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.
When Lawyers Serve Two Masters: Ethical Violations in Land Deals and Public Office
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer-mayor for helping circumvent land ownership rules and practicing law while in public office.
Corporate Rehabilitation Separate Juridical Personality Prevails Over Third Party Mortgages
Supreme Court clarifies that corporate rehabilitation stay orders do not cover properties owned by third-party mortgagors.
Psychological Incapacity and the Adultery Defense: What Yambao v. Republic Teaches About Marital Nullity
The Supreme Court clarifies the high bar for declaring a marriage void due to psychological incapacity under Article 36.
Investment or Loan? The Estafa Trap in Misrepresented Business Ventures
When a business deal fails, is it a breach of contract or estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies when false pretenses turn a failed investment into a criminal offense.
Estafa by False Pretenses: Proving Fraud Beyond Reasonable Doubt in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts prove estafa by false pretenses, using the Rizza Lao case to explain the elements, burden of proof, and penalties.
Mutuality of Contracts: The Limits of Bank Discretion in Setting Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that unilateral interest rate setting violates mutuality of contracts, but the principal loan obligation remains valid and enforceable.
When Constitutional Limits Bar Recovery of Illegally Acquired Property
Philippine Supreme Court explains why an alien who bought land through a Filipino cannot recover the property or his money.
Partnership vs Guarantor: Who Bears Liability in a Business Venture?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the line between a partner and a guarantor in business, and who bears liability when the venture fails.
Ponzi Schemes and Investment Scams in the Philippines: Supreme Court Ruling on Large Scale Swindling and Estaf
The Supreme Court explains when a Ponzi scheme constitutes large scale swindling and estafa under Philippine law.