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.
Dacion en Pago: How to Properly Extinguish Loan Obligations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains how dacion en pago works, when loan obligations are extinguished, and the pitfalls lenders must avoid.
Theft vs. Estafa in the Philippines: Key Distinctions and the Horca Case
Theft and estafa differ in possession and deceit. The Horca ruling shows why the distinction matters and how acquittal can still leave civil liability.
Understanding Preventive Suspension in Philippine Administrative Law: Rights and Remedies
Learn the rules on preventive suspension in Philippine administrative law, including grounds, duration, and the rights of public officers facing investigation.
Robbery vs. Direct Bribery: What the Remolano Case Teaches About Due Process
The Supreme Court's Remolano ruling clarifies when extortion is robbery or bribery—and why accurate criminal charges are essential to due process.
Defective Vehicle Refund and Manufacturer Liability Under the Consumer Act
Supreme Court ruling clarifies consumer refund rights for defective vehicles and manufacturer liability under RA 7394, with administrative fines reinstated.
When Filing Two Property Lawsuits Is Not Forum Shopping: The Hocorma Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing both an ejectment case and a collection suit over the same property does not constitute forum shopping.
Novation Requires Unequivocal Terms: Asian Construction vs Mero Structures
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when letters between parties create novation, and when an obligation remains unchanged.
Redundancy in Philippine Employment: When a Valid Termination Becomes Illegal Dismissal
Learn when redundancy is valid in Philippine labor law, and how the Supreme Court protects employees from illegal dismissal disguised as redundancy.
PhilHealth Personnel as Public Health Workers: The UHC Act's Curative Effect on Benefits
The Supreme Court confirms PhilHealth personnel are public health workers entitled to hazard, subsistence, and laundry allowances under RA 7305.
Spousal Liability for Debts in the Philippines: The Zapanta Case Explained
When can one spouse be held liable for the other's debts? The Supreme Court's ruling in Zapanta v. Rustan clarifies the rules on family property liability.
Evident Partiality in Philippine Arbitration: When Courts Can Vacate an Award
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the "evident partiality" standard for vacating arbitration awards, distinguishing it from mere errors in weighing evidence.
When One Is Liable for All: Conspiracy in Gang Rape Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that in conspiracy, each accused is liable for all acts of rape committed by co-conspirators, even those at large.
Estafa by Deceit in Property Sales: Lessons from Dulay v. People
The Supreme Court's ruling in Dulay v. People clarifies estafa by deceit in property transactions and the buyer's duty to verify ownership.
Fraud and Writs of Preliminary Attachment: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
When does non-payment of a debt amount to fraud justifying a writ of preliminary attachment? A recent Supreme Court ruling provides clear guidance.
Property Ownership and Possession: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies ownership, possession, and the role of tax declarations in property disputes.
Lawyer Suspended for Borrowing from Client: Anacay v. Alberto Explained
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years for borrowing money from a client without protecting the client's interests, reaffirming strict fiduciary duties.
Understanding Due Process in Government Audits: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling on an administrative case clarifies due process, misconduct, and penalties for government employees.
Can Laches Bar a Registered Owner’s Right to Recover Property in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court rules that laches cannot defeat a registered owner’s right to recover property under the Torrens system.
When Can Employers Fire for Loss of Trust? Key Accounts Manager Case Explained
Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal of a Key Accounts Manager who falsified documents.
When Bank Receivership Suspends B.P. 22 Liability: What Creditors Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how bank receivership suspends check payment obligations and bars B.P. 22 criminal liability for bank officers.
Understanding Regular Employment Status and Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a worker becomes a regular employee and what constitutes illegal dismissal, using a truck driver's case.
Estoppel in Mortgage Foreclosures: Protecting Borrowers From Unfair Actions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on co-owner rights in recovery of possession, clarifying when partition is not required before filing ejectment actions.
Easements vs. Taking: Just Compensation for Transmission Line Expropriation
When does an easement of right of way become a taking requiring full just compensation? The Supreme Court clarifies in this landmark case.
Crossed Checks as Proof of Debt: A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court ruled that crossed checks issued to a named payee are strong evidence of debt, reversing the Court of Appeals.