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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Burger Battle: Protecting Brand Identity Against Unfair Competition in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the IPO's jurisdiction over unfair competition cases and the protection of well-known foreign trademarks in the Philippines.
Material Misrepresentation in a COC: When a False Statement Can Nullify an Election Win
A false statement in a Certificate of Candidacy on a material qualification can cancel a candidacy and nullify an election victory, as Velasco v. COMELEC shows.
Ejectment and Back Rentals: The Greenhills Lease Dispute and the Limits of Court Awards
A stalled sublease at Greenhills Shopping Arcade leads to ejectment and a Supreme Court ruling on back rentals, estoppel, and who may recover.
Breach of Trust Dismissal Upheld for Financial Controller's Mismanagement
Supreme Court rules financial controller validly dismissed for gross neglect, serious misconduct, and loss of trust and confidence.
Perjury and Venue: Where the False Statement Truly Matters
A look at how the Supreme Court ruled that venue in perjury cases depends on where the false statement is used, not where it is notarized.
SEC Memorandum Circulars: Publication and Filing Required for Effectivity
Supreme Court rules SEC Memorandum Circular No. 2, Series of 1994 invalid for lack of publication and filing, affecting filing fee assessments.
Court Clerk Dismissed for Misappropriating Fiduciary Funds: A Lesson in Public Trust
The Supreme Court dismissed a court clerk for dishonesty and grave misconduct after she misappropriated P238,220 in fiduciary funds, reaffirming that public office is a public trust.
Appeal Bonds in Labor Cases: Timely Filing Is Key to Perfecting Appeals
Learn why a late or invalid appeal bond fails to perfect an employer's labor appeal, and what this means for employee claims.
Beyond Labels: Substance Prevails Over Form in Determining Legal Actions
A judge's procedural lapses in bail hearings show how courts look beyond labels to substance in determining legal liability.
Legislative Inquiry vs Individual Rights: Due Process in Senate Investigations
The Supreme Court ruled the Senate violated due process by conducting "Hello Garci" inquiries without publishing its rules of procedure.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Misappropriating Fiduciary Funds
Supreme Court dismisses a clerk of court for dishonesty and grave misconduct after she failed to account for P238,220 in court funds.
When Landlords Can Cut Utilities: Lessons from Barbasa v. Tuquero
Learn when a lessor may lawfully disconnect utilities under a lease's penalty clause without committing grave coercion.
Redemption of Foreclosed Property: What Buyers Must Know About Payment and Transfer of Rights
Learn the rules on redeeming foreclosed property, including payment amounts and assignment of redemption rights, from a Supreme Court ruling.
Redemption Rights in Foreclosure Sales: Scope and Transferability Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of redemption rights in extrajudicial foreclosure sales and when such rights may be validly transferred.
Mandamus and Manila Bay Cleanup: Defining Ministerial Duties in Environmental Protection
The Supreme Court ruled that government agencies can be compelled by mandamus to clean up Manila Bay, defining environmental duties as ministerial.
Standard OF Care IN Medical Malpractice Delineating Physicians Duty AND Patients Responsibility
Contractual Obligations Prevail: Surety Liable Despite Principal Debtor's Insolvency
Supreme Court rules surety remains liable for corporate debts even after principal debtor is declared insolvent, upholding solidary obligations.
Election Law: Distinguishing Disqualification From Certificate Cancellation
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between disqualification and cancellation of a certificate of candidacy in election cases.
Governments Power OF Disposition When Does IT Become AN Abuse OF Discretion
Treachery Defined: Absence of Frontal Attack Does Not Preclude Murder Finding
The Supreme Court clarifies that treachery can qualify a killing as murder even without a frontal attack, as long as the victim was defenseless and the mode of attack was consciously adopted.
Adultery and Public Service: Proving Immorality Beyond Suspicion in Administrative Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on immorality cases against court employees: the need for competent evidence and the limits of double jeopardy in administrative proceedings.
Manila Bay Cleanup Case: Ministerial Duties and the Right to a Balanced Ecology
The Supreme Court ruled government agencies can be compelled by mandamus to clean up Manila Bay under environmental laws.
Valid Service of Summons: Ensuring Due Process in Electoral Protests
The Supreme Court voided service of summons by registered mail in an election protest, ruling that personal service is required to satisfy due process.
Challenging a Judge's Qualifications: The Fine Line Between Direct and Indirect Attacks
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between direct and indirect attacks on a judge's qualifications in administrative cases.