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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Bouncing Checks and Unconscionable Interest: BP 22 Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when unconscionable loan interest affects criminal liability for bouncing checks under BP 22.
Construction Contract Disputes: Why Written Agreements and Arbitration Decisions Matter
A Supreme Court ruling on construction disputes shows why written agreements and final arbitration decisions matter in Philippine law.
Lost Titles and Land Disputes: When a Lost Title Isn't Really Lost
The Supreme Court clarifies that a petition to replace a "lost" title requires proof of actual loss—a jurisdictional fact that cannot be assumed.
Breach of Trust: A Lawyer's Duty to Client Property in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyers who took a client's car as payment, explaining the fiduciary duty over client property.
When Must Private Entities Account for Government Funds? Campomanes v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies when private individuals receiving government funds must render accounts to the COA, and when they cannot be held liable under Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code.
Personal Liability of Public Officials: Good Faith as a Defense Against COA Disallowances
When can a public official be personally liable for COA disallowances? The Supreme Court clarifies the good faith defense in Salva v. COA.
Final Judgment IS Final Understanding Immutability IN Philippine Courts
Learn how the doctrine of immutability of judgment prevents courts from altering final decisions, with insights from a Philippine Supreme Court case.
When Government Officials Are Personally Liable for Audit Disallowances
The Supreme Court explains when public officials may be held personally liable for disallowed government expenditures, and when good faith approval is enough.
Jurisdiction in Land Title Reconstitution: Why Notice to Occupants Matters
Learn when courts acquire jurisdiction in reconstitution cases and why notice to occupants is mandatory under RA 26.
When Courts Can Compel Disclosure of Foreign Currency Deposits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may compel banks to disclose foreign currency deposits despite the secrecy rule under RA 6426.
Tax Clearance Not Required for BSP-Ordered Bank Liquidation in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling: banks closed by the BSP and liquidated by PDIC need not secure a BIR tax clearance before asset distribution.
Double Jeopardy in Labor Disputes: Res Judicata and Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
Learn how res judicata bars relitigation of illegal dismissal claims, using the Supreme Court's ruling in Williams v. Days Hotel.
Leaving Ship for Medical Help Is Not Desertion: Seafarer Rights Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling protects seafarers who leave a vessel for medical treatment, clarifying that such acts do not constitute desertion.
Double Jeopardy in Philippine Courts: When a Case Dismissal Protects You from Retrial
Understand when a case dismissal bars retrial under Philippine double jeopardy rules, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Benares v. Lim.
When Self-Defense Fails: Homicide and Accomplice Liability in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains when self-defense fails, why a killing becomes homicide not murder, and when relatives become accomplices.
Substituted Service of Summons: When a Security Guard Can Validly Receive It
Philippine Supreme Court rules on substituted service of summons through a subdivision security guard and its effect on court jurisdiction.
When a Security Guard Can Validly Receive Summons: The Robinson v. Miralles Doctrine
The Supreme Court ruled that substituted service of summons through a security guard can be valid when a defendant obstructs personal service.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Supreme Court Clarifies Evidence Rules Under RA 26
Supreme Court clarifies when courts may reconstitute lost land titles, balancing strict rules with practical realities of destroyed records.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality in Extramarital Affair and Child
Supreme Court dismisses a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and child, while suspending him from law practice for three years.
Homeowner Disputes and Attorney's Fees: When Courts Uphold Compromise Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on attorney's fees, jurisdiction, and the binding effect of compromise agreements in property disputes.
Accountability in the Courts: Understanding Neglect of Duty and Judicial Audits in the Philippines
A 2006 Supreme Court ruling clarifies the duties of judges and clerks of court in judicial audits, and the consequences of neglect of duty.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Salazar v. Philippine Duplicators Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies procedural due process in Salazar v. Philippine Duplicators, Inc., a landmark case on employee termination in the Philippines.
Regular Employment Status and Labor-Only Contracting: The San Miguel Corporation Case
Learn how the Supreme Court protected a worker's regular employment status against labor-only contracting schemes in San Miguel Corporation v. NLRC.
Attorney's Fees in the Philippines: Enforcing Retainer Agreements and Special Powers of Attorney
Learn how Philippine courts enforce retainer agreements and special powers of attorney for collecting attorney's fees, based on a Supreme Court ruling.