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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Restoring Possession After a TRO: Lessons from a Lawyer's Suspension
When a TRO is already enforced, seeking another restraining order to restore possession can be professional misconduct. Learn from this disciplinary case.
Appeals Ordinary vs Certiorari: Lessons From a Lawyer's Suspension
A lawyer's misuse of certiorari and a TRO led to suspension. Learn the difference between ordinary appeals and certiorari in Philippine courts.
Negligence of Counsel: When It Justifies Relief From Judgment
When does a lawyer's mistake excuse a client from an adverse ruling? Philippine courts balance diligence and fairness.
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.
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.
When Made TO Order Meets Buyer Beware Navigating Furniture Disputes
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Loan Agreements and Legal Interest: Written Requirements and Civil Liability After Acquittal
Explaining Eusebio-Calderon v. People: why oral interest agreements are void, when acquittal still leaves civil liability, and the legal interest rules.
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.
Ombudsmans Discretion Evaluating Probable Cause IN Anti Graft Cases
Judicial Ethics When CAN A Judge BE Reprimanded FOR Lack OF DUE Care
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.
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.
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.
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.