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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PAGCOR Share and Audit Fee Remittance Procedures: A Guide for Gaming Operators
Understand PAGCOR share and audit fee remittance procedures, including weekly schedules, bank accounts, penalties, and common compliance mistakes.
Serious Misconduct and Employee Dismissal in the Philippines: What Employers Must Prove
Philippine law requires wrongful intent, not just a mistake, to dismiss an employee for serious misconduct. Learn what employers must prove.
Good Faith vs Criminal Intent: When a Mistake Isn't Estafa
The Supreme Court acquits a jeepney driver of estafa, clarifying that good faith and lack of criminal intent negate conspiracy in fraud cases.
Good Faith Defense in Graft Cases: When Official Duty Is Not Corruption
The Supreme Court acquits public officers of graft, ruling that honest mistakes in performing official duty are not corruption absent corrupt motive.
Acquittal in Anti-Graft Case: Honest Mistake vs Corrupt Intent in Procurement
Supreme Court acquits mayors in anti-graft case, ruling that procurement violations without corrupt intent do not constitute Section 3(e) offenses.
Good Faith and the Anti-Graft Law: When an Honest Mistake Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court clarifies that violating procurement rules alone does not prove graft—corrupt intent must be shown beyond reasonable doubt.
Understanding Judicial Impartiality: Bias and Inhibition in Philippine Election Protests
The Supreme Court clarifies the standards for judicial inhibition in election protests, explaining what bias truly means and why rulings must not be mistaken for prejudice.
Navigating Property Sale Disputes: The Importance of Accurate Contract Descriptions in Real Estate Transaction
A lawyer's drafting mistake won't bar contract reformation when the parties' true intent is clear from their acts.
Good Faith and Misinterpretation in Public Office: A Guide to the Anti-Graft Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public officer's mistaken interpretation of rules negates criminal liability under the Anti-Graft Law.
Understanding Illegal Dismissal When Mistakes Dont Justify Firing
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when retrenchment is illegal dismissal, requiring proof of losses and fair selection criteria.
Mistaken Authority Is Not Bad Faith: The Villarosa Ruling on Anti-Graft Liability
The Supreme Court acquitted a municipal mayor charged under the Anti-Graft Law, holding that an honest mistake of authority does not amount to evident bad faith.
Reformation of Instruments: When Can a Contract Be Changed
Learn when Philippine courts allow contract reformation due to mutual mistake, and why summary judgment fails when facts are disputed.
Summary Judgment Denied When Contract Reformation Facts Are Disputed
Supreme Court clarifies when summary judgment is improper in contract reformation cases involving disputed facts and mutual mistake allegations.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When a Supervisor's Single Mistake Justifies Dismissal
Supreme Court ruling on when a nurse supervisor's unauthorized taking of hospital supplies justifies dismissal for loss of trust and confidence.
Judicial Accountability Correcting Legal Errors AND THE Limits OF Disciplinary Action
When a judge errs but corrects the mistake, disciplinary action may not follow. The Supreme Court explains the limits of judicial accountability.
When Counsel's Negligence Costs the Appeal: Lessons from Dimaandal v. Ilagan
A client is bound by counsel's mistakes unless gross negligence deprives them of due process. The Supreme Court explains the rule.
When Courts Err on Indigent Status: The Pangcatan Ruling on Filing Fees
The Supreme Court clarifies when a trial court's mistake on indigent litigant status affects jurisdiction over a case.
Good Faith in Arrests: When Police Mistaken Identity Is Not Grave Misconduct
The Supreme Court clarifies when a police officer's good-faith mistake in executing an arrest warrant shields them from administrative liability for grave misconduct.
Voluntary vs. Involuntary Dealings: How to Register Property Agreements in the Philippines
Learn the difference between voluntary and involuntary dealings under Philippine property law, and why registering a conditional sale as an adverse claim can be a costly mistake.
Habeas Corpus Remedy for Illegal Detention Due to Mistaken Identity
When police detain the wrong person, habeas corpus is the proper remedy. The Supreme Court explains why in this 2015 ruling.
Theft or Mistake: Gauging Intent in Employee Dismissal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an employee's taking of company property constitutes theft justifying dismissal, and when it is merely a mistake.
Client Responsibility: The Binding Nature of Counsel Negligence in Philippine Law
When does a lawyer's mistake bind the client? The Supreme Court explains the rule on counsel negligence and the client's duty to monitor cases.
Clarifying Notice Requirements in Extrajudicial Foreclosure: Minor Errors Don't Void the Sale
When do errors in a foreclosure notice invalidate the sale? The Supreme Court clarifies that immaterial mistakes won't void an extrajudicial foreclosure.
Counsel's Negligence and Due Process: When Can a Client Reopen a Case
When a lawyer's mistake hurts a client's case, can the case be reopened? The Supreme Court explains the limits of due process and counsel negligence.