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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Guardianship Appointment Prioritizing Family Ties AND THE Wards Best Interests
Breach of Contract in Property Sales: Rights, Interest, and Damages Under Philippine Law
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unpaid property sale balances clarifies when nominal damages, attorney's fees, and 12% interest apply.
Waiver of Publication in Foreclosure Sales: Protecting Public Interest Over Private Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules parties cannot waive publication requirements in extrajudicial foreclosure sales under Act No. 3135.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Agreed Upon Interest Rates in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court affirms 2% monthly interest on unpaid construction balance, enforcing contractual stipulations between owner and contractor.
Interest Rate Clarity Ensuring Written Agreements Govern Loan Terms
The Supreme Court held that absent a written stipulation, a loan’s agreed interest rate stops at maturity, and 12% legal interest applies thereafter.
Judicial Ethics When Personal Business Deals Conflict With Impartiality
A sheriff's side business as attorney-in-fact created a conflict of interest. The Court fined him for conduct unbecoming.
Adverse Claims and Good Faith: Protecting Mortgage Interests in Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how adverse claims and buyer good faith affect mortgage rights in property transfers.
Interest Rate Agreements and Freedom of Contract: When Courts Uphold Agreed Rates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on freedom of contract in interest rate agreements, and when courts will uphold stipulated rates despite claims of excessiveness.
Usury Law Suspension, Freedom to Contract, and Unconscionable Interest Rates in Loan Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether courts can reduce interest rates agreed upon by parties after the Usury Law suspension.
Usury Law and Mortgage Foreclosure: Protecting Borrowers From Excessive Interest
When a loan's hidden interest exceeds the Usury Law's 12% cap, the mortgage securing it may be void, and foreclosure invalid.
Usurious Loans and Mortgage Validity When Interest Exceeds Legal Limits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on usurious loans: when hidden interest voids a mortgage and what borrowers and lenders should know.
Automatic Membership in Property Associations: Enforceability and Freedom of Association
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on automatic membership clauses in property deeds, their enforceability against successors-in-interest, and limits of freedom of association.
Automatic Membership in Property Associations: Upholding Contractual Obligations and Property Rights
Philippine Supreme Court rules that automatic membership clauses in deeds of sale bind successors-in-interest, who must pay association dues.
Residential vs Agricultural Land: Resolving Land Use Classification and Tenant Rights
Supreme Court clarifies when land is residential and exempt from agrarian reform, plus the rules on irrevocable agency coupled with interest.
Mining Rights vs State Control: Balancing Private Investment and Public Interest in Diwalwal
The Supreme Court affirms that mining permits are privileges, not vested rights, and the State may study direct utilization of mineral resources.
Breach of Professional Duty Attorneys Must Avoid Representing Conflicting Interests
Lawyers who represent conflicting interests violate the Code of Professional Responsibility and face suspension from the practice of law.
When a Final Judgment Limits Liability: Execution Cannot Add Interest
A writ of execution must strictly follow the final judgment. Adding interest not decreed by the court is void.
Execution Pending Appeal: Balancing Public Interest and Court Discretion in Insurance Claims
When can a winning party execute a judgment while the appeal is pending? The Supreme Court explains the "good reasons" standard in this insurance dispute.
Custody of Illegitimate Children: The Best Interests of the Child in Tonog v. Court of Appeals
Explaining how Philippine courts decide custody of illegitimate children, with the child's welfare as the paramount consideration.
Kabit System and the Right to Sue: The True Owner's Standing Despite an Illegal Arrangement
When can a jeepney buyer under the kabit system sue for damages? The Supreme Court explains the real-party-in-interest rule and its limits.
Real Party in Interest: Establishing Legal Standing in Debt Recovery Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who may file an action to revive a judgment and what must be proven.
Custody Rights and the Best Interest of the Child: Religious Conversion and Parental Fitness
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on child custody, religious conversion, and parental fitness under the Family Code and Muslim personal laws.
Custody Beyond Conversion: Best Interests of the Child Prevail in Custody Disputes
When a mother's faith changes, does her fitness as custodian change too? The Supreme Court says the child's welfare governs.
Judicial Ethics: When a Judge's Business Ties Undermine Impartiality
A judge's reprimand for attending corporate meetings shows how judicial office prestige cannot be used for private interests.