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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When an Appeal Is Dismissed for Late Brief: The Licup Ruling on Substantial Justice
The Supreme Court nullified the CA's dismissal of an appeal due to a late brief, citing substantial justice and liberty interests.
Upholding Integrity: Lawyers' Duty to Avoid Conflicts of Interest and Maintain Professional Conduct
Supreme Court reminds lawyers of fiduciary duty to clients and firm, ruling on conflict of interest and professional conduct in A.C. No. 13986.
Breach of Public Trust: Dismissal for Negligence and Misconduct in PDAF Allocation
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of DSWD official for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service in PDAF allocation.
Guardianship in the Philippines: When the Proposed Guardian Lives Abroad
The Supreme Court clarifies that a guardian residing abroad can be appointed if the child's best interests and genuine commitment are shown.
Judges and Business Interests: Navigating Ethical Boundaries in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a judge's private business interest becomes an ethical violation, and what judges must do to stay compliant.
Child Custody in the Philippines: The Best Interest of the Child Standard
Philippine courts decide child custody disputes by one standard: the child's best interest. Learn the factors, the law, and a landmark 2024 ruling.
When Can DAR Disqualify an Agrarian Reform Beneficiary? The Balucan Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies who may file to disqualify an agrarian reform beneficiary and why landowners are not real parties-in-interest.
Zealous Representation vs Misconduct: When a Lawyer's Demand Letter Is Not Deceit
A lawyer's demand letter to protect a client's interest in an unsettled estate is not misconduct, the Supreme Court rules.
PAO Conflict of Interest Rule Upheld: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
The Supreme Court upheld Section 22, Canon III of the CPRA, limiting conflict of interest imputation among PAO lawyers. Learn the implications.
Legal Standing and Public Interest Litigation: When Can You Sue the Government in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court explains legal standing, hierarchy of courts, and when citizens may sue the government in this 2023 mandamus ruling.
Reviving Justice: How Refiling a Quasi-Delict Complaint Overcomes Prescription
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies summons service, real party in interest, and prescription in refiled quasi-delict cases.
Conflict of Interest: When Can a Government Lawyer Represent a Public Official in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government lawyer's representation of a public official becomes a conflict of interest and unauthorized practice of law.
Corporate Dissolution and Property Rights: Real Party in Interest in Unlawful Detainer Cases
When a corporation's registration is revoked, its assets don't automatically pass to a new entity. Learn the real party in interest rule.
When Does Filing a Complaint Against a Former Client Create a Conflict of Interest
The Supreme Court dismissed a disbarment case against a lawyer who sued his former client, clarifying when using confidential information creates a conflict of interest.
Expropriation and Just Compensation: Understanding Legal Interest in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the legal interest rates landowners can claim when the government delays payment of just compensation in expropriation cases.
Interest on Just Compensation in Philippine Expropriation: The Tamparong Rule
The Supreme Court clarifies the legal interest rates on unpaid just compensation in expropriation cases, protecting landowners' property rights.
Lawyer Disbarred for Gross Misconduct and Neglect of Client Interests
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who failed to file client's appeal and misused funds, citing repeated violations of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Inter-Company Loans and VAT: When Interest Income Is Not Taxable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when interest on inter-company loans is exempt from VAT and how prescription periods apply.
Ombudsmans Discretion Protecting Public Interest VS Prosecutorial Overreach
Upholding Mutuality in Loan Agreements: Scrutinizing Interest Rate Adjustments
The Supreme Court clarifies when a bank's interest rate adjustments in loan agreements are valid, reaffirming the principle of mutuality of contracts.
Illegal Dismissal Claims Survive Employee's Death: Heirs May Substitute
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that illegal dismissal complaints are imbued with public interest, allowing heirs to substitute deceased complainants.
Interest on Overdue Accounts: Clarifying the Scope of Legal Interest and Unconscionability in Sales of Goods
The Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest applies to stipulated interest and how courts determine unconscionable rates in sales transactions.
Navigating Estate Settlements: Understanding the Limits of Intervention in Probate Proceedings
Learn when courts allow intervention in probate cases, the legal standards applied, and practical tips for protecting estate interests.
Tarnishing Public Office: Offering Money and the Limits of Official Conduct
A city councilor's act of offering money, even outside official duties, is conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.