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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Revival of Judgment and Real Parties in Interest: Key Lessons from Clidoro v. Jalmanzar
The Supreme Court clarifies when a complaint for revival of judgment may be dismissed for lack of cause of action, and who qualifies as a real party in interest.
Mutuality of Contracts: When Banks Cannot Unilaterally Raise Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Silos v. PNB explains why unilateral interest rate hikes violate the mutuality principle in loan contracts.
Property Rights and Nuisance: Balancing Interests in Land Use Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when land use becomes a nuisance, when it can be abated, and how courts balance competing property rights.
Bidding Rules and Government's Right to Reject: Protecting Public Interest in Privatization
Supreme Court affirms government's right to reject bids in privatization auctions, protecting public interest over bidder expectations.
Sheriffs Must Disclose Conflicts of Interest and File Timely Returns on Writs of Execution
The Supreme Court ruled that sheriffs must disclose family ties to parties and file periodic reports on writs of execution, or face administrative liability.
Tax Refund Claims: Two-Year Prescriptive Period and Foreign Government Exemptions
MERALCO's tax refund claim partly denied for prescription; foreign government-owned lender's interest income exempt under NIRC.
Unraveling Implied Trusts Protecting Family Interests in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court explains implied resulting trusts in family property disputes, clarifying prescription, parol evidence, and ownership rights.
Land Conversion and NHA Authority: Security of Tenure vs Public Interest
A Supreme Court ruling on land conversion, NHA resettlement acquisitions, and tenant rights under agrarian reform laws.
Relaxing Procedural Rules in the Interest of Justice: Filing Deadlines and Verification Requirements in Philip
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may relax filing deadlines and verification rules, emphasizing substantial justice over technicalities.
Lawyer Suspended for Negligence and Conflict of Interest in Client Matter
A lawyer who neglected a client's case for five years and appeared against the client without consent was suspended for six months.
Client Neglect and Conflict of Interest: Attorney Suspended for Six Months
Philippine Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for neglecting a client's land titling case and appearing against the client without consent.
Protecting Workers Rights Employer Interference AND Unfair Labor Practices
Supreme Court clarifies the proper remedy for challenging the Labor Secretary's assumption of jurisdiction over strikes in industries vital to national interest.
Mutuality of Contracts: Banks Cannot Unilaterally Impose Interest Rate Hikes on Loans
Philippine National Bank v. Manalo clarifies that banks cannot unilaterally raise loan interest rates without borrower consent under Article 1308 of the Civil Code.
Duty to Disclose Accrued Interest in SALNs and the Limits of Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that public officials must declare accrued interest on time deposits in their SALNs, but penalties consider good faith.
Sheriff’s Duty on Expense Handling: Strict Compliance With Court Rules to Prevent Misconduct
A sheriff who demanded and received execution expenses without court approval or liquidation was suspended for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Navigating Search Warrants: Privacy and Public Interest in Cybercrime Investigations
The Supreme Court clarifies when search warrants in cybercrime cases are valid, balancing constitutional privacy rights against effective law enforcement.
Protecting Local Autonomy Upholding Environmental Stewardship Over Business Interests
The Supreme Court dismissed a disbarment case against local officials, affirming their power to enforce environmental laws over business interests.
Kidnapping for Ransom Conviction Affirmed; Damages Fixed at P300,000 Per Victim
SC affirms kidnapping-for-ransom conviction, sets damages at P300,000 per victim with 6% interest, and clarifies rules on witness credibility and alibi.
Balancing ACT When Courts Weigh Conflicting Lawsuits AND Unconscionable Interest Rates
Libel and Public Interest: When Acquittal Does Not Always Mean Freedom From Civil Liability
Explore the Co v. Muñoz ruling on libel, privileged communication, and when acquittal may still leave room for civil liability claims.
Foreclosure Validity: Banks Can Foreclose Despite Disputed Loan Agreements
Supreme Court ruling on when banks may foreclose despite disputed interest rates, and the legal interest that applies after default.
Mutuality of Contracts When Banks Unilaterally Impose Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when banks cannot unilaterally impose interest rates, and the legal interest that applies.
Novation, Verification, and Real Party in Interest: Lessons from S.C. Megaworld v. Parada
Explaining when accepting third-party payments does not release the original debtor, and why procedural objections must be raised early.
Upholding Client Loyalty Attorney Suspended FOR Conflict OF Interest IN Estate Case
A lawyer's switch from representing heirs to opposing the same heirs in one estate case leads to a three-month suspension for conflict of interest.