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.
Lawyer Disbarred for Investment Scam and Bounced Checks Under the CPRA
The Supreme Court disciplines a lawyer for running an unregistered investment scheme and issuing dishonored checks, applying the new CPRA penalty framework.
SEC Quasi-Legislative Power: When Courts Can Review Agency Regulations
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may review SEC regulations and why injunctions against the agency were improper in the PSE voting rights case.
Income Tax vs. Stock Transaction Tax: Tax Exemptions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that stock transaction tax is a percentage tax, not income tax, limiting exemptions under the NIRC.
Employee vs. Independent Contractor in Real Estate: The Four-Fold Test Explained
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when real estate sales agents are employees or independent contractors, and why the distinction matters.
Subrogation and Carrier Liability in Maritime Claims: The C.V. Gaspar Case
How the Supreme Court applied subrogation and extraordinary diligence to hold carriers liable for damaged cargo in maritime transport.
Understanding Tax Implications of Initial Public Offerings: Separate vs Joint Computation
The Supreme Court clarifies how IPO taxes on primary and secondary offerings are computed under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Real Estate Broker's Commission: Procuring Cause Prevails Even After Authority Expires
Philippine Supreme Court rules brokers earn commission as procuring cause even if authority expired before deal closed. Learn the rule.
Brokers Entitlement Establishing Procuring Cause IN Real Estate Joint Ventures
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a real estate broker earns a commission in a joint venture deal, explained in plain language.
SEC Approval Needed to Trade Securities: SC Clarifies Probable Cause in Securities Fraud
Supreme Court clarifies when SEC approval is needed to trade securities and the limits of probable cause review in securities fraud cases.
Procuring Cause: When Real Estate Brokers Earn Their Commission
Learn when a real estate broker earns a commission under Philippine law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Ticong v. Malim.
Conspiracy and Probable Cause in Corporate Criminal Cases: The Ient v. Tullett Prebon Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies when conspiracy and probable cause establish criminal liability for corporate officers under the Corporation Code.
When a Court Employee's Side Business Crosses the Line: Moonlighting Rules Explained
Court stenographer's side business processing land titles led to administrative liability for moonlighting. Learn the rules and limits.
Customs Broker Accreditation Struck Down: Redundant Licensing Under the Customs Brokers Act
Supreme Court nullifies BOC accreditation requirement for customs brokers, affirming PRC's exclusive regulatory power under RA 9280.
Brokers Entitlement to Commission: The Efficient Procuring Cause in Real Estate Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a real estate broker earns a commission, the efficient procuring cause rule, and written authority contracts.
Supreme Court Acquits IMC General Manager But Affirms Convictions in P116M Graft Case
SC ruling clarifies evident bad faith in graft cases, acquitting an IMC official who relied on subordinates while affirming convictions of others.
PD 957 Criminal Cases Belong to Regular Courts, Not HLURB
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that HLURB handles only civil and administrative cases; criminal violations of PD 957 go to regular courts.
Who Pays When Cargo Vanishes: Defining Responsibility in Shipping Losses
When a shipment disappears in a terminal, who bears the loss? The Supreme Court clarifies arrastre liability and insurance subrogation.
Moonlighting and Misconduct: When a Second Job Leads to Legal Trouble in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on loss of trust and confidence as just cause for dismissing managerial employees who engage in misconduct.
Strict Deadlines Matter Navigating SEC Appeals AND Corporate Liability FOR Unlicensed Brokers IN THE Philippin
When is a bank liable for breach of contract in a credit line dispute? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on conditional loan approvals and the duty of banks to exercise prudence in dealing with re
Stock Trading Risks: Broker and Investor Duties in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when brokers and investors are liable for unpaid stock trades and how the pari delicto rule applies.
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.
Common Carrier Liability: Negligence and Fortuitous Events in Cargo Loss
When cargo is lost at sea, who pays? Philippine law on common carriers, negligence, and the act of God defense explained.
Brokers Commission Rights When Can a Seller Evade Payment After a Sale
Can a seller evade paying a broker's commission after a sale closes? This case explains when fees remain due.
HLURB Jurisdiction Over Homeowner-Developer Disputes: Key Ruling
The Supreme Court confirms HLURB's exclusive jurisdiction over homeowner-developer construction disputes, not the RTC. Learn the rules and practical implications.