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.
Jurisdiction vs Exercise of Jurisdiction: Upholding Court Authority Despite Procedural Errors
The Supreme Court clarifies that jurisdiction over labor cases persists despite procedural lapses, and rules on retirement age, CBA benefits, and tax refund claims.
Partnership Disputes: Absence of Formalities Does Not Negate Partnership Existence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a partnership may exist without formal documents, based on the parties' intent and conduct.
Meralco Billing Dispute: Tax Credit Assignments and Tampered Meter Claims
Supreme Court ruling on Meralco's interest charges on tax credit assignments and differential billing for alleged meter tampering.
When Duty and Danger Collide: Justifiable Homicide in the Line of Duty
A police officer's shooting of an escapee who grabbed an M16 was justified as fulfillment of duty, not homicide.
Laches and Land Rights: Why Delay Can Defeat Property Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how laches and inaction can bar property reconveyance claims even when fraud is alleged.
Prescription and Reconveyance: Property Rights and Time Limits in the Philippines
Understand when actions for reconveyance prescribe in the Philippines, based on a Supreme Court ruling on property rights and time limits.
PLDT v. City of Bacolod: The Limits of the Most-Favored-Treatment Clause in Tax Exemptions
The Supreme Court rules that the most-favored-treatment clause in R.A. 7925 does not grant tax exemptions to telecommunications companies.
Jurisdiction Clarified When Regular Courts Handle Property Disputes Despite Developer Status
When do regular courts, not HLURB, hear property disputes? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction rules in Lacson Hermanas v. Heirs of Ignacio.
Sublease Rent Claims: Why Lessors Must Sue the Lessee First
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that lessors cannot directly sue sublessees for unpaid rent without first obtaining judgment against the lessee.
Withdrawal of Information vs Dismissal: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court clarifies when a motion to withdraw information is final, and how prosecutors must weigh both sides in preliminary investigation.
Judicial Impartiality When Family Ties Conflict With Legal Duty In The Courtroom
A judge who hears a case where his son-in-law appears as counsel violates mandatory disqualification rules, even if the outcome seems fair.
Attorney Accountability Understanding Lawyer Neglect of Duty in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer neglect of duty, abandonment of clients, and the ethical obligations of attorneys.
CBA Scholarship Benefits Resolving Ambiguities IN Favor OF Labor
Security agency loses bid to exempt receivables from garnishment; Court applies labor-friendly rule on execution exemptions.
Judicial Overreach: Contempt Powers, Due Process, and the Limits of a Judge's Discretion
A judge's contempt power has limits. Learn how the Supreme Court disciplined a judge for denying a lawyer's right to post bond.
Contract of Sale vs Piece of Work: Subcontractor Rights Under Article 1729
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a supply agreement is a piece of work, giving subcontractors direct claims against project owners.
Road Repair Responsibility When Negligence Leads to Liability
When road diggings lack warning devices, local governments may be liable for damages. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on negligence, moral damages, and gross negligence.
Authority Matters: Why Verbal Assurances From Bank Clerks Can't Seal Property Deals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why verbal assurances from bank clerks cannot validate property transactions, and the importance of proper authority.
Third-Party Complaints: When Can a Defendant Implead Another Party?
Learn when Philippine courts allow third-party complaints and why a mere business connection between transactions is not enough.
When Redundancy Becomes Illegal Dismissal: Lessons from Lopez Sugar Corporation
The Supreme Court clarifies when a redundancy program is a valid management prerogative and when it becomes an illegal dismissal.
Vehicular Homicide vs. Murder: Intent and the Use of a Motor Vehicle
When does a fatal vehicular incident become murder? The Mallari case shows how intent and the use of a motor vehicle elevate the crime.
When Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Due Diligence in Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's failure to act diligently on an appeal binds the client, and what counts as notice of a decision.
Upholding Client Trust Attorney Suspended for Misappropriating Settlement Funds
Lawyer suspended six months for misappropriating client's P50,000 settlement funds, violating Canon 16 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Assessed Value vs Market Value: Key to Court Jurisdiction in Property Disputes
Philippine courts decide jurisdiction over property cases by assessed value, not market value. Learn the rule from Hilario v. Salvador.
Court Clerk Dismissed for Misappropriating Judiciary Funds: Lessons on Fiduciary Duty
Supreme Court dismisses court clerk for misappropriating P171,450 in judiciary funds, underscoring strict accountability for court personnel.