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 Surety Bond Must Be Honored: Cellpage v. Solid Guaranty Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when a surety is liable despite no written principal contract, and how bank errors affect obligations.
Investment vs Loan: When a "Pay on Demand" Promise Binds the Investor
The Supreme Court clarifies when an investment becomes a recoverable obligation, and how the parties' own acts define their contract.
Vicarious Liability and Common Carrier Duties: The Mendoza Case Explained
Learn how the Mendoza ruling clarifies employer liability for employee negligence and the obligations of common carriers in the Philippines.
Liability for Dishonored Bank Drafts: Holder in Due Course vs Drawer's Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies a bank drawer's liability on dishonored bank drafts, even after a stop payment order, when held by a holder in due course.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Lawyers Responsibility Beyond Professional Capacity
A lawyer's duty to a client does not end with accepting a case. The Supreme Court reminds lawyers of their ethical obligations in this disciplinary case.
Practicing Law While Suspended: Consequences and Ethical Obligations
What happens when a suspended lawyer continues to practice? The Supreme Court explains the consequences in Valmonte v. Quesada.
Corporate Ratification: When a Corporation Becomes Bound by Unauthorized Acts
A corporation's repeated payments can ratify an officer's unauthorized acts, binding the company to obligations it never expressly approved.
Defining Final Assessment Seafarer Disability Benefits AND Employer Obligations
COA Must Follow Its Own Rules to Ensure Due Process in Reopening Audits
Court ruling on COA's obligation to observe its own rules when reopening audits, ensuring due process for audited agencies.
Verbal Contracts and Implied Ratification: Upholding Obligations in Broiler Chick Growing Agreements
The Supreme Court rules that verbal contracts bind parties even without a written agreement, and corporations may impliedly ratify unauthorized acts.
Pre-Existing Conditions and Seafarer Disability Claims: Employer Obligations
A seafarer's pre-existing hypertension claim for disability benefits fails when he fails to follow the POEA-SEC process.
Loan Restructuring and Surety Obligations: Understanding Novation and Continuing Guarantees
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loan restructuring extinguishes a surety's obligation and the binding effect of continuing guarantees.
Condominium Dues and Utility Disconnection: What Unit Owners Must Know
The Supreme Court upheld a condominium association's right to disconnect utilities for unpaid dues, clarifying owner obligations under the Condominium Act.
Understanding Contractual Breach and Damages: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how a Philippine Supreme Court case on notarial misconduct clarifies contractual obligations, breach, and damages in property transactions.
Contractual Obligations Prevail: MIAA Must Refund Overpaid Rentals Despite Prescription Claims
Supreme Court rules MIAA must refund full overpaid rentals to lessee, rejecting prescription defense based on contract, not quasi-contract.
Hidden Car Defects and Loan Obligations: What Buyers Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when car buyers can rescind a sale for hidden defects and why loan obligations remain separate.
Sugar Restitution Absence of Funds and Government's Obligation to Sugar Producers
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on sugar restitution when funds are absent, and the government's duty to sugar producers under Philippine law.
Permanent Disability Benefits for Seafarers: Rights and Employer Obligations in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's disability becomes permanent and total, and the employer's duty to assess within prescribed periods.
Tax Exemption for Coal Operators: Interpreting Special Laws and VAT Obligations
The Supreme Court affirms Semirara Mining's VAT exemption under PD 972, clarifying how special laws interact with the NIRC.
Probationary Employment Standards and Contractual Obligations in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies probationary employment rules, contract of adhesion principles, and the need for employee signatures in Philippine labor law.
Protecting Seafarers: Employers Must Uphold Medical Obligations and Timely Pay Sickness Allowances
The Supreme Court ruled that employers cannot use a seafarer's missed check-up as an excuse to deny disability benefits when the employer failed to pay sickness allowance and approve treatment.
Revival of Judgment: Prescription Periods and Banking Reorganization Duties
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on the 10-year prescriptive period for reviving judgments and its application to banking reorganization obligations.
Histrionic Personality Disorder as Ground for Nullity: Understanding Marital Obligations and Psychological Inc
The Supreme Court affirms that histrionic personality disorder can be psychological incapacity under Article 36, explaining the standards for declaring a marriage void.
Taming Unconscionable Interest: Reassessing Loan Obligations and Attorney's Fees in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts temper unconscionable loan interest rates and when attorney's fees may be awarded in foreclosure cases.