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.
BSP Bank Closure Powers: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means for Depositors
The Supreme Court upheld the BSP's power to close banks without prior hearing, protecting depositors while limiting legal challenges.
Extrajudicial Settlement in the Philippines: Why Excluding Heirs Can Void the Deal
Learn how the Supreme Court protects excluded heirs in extrajudicial settlements, and what co-owners can still do with their shares.
When a Missing Estate Administrator Does Not Void a Contract Case: Heirs of Manzano v. Kinsonic
The Supreme Court clarifies when the absence of an estate administrator is not fatal to a contract dispute, distinguishing indispensable from necessary parties.
Simple Misconduct vs Grave Misconduct: Key Differences in Penalties for Public Officials
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between simple and grave misconduct in administrative cases, and the corresponding penalties.
Equitable Interest: How Liquidating Dividends Impact Foreign Land Ownership in the Philippines
SC ruling on whether a foreign stockholder's liquidating dividends in Philippine land may be levied to satisfy judgment debts.
Forum Shopping in Nullity Cases: One Action for Property Settlement
Filing a separate property case while a nullity case is pending constitutes forum shopping. The Supreme Court explains why.
Exterior vs Interior Contract Interpretation and Obligations in Philippine Law
Supreme Court rules on contract interpretation: plain meaning controls unless ambiguity exists, and obscurity cannot favor the drafting party.
Suspension of Claims Against Corporations Under Rehabilitation: Philippine Law Explained
Learn how corporate rehabilitation suspends all claims, including labor cases, under Philippine law, based on the PAL v. Zamora ruling.
When Government Salaries Can Be Withheld: The Santiago COA Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when COA may withhold a government employee's salary for an alleged cash shortage, and when it cannot apply the withheld amounts.
Malversation of Public Funds in the Philippines: When Reimbursement Does Not Erase Liability
Failure to liquidate public funds can lead to malversation conviction even if the amount is later reimbursed. Learn the rules and key lessons from a Supreme Court case.
Corporate Dissolution and Judgment Enforcement: Rights Survive Liquidation
A final judgment can still be enforced after a corporation dissolves — the Supreme Court explains why in this ruling.