporate officer cannot be held personally liable for a dishonored corporate check under BP 22.
Unauthorized Foreshore Structures as Public Nuisance: Calimlim v. Goño
The Supreme Court rules that unauthorized structures on foreshore land constitute a public nuisance and must be removed.
Revival of Judgment in the Philippines: Who Are Indispensable Parties and When to File
Learn the rules on reviving a final judgment in the Philippines, including indispensable parties and the 10-year prescriptive period.
Psychological Violence and Child Abuse: Defining the Boundaries of Harm Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when repeated abuse becomes psychological violence under RA 9262 and how child sexual abuse is penalized under RA 7610.
Vicarious Liability of Schools: When Teachers Answer for Student Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when school principals and teachers are vicariously liable for student acts causing injury to third persons.
When a Parent Pays for Property in a Child's Name: Implied Trusts vs. Presumed Donations
Philippine law presumes a donation when a parent pays for property titled in a child's name. Learn how to overturn this presumption.
Conditional Sale vs. Contract to Sell: A Supreme Court Ruling on Ownership, Breach, and Forum Shopping
The Supreme Court clarifies when a "conditional sale" is really a contract to sell, and warns against forum shopping in property disputes.
Reinstatement Wages After Illegal Dismissal: The 'Final Reversal' Rule Explained
When must employers pay reinstatement wages after an illegal dismissal ruling? The Supreme Court clarifies the "final reversal" rule in Del Monte Land Transport.
Oral Share Sale Agreements in the Philippines: Enforceability and Remedies After Breach
Learn when oral agreements to sell shares are enforceable in the Philippines, and the remedies available when a seller backs out.
When Lawyers Fail Clients: The Sore-Romano Disbarment Case Explained
A lawyer suspended five years for negligence, dishonesty, and IBP defiance—what this means for clients and the legal profession.
Upholding Moral Standards: Dismissal for Gross Immorality in the Judiciary
Court personnel face dismissal for gross immorality, even in private life, as the Supreme Court reaffirms exacting ethical standards.
Managerial Responsibility in Government Procurement: Defining the Sandiganbayan’s Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that GOCC managers, regardless of salary grade, fall under Sandiganbayan jurisdiction for procurement offenses.
Mandamus and Retirement Benefits: How Government Employees Can Enforce Their Rights
Learn how mandamus can compel government agencies to release delayed retirement benefits, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Defective Information in VAWC Cases: When Lack of Specificity Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquitted a VAWC accused because the Information failed to allege mental or emotional anguish, a crucial element under Section 5(i) of RA 9262.
Judicial Clemency for Philippine Lawyers: The Ruiz Case and the Path to Reinstatement
Learn how judicial clemency works for disciplined Philippine lawyers, including the requirements under the CPRA and the landmark Ruiz case.
Notarial Negligence and Misuse of Notarial Seals: What the Supreme Court Decided
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers may be held liable for misuse of their notarial seals, and when they may not.
Unlawful Detainer vs Forcible Entry: Key Distinction in Property Possession Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial difference between unlawful detainer and forcible entry, and why tolerance must exist from the start of possession.
Absolute Privilege in Quasi-Judicial Proceedings: The Arquiza Libel Ruling
The Supreme Court acquits a party-list nominee of libel, extending absolute privilege to statements in COMELEC quasi-judicial petitions.
When Courts Relax the Rules: Attorney Negligence and Due Process in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court explains when procedural rules may be relaxed to protect workers' right to due process despite counsel's negligence.
Upholding Agrarian Reform When Can a Final Judgment Be Overturned
The Supreme Court explains when a final judgment can be overturned, applying exceptions to immutability in an agrarian reform case.
Qualified Trafficking: Protecting Children From Sexual Exploitation in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms life sentences for traffickers who sexually exploited a minor, clarifying the law on qualified trafficking in persons.
Government Procurement: When Can Bids Be Rejected Under RA 9184
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of the Head of Procuring Entity’s power to cancel bids under RA 9184’s reservation clause.