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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Invoicing Requirements Strict Compliance for VAT Refund Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court denies VAT refund for failure to comply with invoicing requirements under the NIRC and applicable regulations.
Upholding Foreclosure Validity: Notice Requirements and Mortgagor Obligations
Supreme Court clarifies posting and publication rules in extrajudicial foreclosure, and when mortgagors are estopped from challenging a sale.
Perfecting Land Titles: Proving Alienability and Possession Since June 12, 1945
Land registration requires proof of alienable public land and possession since June 12, 1945. The Supreme Court clarifies these indispensable requirements.
Novation in Philippine Law: Understanding the Requirements for Extinguishing Obligations
Learn how novation extinguishes obligations under Philippine law, its requirements, and how the Supreme Court applies these rules in corporate rehabilitation cases.
Toll Regulatory Powers Defining Limits In Public Private Infrastructure
Supreme Court defines TRB's franchise powers, toll regulation, and public bidding requirements in Luzon expressway cases.
Dismissal for Non-Compliance: Upholding Procedural Rules in Appellate Review
The Supreme Court affirms the CA's dismissal of a petition for review for failure to comply with Rule 43 requirements, underscoring the mandatory nature of appellate procedure.
Stockholder Inspection Rights: Good Faith and Legitimate Purpose Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies stockholder inspection rights, good faith requirements, and procedural remedies in corporate record disputes.
Due Process in Labor Disputes: Reevaluation vs. Full Hearing Requirements
Supreme Court clarifies that due process in labor disputes requires opportunity to be heard, not a full hearing, in reevaluation cases.
Drug Sale Conviction Reversed: How the Chain of Custody Rule Protects the Accused
In People v. Nasara, the Supreme Court acquitted a drug-sale defendant after police failed to follow the chain of custody requirements under R.A. 9165.
Substantial Compliance in Land Registration: Blueprint Sufficiency and Possessory Rights
The Supreme Court held that a blueprint copy of a survey plan may substantially comply with registration requirements when the original tracing cloth plan is unavailable.
Proving Possession Since June 12, 1945: Key Requirements for Land Registration
A corporation's land registration application fails because it could not prove possession since June 12, 1945, nor the land's alienable status.
Due Process in Termination: The Two-Notice Rule and Just Cause in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine law requires employers to follow the two-notice rule and prove just cause before dismissing an employee. This case explains both requirements.
Island Provinces and the Constitution: The Dinagat Islands Creation Case
The Supreme Court struck down Republic Act No. 9355 creating Dinagat Islands province for failing population and land area requirements under the Local Government Code.
Tax Assessments: Strict Compliance With Waiver Requirements Protects Taxpayers
Waivers extending the tax assessment period must strictly follow BIR rules. Learn how defects invalidate waivers and protect taxpayers from late assessments.
Breach of Public Trust: Accountability for Mismanaged Court Funds in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms COA's power to disallow irregular allowances and expenses of government officials, upholding public purpose requirements.
When a Constitutional Question Is Ripe for Court Intervention: Defining Judicial Review Limits
Philippine Savings Bank v. Geronimo clarifies the ripeness doctrine and the burden of proving compliance with publication requirements in extrajudicial foreclosures.
Publication Requirements in Extrajudicial Foreclosure: Protecting Mortgagors' Due Process
Philippine Savings Bank v. Geronimo clarifies that strict compliance with publication requirements is essential for a valid extrajudicial foreclosure.
Equality in Representation: Population Requirements for Legislative Districts in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Constitution does not require a 250,000 population minimum for provincial legislative districts.
Retrenchment and Release: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Protection in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies valid retrenchment requirements, the role of quitclaims, and when nominal damages apply in labor cases.
CARP Land Use Classification and Exemption Requirements Explained
Learn when land is exempt from CARP coverage based on use classification before June 15, 1988, and why "reserved for residential" is not enough.
Security of Tenure: Understanding Eligibility Requirements in Philippine Public Service
The Supreme Court clarifies that security of tenure in the Career Executive Service requires full CES eligibility, not just academic credentials.
Reconstitution of Titles: Strict Compliance and Jurisdictional Requirements in Land Registration
The Supreme Court clarifies that petitions for reconstitution of lost Torrens titles require strict compliance with jurisdictional requirements under RA 26.
Party Expulsions and Due Process: When Can a Political Party Remove Members
The Supreme Court clarifies that political party expulsions are internal matters, not subject to constitutional due process requirements.
Contractual Obligations Survey Requirement Prevails Over Rescission Rights IN Land Sale Agreements
Supreme Court rules survey obligation in land sale contracts prevails over rescission rights, clarifying breach requirements under Philippine law.