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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Unrestricted Retained Earnings and the Appraisal Right of Dissenting Stockholders
When can a dissenting stockholder sue to collect the fair value of shares? The Supreme Court clarifies the timing rule.
Conspiracy and Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Shared Liability
When do accomplices become equally liable for murder? The Supreme Court explains conspiracy and treachery in People v. Relos.
HLURB Jurisdiction Over Condominium Disputes: Peralta v. De Leon Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed HLURB's exclusive jurisdiction over condominium buyer-developer disputes in Peralta v. De Leon.
Lawyer Disbarred for Filing Frivolous Cases Against Former Client in Revenge
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who filed 12 cases against former client and family to exact revenge for suspension. Learn the ethical rules.
Attorney Disbarment for Non-Payment of Debts: Ethical Standards in the Philippine Legal Profession
Philippine Supreme Court affirms gross misconduct finding against lawyer for unpaid debts, clarifying limits on double disbarment.
Habitual Absenteeism in the Judiciary: When Repeated Absences Justify Dismissal
The Supreme Court dismissed a sheriff for habitual absenteeism, reaffirming that public office demands strict adherence to duty and attendance.
Presidential Appointment Prerequisite Defining the Scope of the Career Executive Service
The Supreme Court clarifies that only presidential appointees belong to the Career Executive Service, exempting PCSO Assistant Department Managers from CSE eligibility.
Disbarment for Abuse of Legal Processes: Protecting Clients and the Justice System
A lawyer's failure to pay just debts is gross misconduct. The Supreme Court affirms disbarment for habitual non-payment and deceit.
Preliminary Injunctions Protecting Possession Rights in Philippine Property Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court protected possession rights through preliminary injunctions in Maunlad Homes v. Union Bank, and what this means for property disputes.
Homeowners Associations vs Non-Members: HLURB Jurisdiction and CMP Benefits
When can a homeowners association evict non-members from CMP land? The Supreme Court clarifies HLURB jurisdiction in Eugenio v. Sta. Monica Riverside Homeowners Association.
Substitution of Counsel and Your Right to Appeal: A Philippine Guide
Learn how the Supreme Court handles appeals filed by lawyers who failed to properly substitute the counsel on record.
Conditional Settlement Agreements: Are They Binding in Philippine Labor Disputes?
The Supreme Court ruled on whether a "conditional" settlement of a labor judgment award is valid and binding, and its effect on pending appeals.
Preliminary Injunction and Possession Rights: Maunlad Homes v. Union Bank
When can a property owner be barred from collecting rentals? The Supreme Court explains the limits of ownership rights versus possession in Maunlad Homes v. Union Bank.
Proving Work-Related Illness in Seafarer Disability Claims: The Francisco Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's illness is compensable, emphasizing proof of work-relatedness beyond mere occurrence during employment.
Preserving Property Rights When Land Use Reclassification Prevents Agrarian Reform
A Supreme Court ruling on how land use reclassification and zoning approvals affect exemption from agrarian reform coverage.
Preliminary Injunctions in the Philippines: Preserving Status Quo in Property Disputes
Learn when Philippine courts issue preliminary injunctions to preserve status quo, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Maunlad Homes v. Union Bank.
Buy-Bust Operations: Legality of Drug Sales and Possession in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on buy-bust operations, illegal drug sales, and possession under Philippine law.
When Banks Dishonor Checks: The Citibank v. Dinopol Case on Fiduciary Duty and Damages
The Supreme Court ruled that banks must exercise the highest degree of diligence, holding Citibank liable for dishonoring a check over a P58.33 charge.
Forcible Entry vs Agrarian Dispute: Who Has Jurisdiction in Philippine Courts?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when forcible entry cases belong to MTC or DARAB, and how tenancy defenses affect jurisdiction.
Pre-Existing Conditions and Seafarer Disability Claims: Understanding Work-Relatedness in Philippine Maritime
The Supreme Court explains when a seafarer's pre-existing illness is compensable and the limits of the disputable presumption of work-relatedness.
Loafing in the Workplace: Philippine Law, Penalties, and the Fortaleza Case
Learn what constitutes loafing under Philippine law, its penalties for government employees, and key lessons from a Supreme Court ruling.
When a Guilty Plea Is Not Enough: Proving Murder Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains why a guilty plea to a capital offense still requires the prosecution to prove guilt and the precise degree of culpability.
Just Compensation in Land Reform: LBP's Role and Interest Rate Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies interest rates on agrarian just compensation and Land Bank's exemption from costs in land reform cases.
Prescription in Tax Collection: When Does the Government Lose Its Right to Collect
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on prescription periods for tax collection and when the government's right to collect prescribed taxes expires.