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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Attorney Suspended for Neglect and Disrespect Toward the IBP
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for six months for neglecting a client's appeal and repeatedly ignoring the IBP's authority.
Judiciary Employee Conduct: Moral Standards Apply Even After Spousal Forgiveness
Supreme Court rules spousal forgiveness cannot erase administrative liability for a court employee's immoral conduct.
Deceptive Promises When Illegal Recruitment AND Estafa Collide
When do illegal recruitment and estafa overlap? The Supreme Court explains in People v. Alzona, a case about fake overseas jobs.
Upholding Public Trust Court Employees Held TO High Standards OF Conduct
Sheriffs' Duty to Timely Execute Writs and Accountability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs' duty to enforce writs promptly and their accountability for actions that delay execution.
Notarial Negligence and Lawyer Accountability: Serzo v. Flores on Falsified Deeds
The Supreme Court revoked a notary's commission and suspended him for two years after he notarized a deed of sale signed by a man who had already died.
Surety Reimbursement Rights: When Partial Payment Does Not Trigger Indemnity
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when co-sureties can demand reimbursement and foreclose pledged shares under indemnity agreements.
Res Judicata and Property Rights: When a Prior Judgment Does Not Bar a New Case
The Supreme Court explains when res judicata applies and why a dismissed ejectment case does not bar a later action to recover ownership.
Unilateral Interest Rate Hikes: Mutuality of Contracts Prevails in Loan Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules banks cannot unilaterally raise interest rates without borrower consent, citing mutuality of contracts principle.
Standing to Sue, Co-Ownership Authority, and the Demurrer to Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a co-owner may sue alone and why lack of authority is not a ground for demurrer to evidence.
Service of Court Decisions on Government Entities: The Lead Counsel Rule Explained
When must court decisions be served on a government agency's lead counsel? The Supreme Court clarifies service rules and appeal periods.
Challenging Anti-Graft Law: Balancing Due Process and Public Accountability
The Supreme Court upholds Section 5 of RA 3019 against vagueness challenges, clarifying rules on repetitive motions, prescription, and immunity.
Judicial Dishonesty: When a Judge Misleads the Court and Violates the Duty of Candor
The Supreme Court fined a judge for dishonesty and lack of candor after he misrepresented his case load to secure a transfer. Learn the rules.
Fixed-Term Seafarers' Contracts: Illegal Dismissal and Compensation Standards
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers are contractual employees governed by POEA contracts, not regular employees under the Labor Code.
Public Office Conduct: Mayor's Residence vs Public Good in Radio Antenna Installation
Supreme Court clarifies when courts may review Ombudsman findings on probable cause and public officers' use of government property.
Preventive Suspension Applies Regardless of Current Office in Philippine Graft Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that preventive suspension under RA 3019 applies to any office a public officer currently holds, not just the position held when charged.
Compromise Agreements and Illegal Strikes: The Limits of Condonation in Labor Law
When does a compromise agreement waive an employer's right to challenge an illegal strike? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of condonation.
Minority as Privileged Mitigating Circumstance in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that minority is a privileged mitigating circumstance under Article 68, reducing the penalty for murder by one degree.
Foreign Corporations and the Right to Sue: Estoppel in Philippine Law
When can an unlicensed foreign corporation sue in Philippine courts? The Supreme Court clarifies the estoppel rule in this 2004 ruling.
Falsification of Public Documents and Integrity in Public Service
Explore how the Supreme Court addressed falsification of public documents and the integrity required in public service.
Res Judicata and Forum Shopping in Partition Cases: When a Separate Nullity Suit Is Barred
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a separate action to nullify a deed of sale is barred by forum shopping when the same issue can be resolved in a pending partition case.
Deregulation and Due Process: The NTC's Authority Over SMS Regulation
In Globe Telecom v. NTC, the Supreme Court struck down a fine on Globe for offering SMS without prior approval, exposing the regulator's confusing rules.
Lawyer Suspended for Deceit and Unauthorized Representation in Estate Case
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for deceiving clients into signing an authority that let him file unauthorized estate proceedings.
When a Barangay Captain Cannot Be Independent Counsel: Extrajudicial Confessions and the Constitution
A barangay captain who is a lawyer cannot act as independent counsel for a suspect. The Supreme Court explains why the confession was inadmissible.