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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Simple Neglect of Duty: When Withdrawal of an Administrative Complaint Does Not End Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that withdrawal of an administrative complaint does not erase liability for simple neglect of duty by public officers.
Bouncing Checks Law: When Fear and Necessity Do Not Excuse Issuing Bad Checks
The Supreme Court clarifies when uncontrollable fear and state of necessity cannot excuse liability under the Bouncing Checks Law.
Upholding Public Trust: Negligence in Disbursement of Funds Despite Restitution
A Supreme Court cashier's restitution did not erase his administrative liability for simple neglect of duty in releasing funds without proper identification.
Three-Term Limit for Local Officials: When an Election Loss Resets the Clock
Election loss interrupts an official's service and resets the three-term limit, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Adormeo v. COMELEC.
How Court Deadlines and Extensions Are Computed: The Luz Rule
The Supreme Court clarifies how extensions of time are counted in Philippine courts, and when liberal interpretation may save a late filing.
Forum Shopping and Appeal Jurisdiction: Traverse Development Corp. v. DBP
When a dismissal order raises only legal questions, appeal lies with the Supreme Court, not the Court of Appeals.
Contract of Sale vs Contract to Sell: Clarifying Obligations in Property Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies distinctions between contract of sale and contract to sell, and their impact on property rights and obligations.
Accidental Harm vs Self-Defense: When Can You Claim Innocence in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when accident or self-defense excuses criminal liability, and why switching defenses on appeal fails.
Failure to Deny Loan Document Authenticity Under Oath Is an Admission of Debt
Supreme Court rules that a borrower who fails to specifically deny under oath the genuineness of loan documents impliedly admits the debt.
DAR Jurisdiction Over Agrarian Implementation Disputes Explained
When do courts vs. DAR hear agrarian disputes? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction over CARP implementation cases.
Disbarment for Infidelity: Moral Standards in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for marital infidelity, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for all members of the bar.
Taxpayers Beware: Exhaust Administrative Remedies Before Appealing Property Tax Disputes to Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that property tax disputes must first go through administrative remedies before courts can intervene.
Default Judgments and Due Process: Ensuring Fair Notice in Legal Proceedings
Learn how the Supreme Court protects due process in default judgments, emphasizing fair notice and the proper remedy for appealing decisions.
Dismissal of Managerial Employee for Loss of Trust and Confidence: PLDT v. Tolentino
When can a company validly dismiss a managerial employee for loss of trust and confidence? The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Unilateral Contract Termination: When GSIS Can Rescind Agreements
When can a party unilaterally terminate a contract? The Supreme Court explains valid cause and contractual rights in Astroland v. GSIS.
Upholding Judicial Authority: The Consequences of Unauthorized Court Transfers
A judge and court staff were disciplined for moving a court's station without prior Supreme Court approval. Learn the rules and risks.
Perfected Sale vs Mortgage: When a Seller's Breach Doesn't Void a Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a seller's breach doesn't void a perfected sale, distinguishing sale from mortgage.
When Retired Judges Decide Cases: Why Those Rulings Are Void
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that decisions rendered or promulgated after a judge's retirement are null and void, with administrative liability.
Bouncing Checks and Subsidiary Imprisonment: What BP 22 Violators Face
Can a BP 22 violator be jailed for failing to pay fines? The Supreme Court explains subsidiary imprisonment rules.
Contract Termination in Construction: When Express Terms and Damages Control
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling upholds a contractor's right to terminate a sub-contract for delay and poor workmanship, and explains when damages may be awarded.
Carrier's Improper Stowage Overrides Fortuitous Event Defense in Cargo Loss Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on carrier liability when improper stowage, not weather, causes cargo loss at sea.
Can Employers Restrict Employee Marriages to Competitors? The Glaxo Case
The Supreme Court upholds a drug company's policy against employees marrying competitor employees, citing management prerogative and conflict-of-interest prevention.
COMELEC's Duty to Hold Special Barangay Elections After a Failed Poll: The Sambarani Doctrine
The Supreme Court ruled that COMELEC cannot refuse to hold special barangay elections after a failure of election, and that incumbent officials hold over until successors are elected.
Piercing the Corporate Veil When Tax Avoidance Becomes Evasion
The Supreme Court explains when tax planning crosses the line into tax evasion, and when a stockholder's estate can be held liable for corporate tax deficiencies.