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.
Missed Deadline Dismissed Appeal Why Perfecting Appeals On Time IS NON Negotiable IN Philippine Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on appeal bonds in labor cases: non-posting within the reglementary period is fatal and jurisdictional.
Lost Your Labor Case Appeal? The Supreme Court on Mandatory Appeal Bonds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why employers must post an appeal bond to perfect a labor appeal, and the consequences of failing to do so.
Willful Failure to Pay Just Debts: Disciplinary Risks for Philippine Government Employees
Philippine public servants can face administrative discipline for willful failure to pay just debts, even after settlement. Learn the rules and risks.
Breach of Trust Establishing Estafa Through Misappropriated Funds
Explore how failure to remit collected funds constitutes estafa under Article 315(1)(b) of the Revised Penal Code, as ruled in Pucay v. People.
COA Overpayment Recovery Upheld: Quantum Meruit in Government Contracts
Supreme Court affirms COA's order for a contractor to return overpayments, clarifying quantum meruit and due process in government audit cases.
Tax Refund vs Deficiency: The Rules on Set-Off in Philippine Tax Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when tax refunds can be set off against tax deficiencies, and the limits of compromise agreements in tax settlements.
Mandatory Arbitration Prevails: Contractual Disputes Must Go to Arbitration First
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: when a contract has a mandatory arbitration clause, parties must arbitrate before going to court.
Quorum in Nonstock Corporations: Counting Only Living Voting Members
Supreme Court ruling on quorum in nonstock corporations—dead members excluded, only living voting members count.
Prescription of Offenses Under Special Laws: Absence From the Philippines Does Not Suspend the Period
The Supreme Court rules that under Act No. 3326, an accused's absence from the Philippines does not interrupt the prescriptive period for offenses under special laws.
Extinguishment of Debt by Overpayment and Nullification of Extrajudicial Foreclosure
When overpayment extinguishes a mortgage debt, a foreclosure based on alleged default has no legal basis and may be voided.
The Fresh Period Rule: Resetting Appeal Deadlines After a Motion for Reconsideration
Learn how the Fresh Period Rule gives litigants a new 15-day window to appeal after a motion for reconsideration is denied.
Seafarers Are Contractual Employees: What This Means for Benefits Claims
Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers are contractual, not regular, employees—affecting 13th month pay and disability benefits claims.
Interest on Maritime Liens in the Philippines: When Does the Clock Start Ticking?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest on a maritime lien begins to accrue—from extrajudicial demand, not from foreclosure sale.
Unconscionable Interest Rates When Courts Intervene in Surety Bond Disputes
Philippine courts can reduce stipulated interest rates that balloon beyond the principal debt. Learn the rule from a 2006 surety bond case.
Reckless Driving and Property Damage: Understanding Liability for Negligence on Philippine Roads
When a bus swerves and damages property, who pays? This case clarifies reckless imprudence, actual damages, and the sudden emergency rule.
Demurrage in Philippine Shipping: Consignee Duties and Avoiding Penalties
Philippine law holds consignees liable for demurrage when cargo is not claimed promptly. Learn the rules and practical steps to avoid penalties.
Unconscionable Attorneys Fees When Philippine Courts Intervene
Philippine courts may reduce contingent attorney's fees that are excessive or unconscionable, even if clients freely signed the fee agreement.
Transferee Recruitment Agency Liability and OFW Claims: The Grand Placement Case
Explaining when a transferee recruitment agency assumes liability for OFW claims, and why evidence still matters in monetary disputes.
Dismissed Appeal: Why Timely Docket Fee Payment Is Non-Negotiable in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court affirms that paying appellate docket fees on time is mandatory and jurisdictional—late payment can kill an appeal.
Can a Bank Reverse Its Acknowledgment of Full Payment? Philippine Law Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a bank can correct a mistaken acknowledgment of full loan payment and demand the balance.
Double Jeopardy When A Prior Admission Seals Your Fate IN Court
A procedural misstep in filing a petition for review can end a case, but the Supreme Court shows when courts must be lenient.
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.
Retroactive Application of Procedural Rules: The Fresh Period Rule for Certiorari Petitions
The Supreme Court clarifies that curative procedural rules apply retroactively, granting a fresh 60-day period for filing certiorari petitions after denial of reconsideration.
Retroactive Application of Procedural Rules Ensuring Fairness in Certiorari Filings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on retroactive application of curative procedural rules for certiorari filings under Rule 65.