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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Abuse of Rights in Philippine Law: A Case Study on Mortgage and Property Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies the abuse of rights principle under Article 19, showing when a bank employee's blunt remarks do not amount to bad faith.
Understanding Abuse of Rights When Legal Actions Cross Ethical Boundaries
When does the right to speedy disposition become a shield against inordinate delay? The Supreme Court clarifies in Catamco v. Sandiganbayan.
Good Faith in Distributorship: Tocoms v. Philips on Abuse of Rights
When a distributor is dropped, can it sue for damages? The Supreme Court clarifies good faith and abuse of rights in Tocoms v. Philips.
Abuse of Rights in Contractual Dealings: Upholding Freedom to Contract and Good Faith
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on corporate rehabilitation, contractual penalties, and the limits of judicial interference in contracts.
Abuse of Rights When Public Works Infringe on Private Water Connections
When public works projects cut private water lines without notice, abuse of rights under Article 19 can trigger liability for damages.
Abuse of Rights Under Article 19: When Cutting Off Water Supply Without Notice Becomes a Legal Wrong
Supreme Court rules that cutting off a water connection without notice violates Article 19 of the Civil Code, entitling the affected party to damages.
When Can a Sale Be Rescinded: Abuse of Rights in Business Contracts
Supreme Court ruling on how a manufacturer's unfair competition against its own distributor can give rise to damages under the Civil Code.
Sabbatical Leave and Abuse of Rights: Understanding Employer Discretion in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that sabbatical leave is a privilege, not a right, and explains when employer discretion amounts to abuse of rights.
When an Employer's Right to Discipline Becomes Abuse of Rights: PCIB v. Gomez
The Supreme Court rules on when an employer's disciplinary actions cross the line into abuse of rights, clarifying civil court jurisdiction over damages claims.
When Utility Inspectors Enter Private Homes: Abuse of Rights and Unreasonable Search Claims
Explaining when utility inspections of private property are lawful, and when they may give rise to damages for abuse of rights.
Abuse of Rights Damages Awarded for Bad Faith Demand Letter to Employee's Company
Supreme Court affirms damages against employer for bad faith demand letter accusing employee of theft despite receipt.
Duty of Candor: When Exercising a Right Becomes an Abuse of Right
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on abuse of rights under Article 19, Civil Code, and liability for damages in water disconnection case.
Abuse of Rights Doctrine: Balancing Contractual Rights With Social Responsibility
The Supreme Court explains how the abuse of rights doctrine limits contractual rights, using a banana plantation dispute as a case study.
Abuse of Right Doctrine: Accountability for Public Officials in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when local officials may adopt higher salary schedules and warns that unfounded suits against public officers can themselves be an abuse of right.
Abuse of Rights Under Article 19: When Business Decisions Are Protected
The Supreme Court clarifies when business decisions like audits and non-renewal of contracts are protected, not abuse of rights.
Abuse of Rights in Philippine Law: When Filing Complaints Is Not a Basis for Damages
The Supreme Court clarifies the abuse of rights principle, ruling that filing labor complaints and seeking government action without malice is not actionable.
Ombudsman's Discretion to Dismiss Complaints and Due Process Rights
Explaining when filing complaints with government agencies is a protected right, not an abuse of rights, under Philippine law.
Good Faith and the Exercise of Legal Rights: When Demands for Rent Don't Amount to Abuse of Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that sending demand letters to assert property rights, done in good faith, is not an abuse of rights under Article 19 of the Civil Code.
When Club Membership Turns Costly: Limits of Discretion and the Price of Bad Faith
A club's right to reject membership applications is not absolute. Learn how bad faith and abuse of rights led to damages in Cebu Country Club v. Elizagaque.
Debt Recovery Gone Wrong Understanding Abuse of Rights in Property Repossession Uypitching vs Quiamco
Explore abuse of rights in debt recovery and property repossession through the Supreme Court ruling in Uypitching vs Quiamco.
Abuse of Rights Doctrine When Protecting Your Property Harms Your Neighbor Philippine Jurisprudence
Philippine jurisprudence on the abuse of rights doctrine: when protecting property harms neighbors, courts may award damages under Article 21.
Abuse of Rights and Uninvited Guests: The Amay Bisaya Damages Case
When does asking a gate-crasher to leave become actionable? The Supreme Court clarifies abuse of rights under Articles 19 and 21.
Breach of Good Faith: Bank Liability in Check Disputes Under Article 19
When can a bank be liable for refusing to pay checks? The Supreme Court explains the abuse of rights principle under Article 19.
Abuse of Right Doctrine: Terminating a Contract Without Cause Can Still Trigger Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how terminating a contract without cause can still lead to damages liability under the abuse of right doctrine.