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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Finality of Judgment and Lawyer Accountability in Disbarment Cases
Supreme Court denies disbarred lawyer's attempt to reopen final judgment, citing immutability doctrine and imposing contempt for non-compliance.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Interest Payments IN Real Estate Agreements
Good Faith Prevails: Protecting Public Officials From Graft Charges in Discretionary Decisions
Supreme Court clears DOH official of graft for following PADPAO rates over lowest bid, affirming good faith in discretionary public decisions.
Unlawful Detainer: Proving Possession and Ownership Claims in Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer cases, possession vs. ownership claims, and evidence rules in ejectment proceedings.
Jurisdiction and Arbitration in Real Estate Contract Disputes: Frabelle Fishing Case
When do courts, not HLURB, hear real estate contract disputes? The Frabelle Fishing case explains jurisdiction and arbitration rules.
Financial Crisis as Fortuitous Event: Real Estate Contract Obligations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether the 1997 Asian financial crisis excuses a developer's failure to deliver condominium units.
When Contractual Disputes Must Go to Arbitration and Courts, Not the HLURB
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when condominium disputes belong to arbitration or courts, not the HLURB, in Frabelle Fishing Corp. ruling.
Certification Against Forum Shopping: The Corporate Authorization Requirement
Corporate plaintiffs must authorize their signatories to execute certifications against forum shopping, or risk dismissal of their cases.
Retraction vs Initial Statements: Weighing Evidence in Illegal Dismissal Cases
When an employee is dismissed for serious misconduct, how should courts weigh a witness's retraction against initial statements? The Supreme Court clarifies.
People v. Abulon: Penetration, Consent, and Rape by Sexual Assault in the Family Home
A 2007 Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape clarifies when tongue insertion counts as rape, when it is acts of lasciviousness, and how a father's moral sway replaces force.
Procedural Due Process and the Right to Be Heard in Philippine Land Disputes
Philippine courts weigh procedural due process in land disputes, balancing technical rules against substantive justice for all parties.
Misrepresentation and Due Process in Seafarer Medical Claims: De Jesus v. POMI
The Supreme Court ruled that a seafarer's concealment of a prior ulcer did not bar medical claims, and that dismissal requires the contract's disciplinary procedure.
Sheriff's Duty in Replevin: Due Process and the Five-Day Rule
A sheriff who delivers replevied property without waiting for court instructions commits simple misconduct, violating due process under Rule 60.
Certiorari Cannot Substitute for a Lost Appeal: Lessons from Negros Merchants v. China Banking
When can a denied motion to dismiss be challenged by certiorari? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on interlocutory orders and forum shopping.
Untangling Transferees Relief From Judgment AND Timeliness IN Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a transferee pendente lite may file a petition for relief from judgment and the strict deadlines that apply.
UCPB Interest Rates, Mutuality of Contracts, and the Truth in Lending Act
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void interest rates, mutuality of contracts, and Truth in Lending Act violations in bank lending.
Breach of Trust vs Security of Tenure: When Is Dismissal Too Harsh?
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why loss of trust and confidence does not give employers unlimited power to dismiss, even managerial employees.
Navigating Traffic: MMDA Authority and the Limits of Executive Action on Metro Manila Bus Terminals
The Supreme Court ruled on the limits of MMDA authority and executive power in ordering the closure of provincial bus terminals along EDSA.
Judicial Ethics Upholding Decorum in Legal Pleadings and the Limits of Administrative Liability
Court clarifies when a judge's intemperate language in pleadings warrants administrative sanction, and when charges lack substantial evidence.
Forum Shopping and Government Counsel: Land Bank v. Martinez
A look at Land Bank v. Martinez on forum shopping, the OGCC's role as principal counsel for GOCCs, and finality of DARAB decisions.
Upholding Employers' Rights: Just Cause and Due Process in Employee Dismissal
Supreme Court clarifies the twin requirements of just cause and due process in terminating employees, affirming dismissals for misconduct and insubordination.
Jurisdiction Over Non-Residents: Extraterritorial Summons and Actions In Personam
Philippine courts cannot acquire jurisdiction over non-resident defendants in personal actions through extraterritorial service of summons. Learn the rules.
Unfreezing Marcos-Era Assets: When Philippine Courts Can Act on Foreign Freeze Orders
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that allows Philippine courts to hear cases involving foreign freeze orders on Marcos-era assets.
Safeguarding Public Officers Good Faith AND THE Anti Graft LAW
Explore the PCGG v. Sandiganbayan ruling on res judicata, act of state doctrine, and the duty of public officers to act promptly on requests.