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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Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate in the Philippines: When and How
Learn when you can use extrajudicial settlement of estate in the Philippines, who can file, and the step-by-step process under Philippine law.
Boundary Disputes and Local Government Authority: Caloocan v. Malabon
Supreme Court clarifies that boundary disputes between LGUs must first go through sanggunian settlement before courts can intervene.
When Tax Disputes Between Government Agencies Must Be Settled Administratively
Supreme Court ruling on whether tax disputes between government agencies go to the CTA or administrative settlement under P.D. 242.
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.
Oral Partition of Inheritance: Proving Verbal Agreements in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when an oral partition of inherited property can override a written extrajudicial settlement, and what evidence is needed.
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.
Executive Authority vs Judicial Review: Resolving Tax Disputes Between Government Entities
The Supreme Court rules that tax disputes between executive agencies must first undergo administrative settlement, not judicial review.
Court Employee Held Liable for Misappropriating Settlement Funds
Supreme Court rules court stenographer guilty of gross misconduct for pocketing settlement payments between litigants, imposing P105,000 fine.
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.
Loan Agreements and Dacion en Pago: Key Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a loan settlement agreement becomes a dacion en pago and what it means for borrowers and banks.
Novation in Philippine Estafa Cases: When Settlements Prevent Criminal Liability
Learn when amicable settlements can extinguish criminal liability for estafa under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Sorongon v. People.
Marriage Nullity and Estate Settlement: Jurisdiction and Standing Under Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts handle marriage nullity and estate settlement, including who has legal standing to challenge a marriage's validity.
Understanding Conflict of Interest: A Lawyer's Duty of Loyalty in Settlement Negotiations
When does a lawyer's settlement talk with the opposing party become a conflict of interest? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of a lawyer's duty of loyalty.
Compromise Agreements in Philippine Disputes: When Courts Must Respect Settlements
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts must approve compromise agreements, protecting valid settlements from being overturned on technical grounds.
Understanding Tax Compromise Agreements: Validity and Implications for Taxpayers
The Supreme Court affirms the validity of tax compromise agreements under the NIRC, protecting good-faith settlements with the BIR.
Conditional Settlements and Seafarer Rights: Protecting Vulnerable Workers in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court protects seafarers from unfair conditional settlements, treating them as full satisfaction of disability awards.
Finality of Settlement Agreements Barring Future Claims Despite Quasi-Delict Allegations in Seafarer Death Cas
SC rules valid settlement agreements bar seafarers' heirs from filing quasi-delict claims after accepting death benefits.
Lawyer's Duty to Encourage Settlement: A Lesson from Sevilla v. Millo
When a lawyer blocked his clients' negotiated settlement, the Supreme Court imposed a one-month suspension, reaffirming that lawyers must encourage fair settlements.
Lawyer vs Lawyer Baseless Complaints and the Duty of Candor in the Legal Profession
A lawyer's obstinate refusal to settle a client's dispute leads to suspension, highlighting the ethical duty to encourage fair settlements.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Disbarment for Attorney's Deceptive Settlement Tactics
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for deceiving an opposing party into paying P2 million under a false compromise agreement, reaffirming high ethical standards.
Attorney Disbarred for Deceptive Settlement Tactics in Labor Case
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who deceived opposing party into paying P2 million under false settlement pretense, violating ethical rules.
Disbarment for Deceit in Settlement Talks: Fortune Medicare v. Atty. Lee
The Supreme Court disbarred Atty. Lee for dishonest settlement negotiations, reaffirming that lawyers must act with candor and integrity.
Compromise Agreements Ensuring Mutuality AND Enforceability IN Debt Settlements
Philippine Supreme Court approves compromise agreement in debt settlement, highlighting mutual concessions and clear terms for enforceability.
Foreign Currency Deposits and Joint Accounts: Consent Requirements in Estate Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court rules on consent requirements for withdrawing from joint foreign currency deposit accounts during estate settlement.