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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Attorneys Neglect Leads TO Suspension Upholding Diligence IN Legal Representation
Ejectment Actions and Contracts to Sell: Clarifying Possession Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a buyer under a contract to sell may be ejected, and the duties of banks purchasing properties.
Livestock Lands Untouchable DAR A O NO 9 Declared Unconstitutional
Counsel's Negligence in Appeals: Timeliness and Client Diligence
A lawyer's failure to pay docket fees and file certifications can doom an appeal—and trigger administrative sanctions for negligence.
Tax Collection Deadlines: Prescription in Philippine Tax Law Explained
Learn how the BPI v. CIR case clarifies the three-year prescription period for tax collection and when it may be suspended.
When Banks Breach Fiduciary Duty: Liability for Unauthorized Withdrawals
Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for unauthorized withdrawals by employees, moral damages, and the fiduciary duty of banks to depositors.
Reopening Inquiry Service Provider Rights and Due Process in Airport Terminal Agreements
Court rules Ombudsman committed grave abuse of discretion in dismissing service operators' complaint without complete preliminary investigation.
Due Process in Criminal Prosecution: When the State May Present Additional Evidence
Explaining when courts may allow the prosecution to present additional evidence and how the State's right to due process balances against the accused's right to speedy trial.
Banks' Duty of Care: Liability for Unauthorized Withdrawals and Moral Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for unauthorized withdrawals, gross negligence, and awards of moral and exemplary damages.
DUE Diligence IN Real Estate Mortgage A Banks Duty TO Investigate Beyond THE Title
Breach of Overseas Employment Contract: Full Reimbursement and Salaries Due
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that illegally dismissed overseas workers are entitled to full placement fee refund and salaries under RA 8042.
Spousal Testimony Protecting Marriage VS Seeking Justice IN Arson Cases
Habitual Tardiness in Public Service: Court Holds Family Obligations Not a Valid Excuse
Supreme Court reprimands court stenographer for habitual tardiness, ruling family obligations do not excuse repeated lateness in public service.
Unearthing Liability When Treasure Hunts Lead to Tort Claims
A treasure hunt that damaged a chapel led to solidary liability for joint tortfeasors under Philippine law. Learn the rules.
Retrenchment Requirements: Proving Financial Losses and Fair Criteria in Employee Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on retrenchment: employers must prove substantial losses and use fair criteria like seniority when dismissing employees.
Retrenchment Rules in the Philippines: Proving Losses and Fair Selection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on retrenchment: what employers must prove to validly dismiss employees due to business losses.
Judicial Accountability Premature Issuance OF Arrest Warrants AND THE Duty OF Legal Proficiency
Mutual Life Insurance Companies Exempt from Premium Tax and DST
Supreme Court rules mutual life insurance companies are cooperatives exempt from premium tax and documentary stamp tax without CDA registration.
Mutual Life Insurance Companies Tax Exemption as Cooperatives Explained
Supreme Court ruling on Sun Life clarifies tax exemption for mutual life insurance companies as cooperatives under Philippine tax law.
Contract to Sell vs. Sale: What Buyers Must Know Under Philippine Law
A buyer who stops paying installments in a contract to sell may lose ownership rights. Learn the key differences and protections.
Family Home Exemption: When Creditors Can Seize Your Property in the Philippines
The family home exemption protects Filipino families from creditors—but not for debts incurred before the home was constituted. Learn the rules.
When Does the Clock Start? Prescription Periods for Hidden Contract Breaches in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when the prescriptive period begins for hidden breaches of contract, protecting buyers who rely on seller representations.
Presidential Power Limits on Foreign Debt Contraction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the President's power to contract foreign loans, including debt buybacks and bond conversions, under Section 20, Article VII of the Constitution.
Acting Secretaries and the Commission on Appointments: The Pimentel Ruling
The Supreme Court explains when the President may appoint acting department secretaries without Commission on Appointments consent.