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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Understanding Treachery and Premeditation in Murder Cases: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court D
The Supreme Court explains treachery, evident premeditation, and use of motor vehicle as aggravating circumstances in murder convictions.
Mortgage Foreclosure and Prescription in the Philippines: Key Lessons from a Landmark Case
Learn how prescription periods affect mortgage foreclosure in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Active Wood Products v. State Investment House.
Insurance Proceeds and Lease Agreements: Key Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how insurance proceeds are treated when a lease is preterminated, and when COA may disallow government expenditures.
Gross Discourtesy in the Judiciary: The Clerk of Court Case and Its Lessons
A Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's discourtesy shows the high standards of conduct expected of all judicial personnel.
Lawyer Discipline and Official Duties: When Ombudsman Actions Are Not Misconduct
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's official acts as an Ombudsman official can be disciplined as professional misconduct.
When Following Orders Is Not Gross Neglect: A Lawyer’s Guide to Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer following superior directives in implementing Ombudsman orders is not guilty of gross neglect of duty.
Corporate Veil and Employment Contracts: When Are Companies Considered One Entity
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may pierce the corporate veil and whether interlocking officers make companies one entity.
Understanding Illegal Drug Possession: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a failed buy-bust becomes illegal possession, and what the chain of custody requires.
When Bank Fraud Is Not the Bank's Fault: BPI v. Central Bank and the Limits of Employer Liability
The Supreme Court explains when a government bank is liable for employee fraud, and the limits of employer liability under Article 2180.
When Corporate Veil Piercing Fails: Renewal Commissions After Agent Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a terminated insurance agent can claim commissions and when the alter ego doctrine applies to affiliated companies.
Debtors' Burden of Proof in Loan Repayment Disputes: Insights from the Supreme Court
A debtor who claims payment must prove it. The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in loan collection cases.
Garnishment and Legal Compensation in Banking: The BPI v. Central Bank Case
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on bank liability, garnishment, and clearing house operations in BPI v. Central Bank.
Misrepresentation and Legal Ethics: A Lawyer's Duty to Uphold Integrity
A lawyer who misrepresents property ownership and refuses to return earnest money faces suspension under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Understanding Intent in Child Abuse Cases When Words Cross the Line
The Supreme Court clarifies that angry words alone do not constitute child abuse under RA 7610 unless specific intent to debase the child is proven.
Entrapment vs Instigation in Human Trafficking Cases: Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between entrapment and instigation in a human trafficking case, affirming a conviction for qualified trafficking.
Navigating the Jurisdictional Maze: The DAR Secretary's Role in Cancellation of Land Ownership Awards
Learn when the DAR Secretary—not the DARAB—has jurisdiction over CLOA cancellation cases, based on a 2020 Supreme Court ruling.
Intervention Rights in Property Disputes: The PRA Reclamation Case Explained
When can a third party intervene in a property dispute? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules in a reclamation case involving the Philippine Reclamation Authority.
Notarial Duties Are Personal: Lessons From a Philippine Ombudsman Case on Administrative Finality
A lawyer cannot delegate notarial duties to staff. The Supreme Court explains why in this disciplinary case.
When Lawyers Fall Short: Earnest Money, Candor, and the Code of Professional Responsibility
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a lawyer's private dealings can lead to suspension, highlighting duties of candor and honesty.
Why Accurate Notarization Matters: Lessons from a Lawyer's Suspension
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for failing to record notarized documents. Learn the rules on notarial registers and why accuracy matters.
When Lawyers Must Uphold Honesty in Private Deals: Lessons from Aguinaldo v. Asuncion
A lawyer's suspension for deceitful conduct in a private land sale shows that ethical duties extend beyond the courtroom.
Unlawful Detainer and Contract Cancellation: The R.A. 6552 Requirement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a seller cannot eject an installment buyer without first complying with R.A. 6552's cancellation rules.
Republic v. Heirs of Bernabe: Who May Sue for Reversion of Former Military Lands
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Republic, not the BCDA, is the real party in interest in reversion cases involving former military reservations.
Lawyer Misconduct: Disbarment for Dishonesty and Deceit in Property Transactions
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for fabricating court filings and a fake decision in a client's annulment case, underscoring strict ethical standards.