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.
Breach of Trust: Defining Qualified Theft in Philippine Employment Relationships
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's misappropriation is qualified theft, not estafa, and explains the penalty rules.
When Checks Prove a Loan: The Supreme Court Ruling on Evidence of Indebtedness
The Supreme Court clarifies when checks alone establish a loan obligation and shift the burden of proof to the debtor under Philippine law.
Disbarment for Misusing Blank Checks: Dishonesty and Abuse of Authority
A lawyer who filled up borrowers' blank checks and filed baseless criminal cases was disbarred for gross misconduct and dishonesty.
B.P. 22 Liability: Severing Accommodation Deals Does Not Erase Knowledge of Insufficient Funds
Signing blank checks for an accommodation arrangement can create B.P. 22 liability even after severing ties. Learn the rules from Benjamin Lee v. CA.
Forged Signatures and Bank Liability: Protecting Depositors in Check Transactions
When a bank pays out on a forged check, who bears the loss? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on bank liability under Philippine law.
Conspiracy in Check Fraud: When Signing Another's Check Is Not Estafa
The Supreme Court explains when signing checks from another person's account does not prove conspiracy in estafa cases.
Liquidated Damages in Lease Agreements: Enforceability and Practical Implications
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when liquidated damages in lease contracts are enforceable and how courts treat penalty clauses.