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.
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.
Attorney's Fees in Estate Proceedings: When Docket Fees Are Not Required
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers claiming fees from an estate need not pay separate docket fees, and when certiorari is proper.
Government Contracts: Due Process in Hiring Legal Retainers and COA Disallowances
SC ruling on PhilRice legal retainer case clarifies due process, concurrence requirements, and liability for disallowed government contract payments.
Balancing Justice and Procedure: When Technicalities Yield to Substantive Rights
A Supreme Court ruling on late filings, procedural rules, and the limits of substantial justice in Philippine litigation.
Substantial Compliance in Verification: When Procedural Lapses Still Cost the Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that substantial compliance with verification rules cannot excuse a belatedly filed motion for reconsideration in civil cases.
Law Firm Partnerships Have Legal Personality: Saludo v. PNB Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that law firm partnerships are juridical entities with legal personality, separate from their partners.
When a Lawyer Can Challenge a Court Order: The Rule 65 "Aggrieved Party" Exception
Explaining when a lawyer can file a certiorari petition despite not being a party, based on a 2016 Supreme Court ruling.
Attorney Accountability: Negligence in Handling a Client's Appeal and Ethical Responsibilities
A lawyer's failure to file an appeal brief on time leads to suspension, reinforcing the duty of diligence in legal representation.
Voluntary Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: What Employees Must Prove
The Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is voluntary and not constructive dismissal, and what evidence employees must present.
Finality of Labor Awards and Attorney's Fees in Compromise Settlements
When a client settles a labor case behind counsel's back to avoid attorney's fees, the Supreme Court protects the lawyer's right to compensation.
Authority to Represent: The Limits of Legal Representation for Government-Owned Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when lawyers may appear for GOCCs, requiring OGCC and COA approval before private counsel can act.
Accrual Accounting and the All-Events Test: Deducting Business Expenses in Philippine Tax Law
When can a business deduct expenses under accrual accounting? The Supreme Court explains the all-events test in this Philippine tax case.
Default Judgments and Due Process: What Civil Litigants Must Know
A bus company was declared in default for missing trial. The Supreme Court clarified the rules on default, due process, and procedural rights.
Protecting Your Inheritance: Why Heirs' Consent Matters in Estate Partition
Learn how the Supreme Court protects heirs' inheritance rights in estate partition, and why an administrator's failure to follow the decedent's will amounts to extrinsic fraud.
Upholding Ethical Boundaries: Attorney-Client Privilege and Conflict of Interest in Disbarment Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers may be disciplined for representing conflicting interests, even across different cases and clients.
Proper Service of Notices to Counsel: A Due Process Requirement in Philippine Litigation
A notice sent to the wrong person is no notice at all. The Supreme Court explains why service to counsel matters.
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.
Negligence in Patent Applications: How Attorney Laches Can Cost You Patent Rights
When lawyers fail to respond to patent office actions, applicants may lose their rights. The Supreme Court explains why.
Service by Registered Mail in the Philippines: When Deadlines Start Ticking
Understand when service by registered mail is complete in Philippine courts, and how insufficient postal certifications can protect your right to due process.
Jurisdiction Over Foreign Corporations Doing Business in the Philippines
Philippine courts can assert jurisdiction over foreign corporations doing business locally, even for a single transaction, under Rule 14, Section 14.