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.
How to File a Small Claims Case in the Philippines
Step-by-step guide on how to file a small claims case in the Philippines for money owed, with practical tips for first-time litigants.
How to File a Civil Case in the Philippines: A Step-by-Step Overview
Learn how to file a civil case in the Philippines, from demand letters to trial, in this plain-language step-by-step guide.
Collection of Sum of Money Philippines: Legal Options Explained
Learn the legal options for collection of sum of money in the Philippines, including demand letters, court actions, and enforcement under the Civil Code.
Protecting Installment Buyers Understanding Rescission Rights Under THE Maceda LAW
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict notarial and grace period requirements for canceling installment contracts under the Maceda Law.
Unlawful Detainer: Tenant Rights and Obligations in the Philippines
A tenant cannot deny the landlord's title, and procedural rules in ejectment cases must be strictly followed.
GSIS Loan Penalties: When Are They Unconscionable?
The Supreme Court ruled that compounded GSIS loan penalties can be unconscionable and subject to reduction. Learn the rules.
Understanding Fraudulent Property Inclusion Insights From A Landmark Supreme Court Decision
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when ejectment suits fail and why repeated demands don't reset the one-year filing period.
Retirement as Evasion: When Public Officials Still Face Administrative Charges
Can a retired public official still face administrative charges? The Supreme Court clarifies when voluntary retirement is considered an evasion of liability.
When Foreclosure Is Valid Despite Pending Labor Case: HSBC v. Galang
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lender may foreclose despite a pending illegal dismissal case, applying debtor-creditor rules.
Extinctive Novation: When a New Loan Cancels an Old Debt and Invalidates Foreclosure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how extinctive novation cancels old debts and why foreclosing on extinguished obligations is premature and void.
Understanding Apparent Authority: How Corporate Actions Bind Agreements in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when a corporation is bound by an officer's acts under the doctrine of apparent authority.
Mortgage Foreclosure and Prescription in the Philippines: Key Lessons from a Landmark Case
Learn how prescription periods affect mortgage foreclosure in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Active Wood Products v. State Investment House.
Prescription Period for Oral Contracts: What Creditors and Debtors Must Know
The Supreme Court clarifies the six-year prescription period for oral contracts and why timely action is critical for creditors and debtors.
Real Party in Interest in Unlawful Detainer: Lessons from Collao v. Albania
The Supreme Court clarifies who may sue for unlawful detainer and why procedural technicalities should not delay eviction cases.
Lawyer Misconduct: The Duty to Return Client Funds in the Philippines
When a lawyer fails to render service and keeps client money, the Supreme Court imposes suspension and restitution. Learn the rules.
Understanding Bad Faith in Property Encroachment: Rights and Responsibilities
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a builder is in bad faith in property encroachment cases, and what remedies a landowner has under Philippine law.
Substantial Compliance on Belated Secretary's Certificate and Its Impact on Unlawful Detainer Cases
SC rules belated submission of Secretary's Certificate is substantial compliance, preventing dismissal of unlawful detainer cases on procedural grounds.
Lawyer Suspended for Dishonored Loan and Disregard of Legal Processes
A lawyer was suspended one year and fined for failing to pay a loan, issuing a bouncing check, and ignoring IBP proceedings.
Oral Agreements vs Written Contracts: When Verbal Lease Changes Hold Up in Court
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when verbal agreements can modify written lease contracts, and when they cannot, in Modomo v. Layug.
When a Lawyer’s Dealings Warrant Suspension: Sanidad v. Aguas
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for one year for dishonest dealings in a property sale, applying Rule 1.01 of the CPR.
Lawyer Suspended 3 Years for Neglect and Misappropriation of Client Funds
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for 3 years for failing to transfer client's property titles for 8 years and misusing P170,000 in client funds.
Pre-Approved Credit Cards: Consent to Terms Must Be Proven
Banks must prove cardholders consented to credit card terms. Without proof, only legal interest applies.
Breach of Contract When Personal Notice in Foreclosure Is a Must
When a mortgage contract requires personal notice of foreclosure, the bank must comply—or the sale is void.
When a Corporate President Can Act Without Board Approval: Key Lessons from Colegio Medico v. Lim
A corporate president may act without board approval in ordinary business matters. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court case.