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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Lawyer Indefinitely Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds After Client's Death
A lawyer who turned over a deceased client's judgment proceeds to an unauthorized person was indefinitely suspended for breaching trust obligations.
Appeal vs Certiorari: Choosing the Right Path for Legal Recourse in the Philippines
Learn when to file an appeal versus a certiorari petition under Philippine law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Andalis v. Court of Appeals.
Family Code vs Rules of Procedure: Certifications and Suits Between Relatives
When sisters sue each other, the Family Code's compromise requirement and forum shopping rules collide. The Supreme Court clarifies.
Upholding Notarized Contracts Overcoming Forgery Claims In Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on notarized deeds, forgery claims, and expert testimony in property sales.
Good Faith in Bigamy: Limits of the Defense and Judicial Accountability
Bigamy requires criminal intent, but good faith has limits. A judge who acquitted based on a foreign divorce decree was fined for gross ignorance of the law.
Defense of Honor Justifying Homicide in Cases of Marital Fidelity
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when defense of spouse can justify homicide, explaining unlawful aggression requirement.
Lawyer Negligence in the Philippines: Barbuco v. Beltran on Diligence and Competence
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling suspends a lawyer for six months after a late appellant's brief caused a client's appeal to be dismissed, showing what diligence demands.
Voluntary Submission: How Filing a Motion Can Establish Court Jurisdiction
Filing any motion without objecting to jurisdiction can constitute voluntary submission to a Philippine court's authority over a defendant's person.
Bouncing Checks and Broken Promises: Liability Under Batas Pambansa Blg. 22
The Supreme Court in Bayani v. People explains why issuing a worthless check is a crime against public order, not merely a failure to pay a debt.
COMELEC Cannot Motu Proprio Cancel a Candidate’s Certificate of Candidacy: Cipriano v. COMELEC
The Supreme Court rules COMELEC cannot cancel a certificate of candidacy motu proprio without notice and hearing, safeguarding due process in election cases.
Judicial Conduct and Dismissal: The Consequences of Gross Ignorance of the Law for Judges
A judge who flouts rules on preliminary investigation and bail faces dismissal. This case explains why.
DUE Process AND Foreclosure Upholding Ministerial Duty IN Writ OF Possession
Judge Dismissed for Gross Ignorance: The Rules on Preliminary Investigation and Bail
A judge's dismissal for mishandling preliminary investigations and bail bonds, and the lessons for judicial conduct.
Tenancy Rights vs Ownership Claims: DARAB Jurisdiction in Agrarian Land Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction limits in agrarian disputes, distinguishing tenancy rights from administrative reallocation matters.
Upholding Public Trust Court Employees Held TO High Standards OF Conduct
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.
Accountability IN Construction Piercing THE Corporate Veil FOR Negligence
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Trust Receipts Entrusters Right TO Deficiency Claim After Repossession AND Sale
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.