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.
Quantum Meruit in Government Contracts: What Contractors Must Know
The Supreme Court clarifies when contractors can recover payment from the government and the limits of the quantum meruit principle.
Perfecting Appeals: The Mandatory Nature of Docket Fee Payments in Philippine Courts
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on judges' duties in execution orders, sheriff accountability, and procedural fairness in Philippine courts.
Attorneys Fees and Simulated Sales: Protecting Lawyers' Rights in the Philippines
A lawyer's right to collect contingent fees can extend to challenging simulated sales that defeat payment, as the Supreme Court ruled in Alberto v. Court of Appeals.
Docket Fees and Jurisdiction: Timely Payment in Philippine Courts
When must docket fees be paid for a court to acquire jurisdiction? The Supreme Court explains the rule and its equitable exceptions.
Royalty Payments After Franchise Expiration: When the Assigned Right Ceases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether royalty fees continue after the underlying franchise agreement expires and the assigned right ceases to exist.
Bouncing Checks Law: Valid Defense When Developer Fails to Complete Project
Supreme Court rules buyer's suspension of payments under PD 957 is valid defense against B.P. 22 bouncing checks charges.
Non-Payment in a Contract to Sell: A Suspensive Condition, Not a Breach
When is non-payment a breach? In a contract to sell, it is a condition precedent—explained in Padilla v. Paredes.
Bouncing Checks Law: When a Valid Cause to Stop Payment Defeats a Conviction
The Supreme Court acquits a buyer who stopped payment on postdated checks due to a developer's failure to complete a townhouse project.
Friar Lands Ownership: When Full Payment Confers Title Even Without Deed
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on friar lands: full payment of purchase price vests ownership in the buyer, even without a final deed of conveyance.
Contractors Lien vs Preliminary Attachment: Rights in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor's lien applies and how preliminary attachment works in construction payment disputes.
When "May" Means Optional: Advance Payments in Property Sales
Supreme Court ruling on whether a buyer's advance payment obligation in a property sale is mandatory or discretionary, and its effect on contract rescission.
Navigating Legal Interest From Breach of Contract to Final Judgment Satisfaction
Understand how Philippine courts compute legal interest on money judgments, from breach of contract until full payment, based on Eastern Assurance v. Court of Appeals.
When a Bouncing Check Isn't Estafa: Checks as Loan Security in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when postdated checks given as loan security, not payment, cannot result in estafa conviction.
Filing Fees in Philippine Election Protests: Jurisdictional Rules and Timelines
Philippine election protest filing fees are jurisdictional. Late payment does not cure defects. Learn the rules and deadlines.
Mechanic’s Lien in the Philippines: What Auto Repair Shops Must Know
Understand the mechanic's lien under Philippine law, its legal basis, and how the Supreme Court protects repair shops' right to payment.
When Does Withholding Tax Obligation Arise? Filipinas Synthetic Fiber Corp. v. CA
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the duty to withhold tax on payments to foreign corporations arises—at accrual or payment.
Ombudsman's Limits: When Can the Ombudsman Order Payment of Back Wages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the Ombudsman's power to order payment of back wages and limits of its jurisdiction.
Second Chances in Appeals: Leniency for Late Docket Fee Payments in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts may relax procedural rules on late appeal docket fees when justice requires, as shown in this 1999 ruling.
Second Chances in Labor Appeals: Understanding NLRC Docketing Fees and When Late Payment Isn't Fatal
Late NLRC appeal docketing fees aren't always fatal. Learn when the Supreme Court allows second chances in labor cases.
No Premium, No Policy: Philippine Insurance Law on Payment and Coverage
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that fire insurance policies require actual premium payment before coverage attaches, rejecting implied credit arrangements.
Docket Fees and Court Jurisdiction in the Philippines: Payment Rules to Avoid Case Dismissal
Learn how Philippine courts treat docket fees, jurisdiction, and the risk of dismissal when damages are not specified in complaints.
SEC Jurisdiction in Suspension of Payments: Why Including Individuals Can Jeopardize Your Petition
Learn how including individual officers in a suspension of payments petition can affect SEC jurisdiction and jeopardize your company's rehabilitation case.
Why Lawyers in Government Service Are Still Bound by the Code of Professional Responsibility
A prosecutor's failure to remit SSS payments led to reprimand, affirming that public office does not exempt lawyers from ethical rules.
Missed Deadlines Dismissed Appeals Why Timely Docket Fee Payment Is Non Negotiable in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies that unpaid docket fees on increased claims become a lien on judgment, and actual damages need competent proof.