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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Illegal Dismissal Claims Survive Employee's Death: Heirs May Substitute
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that illegal dismissal complaints are imbued with public interest, allowing heirs to substitute deceased complainants.
Interest on Overdue Accounts: Clarifying the Scope of Legal Interest and Unconscionability in Sales of Goods
The Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest applies to stipulated interest and how courts determine unconscionable rates in sales transactions.
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.
Tarnishing Public Office: Offering Money and the Limits of Official Conduct
A city councilor's act of offering money, even outside official duties, is conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Sovereign Debt vs Constitutional Mandates: Balancing Loan Agreements With National Interests
The Supreme Court upheld two China-financed loan agreements, ruling on presidential immunity, Monetary Board concurrence, and procurement rules.
Prompt Compensation Imperative in Determining Just Compensation in Philippine Expropriation Cases
Philippine Supreme Court rules just compensation is reckoned from the date of taking, not the filing of the complaint, and must be paid promptly with interest.
Agency Coupled With Interest Irrevocability AND Protection OF Third Party Rights IN Lease Agreements
Explaining when an agency coupled with interest becomes irrevocable, protecting the agent's rights and third-party interests in lease agreements.
Local Business Tax on Dividends and Interest Earned by Holding Companies
Supreme Court ruling on when holding companies are exempt from local business tax on dividends and interest income under the Local Government Code.
When a Lawyer's Dual Clients Create a Conflict of Interest: Lessons from Marcelo-Salud v. Bolivar
A lawyer who represents tenants while also serving as counsel to the alleged property owner may face discipline for conflicting interests, even if the main complaint fails.
Attorney Conflicts of Interest: When Dual Representation Violates Client Loyalty
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's dual representation becomes a prohibited conflict of interest under Rule 15.03 of the CPR.
Dual Roles Divided Loyalties When Public Service AND Private Interests Collide
Supreme Court rules on when public service and private interests collide, and how employees can be dismissed for divided loyalties.
Breach of Public Trust Accountability for Misuse of Government Funds
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of PCG official for serious dishonesty, grave misconduct, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Interest and Attorney's Fees in Maritime Disputes
Supreme Court affirms 6% legal interest and attorney's fees in seafarer disability case, clarifying rules on maritime compensation claims.
Disbarment for Attorney Misconduct and Negligence in Handling Client Affairs
Supreme Court disbars lawyer for unauthorized representation, conflict of interest, and mishandling client funds in a revival of judgment case.
Compromise Agreements and Third Party Rights: Protecting Property Interests in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on compromise agreements, third party rights, property interests, and execution of judgments explained in plain language.
Enforcing Foreign Judgments Philippine Courts Balance Comity AND Domestic Policy
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on enforcing foreign judgments, service of summons, and limits on interest awards.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Lessons from the Jaro Floodway Case
The Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation is determined in expropriation cases, including the role of zonal values and interest rates.
Real Party in Interest: Who Can Sue to Nullify a Contract in the Philippines
Learn who has legal standing to file a case to nullify a contract in the Philippines, based on Supreme Court rulings on real party in interest.
Solidary Liability and Interest Rates in Philippine Partnerships: Key Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
A look at a Supreme Court ruling on solidary liability, novation, and unconscionable interest rates in business loans and partnerships.
Equitable Interest: How Liquidating Dividends Impact Foreign Land Ownership in the Philippines
SC ruling on whether a foreign stockholder's liquidating dividends in Philippine land may be levied to satisfy judgment debts.
Conflict of Interest and Public Funds: When Cooperative Membership Does Not Equal Graft
Supreme Court clarifies that mere cooperative membership or past affiliation does not prove graft under the Anti-Graft Law.
Mutuality of Contracts and Foreclosure Rights in Philippine Loans
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that void interest stipulations do not invalidate foreclosure when the principal debt remains unpaid.
Unconscionable Interest Rates and Jurisdictional Amount in Loan Agreements
When does accrued interest count toward the jurisdictional amount? The Supreme Court clarifies in Domasian v. Demdam.
Deceptive Promises Convicting Illegal Recruiters AND Ensuring Restitution FOR Victims OF Estafa
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld convictions for syndicated illegal recruitment and estafa, ensuring victims receive full restitution with interest.