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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Future Inheritance vs Present Rights: Resolving Property Disputes Among Heirs
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on partition inter vivos, future inheritance, and validity of property transfers among heirs.
Prompt Disposition Mandate: Disciplining Judges for Case Delays
The Supreme Court disciplines a judge for undue delay in deciding an ejectment case, underscoring the mandatory nature of the 30-day period under the Revised Rules on Summary Procedure.
Judicial Accountability: Judges Must Decide Ejectment Cases Within the 30-Day Period
A Supreme Court ruling holds a municipal judge liable for gross inefficiency after taking nearly three years to decide a simple ejectment case governed by the Rules on Summary Procedure.
Letters of Credit and Attorney-in-Fact Duties: Land Bank's Dual Role Explained
Supreme Court clarifies a bank's limited role under letters of credit versus its fiduciary duties as attorney-in-fact in export collections.
Church Authority vs Civil Courts: Defining the Boundaries of Religious Freedom in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules civil courts cannot interfere in church expulsions, upholding religious freedom and ecclesiastical autonomy.
Bouncing Checks Law: Insufficient Funds and the Necessity of Demand
Understand BP 22's rules on insufficient funds, notice of dishonor, and when demand is truly required.
Judicial Conduct: Decorum and Public Trust in the Judiciary
A judge's rude remarks and impatience toward litigants constitute vulgar and unbecoming conduct, eroding public trust in the judiciary.
Adjusting Damages When Courts Correct Injustices Despite Procedural Lapses
Part Time Faculty AND Security OF Tenure Examining Employment Status IN Private Universities
Lawyer Disbarred for Grave Misconduct in Handling Court Funds and Land Titles
Supreme Court disbars a Register of Deeds for grave misconduct, affirming that lawyers in government service face professional discipline for official wrongdoing.
Disbarment for Grave Misconduct: Ethical Standards Apply to Lawyers in Public Office
A lawyer's grave misconduct as a government official can warrant disbarment. The Supreme Court explains why public office does not excuse ethical lapses.
Reopening Closed Cases: The Strict Standards for Newly Discovered Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine courts rarely reopen final convictions. This article explains the strict rules for newly discovered evidence under Rule 121.
Lawyer's Neglect of Client's Case Warrants Suspension from Practice
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three months for gross negligence in failing to file position paper and attend hearings before the Social Security Commission.
Untangling Premature Appeals: Baniqued v. Ramos and the Perils of Anticipating Court Decisions
A premature notice of appeal filed while a motion for new trial is pending is inefficacious and cannot perfect an appeal under Rule 41.
When a Lawyer's Inaction Harms a Client's Case: Lessons from Rollon v. Naraval
A lawyer who accepts a case but does nothing—and keeps the client's money—faces suspension. The Supreme Court explains why.
Ejectment Suits MTC Jurisdiction Prevails Despite Ownership Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that MTC retains jurisdiction over ejectment cases even when defendants raise ownership or agrarian reform claims.
Deputy Ombudsman Impeachment Limits Clarified by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies that Deputy Ombudsmen are not impeachable officers, settling a long-standing constitutional question.
Writ OF Possession Mortgagees Right Prevails Despite Pending Challenges TO Foreclosure
Bouncing Checks AND THE Illusion OF Trust Upholding Liability Under Batas Pambansa BLG 22
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Disciplinary Action for Failure to Pay Just Debts and Conduct Prejudicial to the Se
Supreme Court holds court employee liable for willful failure to pay just debts and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When Temporary Assignment Does Not Justify Dismissal
Acting as a route salesman for three days did not make a driver-helper a trust-and-confidence employee, so dismissal was too harsh.
Separation Pay Despite Valid Dismissal: The Rule on Just Causes in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Commercial International Bank v. Abad explains when a validly dismissed employee may still receive separation pay under social justice.
Balancing Public Service and Personal Hardship: The Case of Ma. Donna Y. Sultan
Court employee's unauthorized absences and inefficiency lead to suspension, but family crisis earns leniency in this administrative case.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: Protecting Seafarer Rights in Philippine Labor Law
When is a seafarer's sign-off voluntary resignation or illegal dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on termination and due process.