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 a Lawyer Represents Both Sides: Conflict of Interest and Disbarment
A lawyer who represented both buyer and seller in a property deal violated conflict-of-interest rules and was suspended for two years.
Barangay Jurisdiction in Property Disputes: Residency of the Real Party in Interest Controls
The Supreme Court clarifies that the real party in interest's residency, not the attorney-in-fact's, determines barangay lupon jurisdiction over disputes.
Probate Publication as Sufficient Notice to Interested Parties
Supreme Court clarifies that publication in probate proceedings binds all interested parties, even those not personally notified.
Upholding Client Loyalty Attorney Sanctioned FOR Representing Conflicting Interests
A lawyer cannot represent opposing clients even in unrelated cases, and may face suspension for conflict of interest.
Conflict of Interest Rules for Lawyers: The Quiambao v. Bamba Case
A lawyer cannot represent opposing clients even in unrelated cases. Learn the conflict of interest rules from Quiambao v. Bamba.
Irrevocable Agency When A Treasure Hunt Creates Binding Obligations
When is an agency coupled with interest irrevocable? A treasure hunt dispute explains the rule and its practical limits.
Duty OF Loyalty IN Attorney Client Relations Analyzing Conflicts OF Interest AND Supervisory Responsibility
Navigating Conflict of Interest: What Philippine Lawyers and Clients Need to Know
A lawyer cannot represent opposing parties in the same case. Learn the rules, tests, and consequences of conflict of interest in Philippine law.
Meralco Billing Dispute: Tax Credit Assignments and Tampered Meter Claims
Supreme Court ruling on Meralco's interest charges on tax credit assignments and differential billing for alleged meter tampering.
Equitable Interest When Mortgage Rates Clash With Legal Limits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on redemption rights, mortgage rates, and legal limits in Banco Filipino case.
Interest on Foreign Equity Investments in Closed Banks: The Pacific Banking Case
Explaining when interest accrues on foreign equity investments in a closed Philippine bank, and the rules on liquidating dividends.
Clear Contract Terms Prevail Over Subjective Intent in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sugar quedans clarifies written agreements, damages proof, and interest rules in contract disputes.
Protecting Homebuyers: Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Sequestered Properties
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed the Sandiganbayan's jurisdiction over cases involving sequestered properties, protecting homebuyers and the public interest.
When Lawyers Cross the Line: Conflicting Interests and Client Confidentiality in Philippine Legal Ethics
The Supreme Court's ruling in Pormento vs. Pontevedra clarifies when a lawyer's representation of new clients against former clients constitutes prohibited conflicting interests.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Disciplinary Action for Failure to Pay Just Debts and Conduct Prejudicial to the Se
Supreme Court holds court employee liable for willful failure to pay just debts and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Contractual Intent Prevails Interpreting Interest Rates in Loan Agreements Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules on how courts interpret interest rates in loan agreements, emphasizing that clear contractual terms prevail over alleged intent.
Pecuniary Interest VS Unlawful Intervention Defining Graft IN Local Governance
Usury Law and Loan Obligations: Balancing Lender Rights and Borrower Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on 21% interest validity, 3% monthly surcharge nullity, and borrower obligations under the Usury Law.
Dismissal of Complaint: Balancing Promptness and the Pursuit of Justice in Philippine Courts
When can a court dismiss a complaint for lack of authority and improper certification? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on real parties-in-interest and appeal remedies.
Mass Actions by Government Teachers: When Peaceful Assembly Becomes an Offense
Public school teachers who joined mass actions in 1990 were held liable for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. The Supreme Court explains why.
Strikes and Public Service: Balancing Rights and Responsibilities in Government Employment
Public school teachers who joined a 1990 mass action were disciplined for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. The Supreme Court explains why.
Proper Parties in Appeals: Identifying the Real Party in Interest
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who must be named as respondents in appeals, emphasizing the real party-in-interest rule under Rule 45.
Novation Requires a Completely New and Valid Agreement: Loan Restructuring Lessons
The Supreme Court clarifies when restructuring a loan creates novation, and how usurious interest rates are treated under Philippine law.
Delay and Damages Interest on Obligations in Compromise Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when legal interest accrues on unpaid compromise agreement obligations and the effect of delay.