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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Taxing Telecommunications: Local Government Power vs. Franchise Exemptions
The Supreme Court ruled that the Local Government Code's withdrawal of tax exemptions prevails over PLDT's franchise exemption claim under R.A. 7925.
When Court Appointments Need No Confirmation: The Soriano v. Lista Ruling
Supreme Court explains which military appointments require Commission on Appointments confirmation, and why PCG officer promotions did not.
Civilianizing the Coast Guard Appointments and the Reach of the Commission on Appointments
Explaining why Philippine Coast Guard officers need no CA confirmation once the agency is civilianized under the DOTC.
Lawyer Suspended for Falsifying Documents and Fraudulent Land Sale
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for five years for forging a special power of attorney to sell clients' land without consent.
Writ of Possession in Foreclosure: Bank Rights Prevail Over Third-Party Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that a writ of possession in extrajudicial foreclosure is ministerial, and third-party claimants must use proper remedies.
Writ of Possession in Foreclosure: What Third-Party Claimants Must Know
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on writs of possession in foreclosure sales and what third-party claimants must do to protect their rights.
False Pretenses AND Fraudulent Intent Establishing Estafa Beyond Breach OF Contract
Treachery and Homicide: The Nuances of Criminal Intent in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when treachery qualifies killing as murder, and when it remains simple homicide.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Client's Case and Failing to File Pleading
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for accepting fees but failing to file a client's Complaint-in-Intervention, violating professional ethics rules.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Court Employee Reprimanded FOR Willful Failure TO Pay Debt
Court employee reprimanded for willful failure to pay just debt; ruling clarifies ethical standards for judiciary personnel.
Attorney Negligence and Client Trust: Lessons from a Philippine Disbarment Case
A lawyer who takes a client's fee but fails to file the case faces suspension. Learn the ethical rules and consequences.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Client’s Case and Failing to Return Fees
A lawyer’s duty of diligence begins at retainer. Learn from a case where neglect led to suspension and refund.
Retroactivity vs Prospectivity: Protecting Vested Rights in Agrarian Reform Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when its ruling on the proper mode of appeal in agrarian cases applies, protecting vested rights.
Breach of Contract: When a Separate Land Title Is a Condition Precedent to Payment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when failure to deliver a separate land title justifies a buyer's refusal to pay the balance under a contract of sale.
Clarifying Contract Obligations: Rentals vs Purchase Price in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when rental payments form part of the purchase price in property disputes, protecting buyers from altered contract terms.
Lawyer's Duty to Client: Suspension for Neglect and Unreturned Fees
A lawyer who accepts fees but fails to file a client's case faces suspension. Learn the ethical rules and consequences.
Lis Pendens When A Money Claim Doesnt Cloud Property Title
A money claim for construction services does not justify a notice of lis pendens on property titles, explains the Supreme Court.
Retroactivity of Remedial Laws: Clarifying the Period for Filing Certiorari Petitions
The Supreme Court clarifies when the 60-day period for filing certiorari petitions is counted, applying amended procedural rules retroactively.
Self-Defense and Treachery in Homicide Cases: Key Lessons from People v. Rubiso
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguished self-defense from treachery in a murder case, and what this means for criminal liability in the Philippines.
Reservation Requirements in Philippine Civil Actions: Hambon v. Carantes Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court applied Rule 111 reservation rules in Hambon v. Carantes, affecting civil damages claims tied to criminal cases.
Circumventing Disqualification Orders Through Consultancy Contracts Warrants Lawyer Suspension
Lawyer suspended for violating court disqualification by serving as "consultant" to government agency while performing employee duties.
Disguised Employment and the Lawyer's Duty to Obey Court Orders
When a consultancy is really employment, a lawyer cannot use it to evade a court's disqualification order. The Supreme Court explains why.
When a Pro Se Appeal Fails: Counsel of Record and Docket Fees in Philippine Appeals
A party who appeals without counsel may still be bound by notices sent to the counsel of record, and unpaid docket fees can prove fatal to the appeal.
Breach of Trust in Employment: Just Cause for Dismissal in the Philippines
When can an employer validly dismiss an employee for breach of trust? Philippine labor law rules explained.