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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Due Diligence in Property and Payment Transactions: Lessons from a Landmark Fraud Case
A Supreme Court ruling on ghost repairs shows why due diligence in verifying documents is critical before approving payments or entering transactions.
COLA Integration Into Government Salaries: What the Lumauan Ruling Means
The Supreme Court explains when cost of living allowance is deemed integrated into government salaries and who must refund disallowed payments.
Understanding Trust and Misappropriation in Philippine Estafa Cases: Key Lessons from a Landmark Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies estafa under Article 315(1)(b), explaining trust receipt obligations, demand requirements, and why partial payment does not erase criminal liability.
Execution Sales, Cash Payment Rules, and Third-Party Claims in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when failure to pay bid in cash or state third-party claims voids execution sales.
When Must Property Sellers Deliver the Title? The Fil-Estate v. Hermana Realty Rule
Full payment of the purchase price entitles a buyer to demand the deed of sale and owner's duplicate title, even if taxes remain unpaid.
Incentive Payments in Government Agencies: Lessons from the TransCo EME Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when extraordinary and miscellaneous expenses (EME) in GOCCs are valid, and who must refund disallowed amounts.
Understanding Just Compensation in Philippine Agrarian Reform: A Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation is computed when agrarian reform payment is delayed for decades, applying current market value.
Debtors' Burden of Proof in Loan Repayment Disputes: Insights from the Supreme Court
A debtor who claims payment must prove it. The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in loan collection cases.
When Court Employees Accept Payments: Conduct Prejudicial vs. Misconduct
Court stenographer held liable for conduct prejudicial to service after keeping litigant's payment for over a year; ruling clarifies key distinction.
Timely Payment of Docket Fees in Appeals: A Guide to Avoiding Case Dismissal
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in Ang v. Court of Appeals underscores the mandatory payment of appellate docket fees to perfect an appeal.
Understanding Acceleration Clauses in Loan Agreements: A Guide to Immediate Debt Repayment
The Supreme Court explains how acceleration clauses work in loan agreements, allowing creditors to demand full payment upon default.
Just Compensation Interest Rates and Payment Delays in Agrarian Reform
Learn how the Supreme Court rules on interest for delayed agrarian reform compensation, including the reckoning date and applicable rates.
When Sellers May Keep Partial Payments in a Failed Property Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a seller may keep partial payments as rentals after a failed contract to sell.
Dishonored Checks and Ethical Lapses: Attorney Suspended for Violating the Code of Professional Responsibility
A lawyer who issued a worthless check and sold a car he already conveyed as payment faces a three-year suspension from practice.
Judicial Accountability: Upholding Standards of Conduct and Competence in the Philippine Judiciary
The Supreme Court approves payment for judges' Hague training, affirming accountability and proper procedure in judicial education.
Judicial Fiscal Autonomy Reaffirmed in Supreme Court Ruling on Travel Expenses
The Supreme Court affirms its fiscal autonomy by approving PHILJA's payment of training expenses, reinforcing judicial independence.
Unlocking the Right to Minimum Salary Upon Regularization: A Landmark Decision for Philippine Workers
The Supreme Court rules that company policies on minimum salary rates become binding once an employee is regularized, protecting workers from underpayment.
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.
Holder in Due Course Rights Prevail Over Stop Payment Orders
Philippine Supreme Court rules a holder in due course can enforce bank drafts despite stop payment orders, explaining drawer liability under the Negotiable Instruments Law.
Finality of Monetary Awards in Labor Cases: The Tan v. Dagpin Rule
Learn how the Supreme Court's Tan v. Dagpin ruling protects final labor judgments from recomputation after full payment.
Accountants Liability Scope Of Responsibility In Disallowed Government Transactions
Supreme Court clarifies when government accountants may be excused from solidary liability for disallowed payments under COA rules.
Surety Agreements and Solidary Liability: Lessons from a Philippine Loan Dispute
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when sureties become liable for corporate loans and why economic crises do not excuse payment.
Non-Payment of Debts and Insubordination in Court Employment: A Cautionary Tale
The Supreme Court explains when a court employee's failure to pay debts and defiance of Court orders can lead to dismissal from service.
Liability in Government Contracts: Mere Initialing Not Enough
When can government officers be held personally liable for disallowed payments? The Supreme Court clarifies in this COA case.