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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Breach of Trust When a Commission Agreement Leads to Criminal Liability for Estafa
When does failing to remit sales proceeds become estafa, not just debt? The Supreme Court explains in Cheng v. People.
Unpaid Purchase Price: When a Deed of Absolute Sale Is Void for Lack of Consideration
A deed of sale without actual payment is void from the start. Learn the Supreme Court's ruling and key lessons.
Upholding Client Trust Attorney Disbarred FOR Unauthorized Compromise AND Misappropriation OF Funds
A lawyer who compromised a client's case without authority and misused funds for docket fees was disbarred by the Supreme Court.
Mandamus and the House Speaker's Duty to Seat a Duly Proclaimed Representative
When can the Supreme Court compel the House Speaker to seat a representative? The Velasco ruling explains the ministerial duty after disqualification.
Custody Rights in Muslim Divorce: Balancing Shari’a Law and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction and due process in custody disputes arising from Muslim divorce under P.D. 1083.
Land Conversion Disputes and the Finality of Agrarian Reform Decisions
The Supreme Court affirms that final and executory DAR conversion orders may no longer be questioned, especially on issues first raised on appeal.
Accountability in Public Service: Internal Auditors' Duty to Prevent Misuse of Funds
Supreme Court ruling on internal auditors' liability for government fund losses, explaining due diligence standards under COA rules.
Co-Ownership and Unauthorized Sales: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court handles co-owned property disputes, redemption rights, and unauthorized sales in this Philippine civil law case analysis.
Can a University Be Bound by Unauthorized Mortgages? Corporate Authority Explained
When can a corporation be bound by an officer's unauthorized acts? The Supreme Court explains in University of Mindanao v. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
Reckless Driving and the Duty of Care: What Senit v. People Means for Motorists
The Supreme Court affirms that overtaking another vehicle demands a high degree of care, and explains when trial in absentia is valid.
Circumstantial Evidence and Penalty Rules in Philippine Homicide Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies penalty imposition, damages, and evidence rules in homicide appeals under Rule 45.
Divisibility of Contractual Obligations and Remedies for Breach in Philippine Sales Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on divisible vs. indivisible obligations in sales contracts and remedies upon breach.
Slight vs Grave Oral Defamation: Drawing the Line in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when insulting words amount to slight, not grave, oral defamation, and explains the rules on defaming public officers.
Pactum Commissorium: When Mortgage Agreements Unfairly Benefit Lenders
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mortgage validity, unconscionable interest rates, and when borrowers cannot escape contractual obligations.
Defining Construction Cost Interest Expenses and Reserved Units in Joint Development Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what counts as actual construction cost in joint development agreements, excluding interest expenses from the computation.
When Arbitration Clauses Bind Non-Signatories: Nominees and Related Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when arbitration clauses extend to nominees and subsequent related agreements under RA 9285.
Mortgage Validity: Restrictions on Property Rights vs Contractual Obligations
Supreme Court rules on whether NHA restrictions on a titled property invalidate a mortgage, and when borrowers can escape contractual obligations.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Broken Links Mean Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where prosecution failed to prove unbroken chain of custody of seized shabu under RA 9165.
Annulment of Judgment: When a Final Court Decision Cannot Be Undone
The Supreme Court explains the strict limits of annulment of judgment, including what counts as extrinsic fraud and why counsel's negligence is not enough.
Motion for Extension of Time: Balancing Strict Rules and Substantial Justice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts should relax procedural rules on formal offer of evidence to serve substantial justice.
Overcoming Technicalities: Republic's Right to Recover Ill-Gotten Wealth
Supreme Court rules procedural lapses should not defeat the state's recovery of ill-gotten wealth, reversing Sandiganbayan dismissal.
From Grave to Slight: Oral Defamation and Free Speech in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when insulting words rise to grave or slight oral defamation, balancing free speech with protecting reputation.
Balancing Public Order and Private Rights: Limits on Summary Abatement of Nuisances
When can barangay officials destroy property as a public nuisance? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of summary abatement.
Navigating Factual Disputes: The Supreme Court's Stance on Appellate Review
The Supreme Court clarifies when appellate courts may review factual findings and correct arbitrary penalties in homicide convictions.