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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Upholding Client Loyalty: Attorney Sanctioned for Representing Conflicting Interests in the Philippines
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for one year for representing conflicting interests, reaffirming the strict duty of loyalty lawyers owe their clients.
Voluntary Sale vs. Eminent Domain: When Interest on Just Compensation Is Not Due
Supreme Court clarifies that in negotiated sales, landowners cannot claim legal interest absent a stipulation, unlike in expropriation.
Contractual Integrity vs. Eminent Domain: The Limits of Interest Claims in Negotiated Land Sales
When the government buys land through a negotiated sale, the deed governs—interest claims not in the contract are barred.
Estate Administration: Courts Prioritize Heirs' Best Interests Over Preferences
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies estate administration rules—courts may appoint administrators based on heirs' best interests, not strict preference order.
Legal Interest on Loans: When Courts Impose Compensatory Interest in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest applies to unpaid loans, distinguishing monetary from compensatory interest under Nacar guidelines.
Upholding Client Loyalty: Ethical Boundaries in Attorney Representation Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years for representing conflicting interests, committing forum shopping, and neglecting clients.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: How Courts Fix Fair Market Value
Philippine Supreme Court explains how courts determine just compensation in expropriation cases, including the standards and interest rules.
Custody Rights of Illegitimate Children: Balancing Maternal Preference and the Child's Best Interests
The Supreme Court clarifies when an illegitimate father may seek custody, and the limits of the tender-age presumption under Article 213.
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.
Breach of Trust, Competing Business Interests, and Employee Dismissal: Key Lessons from Malcaba v. ProHealth P
When can an employer validly dismiss for loss of trust? When is dismissal illegal? The Supreme Court clarifies in Malcaba v. ProHealth Pharma.
Immutability of Judgments in Foreclosure Interest Calculations and Redemption Rights
Supreme Court clarifies that final judgments on foreclosure interest cannot be modified, and redemption rights lapse without payment.
Interest After Foreclosure: When Contractual Obligations Continue to Run
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when interest stops after foreclosure, emphasizing contractual obligations and the immutability of final judgments.
When Legal Interest Begins on Construction Claims: Lessons from Yamauchi v. Suñiga
The Supreme Court clarifies when 6% legal interest accrues on construction damage awards and how courts determine temperate damages.
Fair Compensation for Agricultural Land Under CARP: Apo Fruits v. LBP
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts determine just compensation for agricultural land taken under CARP, and when interest starts to run.
Apo Fruits v. Land Bank: Just Compensation and Interest in Agrarian Expropriation
The Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation is determined and when legal interest accrues in agrarian reform cases.
Breach of Trust: Attorney Suspended for Representing Conflicting Interests
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for six months for representing opposing parties in violation of Rule 15.03, Canon 15 of the CPR.
Upholding Client Confidentiality Attorney Sanctioned FOR Representing Conflicting Interests
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that lawyers cannot buy client property or represent conflicting interests, voiding a transfer under Article 1491.
Breach of Public Trust: Defining Misconduct and Dishonesty in Government Service
The Supreme Court affirms penalties against a former PCGG chairman for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
The State's Obligation to Pay Interest on Delayed Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform
When the government delays paying just compensation for agrarian reform lands, landowners are entitled to legal interest as damages.
Fairness in Farmlands: How Courts Determine Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts compute just compensation for agrarian reform lands and when legal interest applies.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: How Courts Value Land in Eminent Domain Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how courts determine fair market value and interest in expropriation cases.
Just Compensation and Legal Interest in Expropriation: What Property Owners Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies interest rates on unpaid just compensation in expropriation cases, protecting property owners' rights.
Civic Duty vs Conflict of Interest: Court Employees and Community Leadership
The Supreme Court clarifies when court personnel may serve as homeowners' association officers without violating conduct rules.
Eminent Domain: How Courts Fix Just Compensation and Interest in Expropriation
Learn how Philippine courts determine just compensation and legal interest in expropriation cases, based on a 2017 Supreme Court ruling.