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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Accrual of Action: Demand as the Starting Point for Prescription in Debt Recovery
When does the prescriptive period for collecting a debt begin? The Supreme Court clarifies that demand, not maturity, starts the clock.
The Notary's Oath: Ensuring Document Authenticity and Preventing Legal Falsehoods
Why notarization demands personal appearance: lessons from a lawyer's suspension for notarizing a deed without the seller's presence.
Demanding Money for Court Documents Constitutes Grave Misconduct and Bribery
Court personnel who demand money from litigants face dismissal, forfeiture of benefits, and disqualification from public office under the new CCACOP.
The Counter Bond Conundrum: Ensuring Fair Attachment in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts should compute counter-bonds to discharge preliminary attachment, preventing excessive demands on debtors.
Dismissal Upheld: Dishonest Acts Justify Termination Despite Retraction
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that an employee's dishonest act—demanding money for a service—is serious misconduct justifying dismissal, even if the complainant later retracts.
Disbarment for Notarizing Documents After Signatory’s Death: A Lesson in Notarial Integrity
A lawyer who notarized an SPA after the signatory had died was disbarred. The Court explains why notarization demands utmost fidelity.
Bouncing Checks Law: Insufficient Funds and the Necessity of Demand
Understand BP 22's rules on insufficient funds, notice of dishonor, and when demand is truly required.
Sheriff's Duty: Court Approval Required for Execution Expenses in the Philippines
The Supreme Court fined a sheriff for demanding P10,000 directly from a judgment creditor without court approval, clarifying the proper procedure under Rule 141.
Attorney's Fees and Ethical Boundaries: Can Lawyers Demand Property as Payment?
A lawyer who demands litigated property as fees after the case ends may still face discipline for conduct unbecoming the legal profession.
Lawyer Fees and Client Property: What Ramos v. Ngaseo Teaches About the Limits of Fee Collection
The Supreme Court reprimanded a lawyer who demanded his client's land as payment, clarifying when the Civil Code ban on acquiring litigated property applies.
When Can Heirs Sue for Partition: Co-Ownership Rules in Inheritance Disputes
Learn when heirs can demand partition of inherited property, the rules on co-ownership, and how Philippine courts resolve inheritance disputes.
Neglect of Duty Requires Substantial Evidence: Protecting Public Servants From Unsubstantiated Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative liability for neglect of duty demands substantial evidence, not mere allegations or speculation.
Lawyer Negligence in the Philippines: Barbuco v. Beltran on Diligence and Competence
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling suspends a lawyer for six months after a late appellant's brief caused a client's appeal to be dismissed, showing what diligence demands.
Surety Reimbursement Rights: When Partial Payment Does Not Trigger Indemnity
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when co-sureties can demand reimbursement and foreclose pledged shares under indemnity agreements.
Breach of Public Trust: Unauthorized Release of Detainees Constitutes Grave Misconduct
Clerk of court dismissed for grave misconduct after ordering release of detainees and demanding money, usurping judicial functions.
Habitual Tardiness in the Judiciary: When Punctuality Becomes a Public Duty
The Supreme Court reprimands a court employee for habitual tardiness, affirming that public service demands strict observance of office hours.
Prescription and Co-Ownership: When Long Possession Extinguishes Partition Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a co-owner's long, exclusive possession can extinguish the right to demand partition through prescription.
Notarization Is Not Routine: A Lawyer’s Duty to Verify Identity
A lawyer who notarized a forged document without verifying identity gets suspended. Notarization demands real scrutiny, not routine reliance on CTCs.
Unlawful Detainer: Tolerance Creates No Right to Stay After Demand to Vacate
Supreme Court clarifies that possession by mere tolerance in unlawful detainer cases does not require prior physical possession by the owner.
Estate Creditors Can Demand Examination of Suspected Asset Concealment
Creditors may seek court examination of persons suspected of concealing estate assets, even if heirs present deeds of assignment.
Upholding Ejectment Demand Sufficiency Despite Reconveyance Suit
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies ejectment rules: demand allegations, reconveyance pendency, and supersedeas bond requirements in unlawful detainer cases.
Surety Bonds, Deficiency Claims, and the Burden of Proof in Collection Suits
The Supreme Court clarifies when a demand for payment is valid and what evidence creditors must present to collect a deficiency after foreclosure.
Surety Bonds and Deficiency Claims: Why Evidence of Demand and Computation Matters
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on suretyship, deficiency claims, and the need for valid demand with clear computation of amounts owed.
Excessive Bail Violates Right to Due Process: Lessons from Magsucang v. Balgos
A judge's excessive bail demand can violate an accused's right to due process. Learn from the Magsucang case.