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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When a Lawyer's Negligence Binds the Client: The Barza v. Dinglasan Ruling
The Supreme Court held that a client is bound by counsel's mistakes unless the negligence is so gross it deprives the client of the day in court.
Navigating Anti-Graft Law: The Balance Between Undue Injury and Unwarranted Benefits
The Supreme Court clarifies the two modes of violating Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law, guiding public officers and prosecutors.
Upholding Ethical Duty Lawyers Cannot Exploit Court Orders FOR Unfair Advantage
Civilian Supremacy Prevails Military Court Jurisdiction Limited By Service-Connected Offenses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies military court jurisdiction is limited to service-connected offenses, upholding civilian court authority over non-military crimes.
Breach of Warranty: Proving Hidden Defects in Animal Feed Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on what buyers must prove to claim breach of warranty for hidden defects in animal feed.
Judicial Misconduct When Orders Reflect Bias AND Compromise Impartiality
Supreme Court fines judge for gross ignorance, grave misconduct, and bias in issuing irregular orders favoring a party's counsel.
Perfecting Land Titles: Continuous Possession Since June 12, 1945 Required for Registration
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judicial confirmation of imperfect land titles requires open, continuous possession since June 12, 1945.
Perfecting Appeals THE Strict Timeline AND Exceptions IN Philippine LAW
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains the strict deadlines for appeals and the limited exceptions, guiding litigants on procedural compliance.
Judicial Overreach: When Courts Issue Injunctions Beyond Territorial Limits
Philippine Supreme Court disciplines judge for issuing injunctions beyond territorial jurisdiction, violating due process and contempt rules.
Contract Termination Unilateral Right NOT Implied Absent Express Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: a party cannot unilaterally terminate a contract unless the right is expressly stipulated or a substantial breach is proven.
Executive Judges Cannot Overrule a Judge's Voluntary Inhibition
Supreme Court clarifies that executive judges lack authority to reverse a judge's voluntary inhibition, which is a judicial act reserved for the Court.
Upholding Candor: Attorney Suspended for Misleading Statements to the Court
A lawyer who filed a motion to withdraw citing workload, then swore he lied to hide judicial bias, was suspended one year for violating the lawyer's oath.
Prescription in Graft Cases: When Does the Clock Really Start Ticking
Learn how Philippine courts determine when the prescriptive period for graft cases begins, based on recent Supreme Court rulings.
Lawyer Suspended Six Months for Neglect and Failure to Return Client Funds
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to file a client's case and refusing to return P30,000 in fees.
Court Employees Must Avoid Even the Appearance of Impropriety: Balajadia v. Gatchalian
The Supreme Court fined a court stenographer P3,000 for simple misconduct after she hinted at a "commission" in exchange for faster work.
Custodial Rights Under Forest Management Agreements and Confiscated Resources
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who holds custody of confiscated forest products and conveyances under IFMA and DENR deputization.
Perfecting Contracts: Consent and the Statute of Frauds in Share Sales
A Supreme Court ruling explains when letters become a binding share sale contract and what the Statute of Frauds requires.
Why Bicycles Aren't Held to the Same Negligence Standard as Motor Vehicles
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why motorists face a higher duty of care than cyclists, and why a cyclist's ordinance violation doesn't automatically bar damages.
Employee Misconduct and Due Process: When Can Separation Benefits Be Withheld
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on separation pay, quitclaims, and due process in authorized termination cases.
Upholding Banks Right TO Withhold Benefits FOR Employee Misconduct A Case OF DUE Process AND Corporate Ethics
Supreme Court clarifies separation pay rules for business closures, quitclaim validity, and payment by check under Philippine labor law.
Diminution of Benefits vs CBA in Separation Pay Disputes: NFL v. Sime Darby Pilipinas
When a company policy grants higher separation pay than the CBA, which prevails? The Supreme Court explains in NFL v. Sime Darby Pilipinas.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Adultery as Grounds for Attorney Disbarment in the Philippines
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for cohabiting with a woman not his wife, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for membership in the Philippine Bar.
Good Faith Prevails When Government Entities Cant Recover Improperly Paid Benefits
Explore when good faith protects government employees from repaying benefits erroneously paid, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings.
Recovering Ill-Gotten Wealth: The State's Right to Sue Public Officials' Heirs
The Supreme Court affirms the State's right to recover ill-gotten wealth from the heirs of public officials, free from prescription, laches, or estoppel.