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 Redundancy in Employment: A Guide to Legal Termination in the Philippines
Learn the four requisites for valid redundancy termination in the Philippines, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling on BPO layoffs.
Correcting Birth Certificate Entries Under Rule 108: What the Supreme Court Says
The Supreme Court clarifies when Rule 108 proceedings can correct birth certificate entries, and when they cannot.
Unfair Competition as a Continuing Offense: What the Petron v. Yao Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies when selling counterfeit goods is a continuing offense, affecting jurisdiction and prosecution strategy.
Substantial Evidence in Administrative Cases: The Mahinay Case Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in the Mahinay case clarifies the substantial evidence standard in administrative cases against public servants.
Malversation and Anti-Graft Laws: Lessons from Sarion v. People on Public Fund Management
A Supreme Court ruling on malversation clarifies the duty of public officials to verify disbursements, with key lessons for government and contractors.
Bank Fraud Liability: Why Due Diligence Goes Beyond Checking the Title
A bank that relies solely on a clean title may still be a mortgagee in bad faith. Learn the due diligence standard from a 2021 Supreme Court ruling.
Land Title Fraud: How to Protect Your Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on quieting title and tax declarations, offering key lessons on protecting property rights.
Proving Ownership in Land Disputes: Key Lessons From a Supreme Court Ruling on Quieting of Title
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies what it takes to prove ownership in a quieting of title case, and why tax declarations alone are not enough.
Navigating Tax Assessments: The Importance of Timely Appeals in the Philippines
Learn why timing matters in Philippine tax disputes and how missing an appeal deadline can forfeit a taxpayer's right to challenge an assessment.
Self-Defense and Treachery in Philippine Murder Cases: A Landmark Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies a killing as murder, with practical guidance from a 2021 ruling.
Navigating VAT Refund Claims: Understanding the Critical Timelines and Exceptions
Learn the strict 120+30 day rules for VAT refund claims in the Philippines, plus the key exception that saved this taxpayer's case.
Understanding the Timely Filing of Appeals: A Crucial Lesson From Philippine Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the 30-day appeal period in tax disputes, using a land dispute analogy to explain finality and jurisdiction.
Employee Dismissal and Due Process: Lessons from the TESDA v. Abragar Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a void judgment in labor cases can be attacked, and why impleading indispensable parties matters.
Understanding Treachery in Murder Cases: Key Insights from Philippine Jurisprudence
Learn how Philippine courts define treachery in murder cases, with insights from People v. Santiago on qualifying circumstances and penalties.
Serious Dishonesty and Falsification in Civil Service Exams: Key Lessons from Panarigan v. CSC
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of an NFA employee who hired an impersonator to take the civil service exam, clarifying serious dishonesty rules.
Excluding Heirs in Estate Partition: A Guide to Philippine Succession Law
Learn how the Supreme Court resolved a quieting of title case involving excluded heirs, tax declarations, and property partition in Philippine succession law.
Indispensable Parties in Labor Cases: Lessons from TESDA v. Abragar
Learn why impleading all indispensable parties is critical in labor disputes, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in TESDA v. Abragar.
Statutory Rape and Intellectual Disability: The Villena Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that rape of an intellectually disabled person with a mental age below 12 constitutes statutory rape under Philippine law.
Compromise Agreements and Rescission: Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
When can a compromise agreement be rescinded? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on non-performance and rescission under Article 2041.
Understanding Grave Misconduct: The Impact of Drug Use on Public Employment in the Philippines
Explore how drug use constitutes grave misconduct in Philippine public service, its legal basis, and consequences for government employees.
Executive Power Limits in Treaty Withdrawal: Insights from Philippine Jurisprudence
The Supreme Court clarifies when the President may unilaterally withdraw from treaties, balancing executive discretion with legislative involvement.
Understanding Sheriffs Fees and Improper Solicitation in Extrajudicial Foreclosures
A sheriff's dismissal for demanding P5,000 per title in foreclosure fees—what the Supreme Court said about unauthorized collections.
The President’s Power to Withdraw from Treaties: What the Supreme Court Ruled
The Supreme Court clarified the limits of the President’s power to withdraw from international treaties. Learn the rules from the Rome Statute case.
Understanding Intent and Liability in Estafa and Graft Cases: Lessons from a LRA Employee's Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of an LRA employee for estafa and graft, clarifying the elements of fraud and bad faith.