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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VAT Refund for Tourists Upheld: Why the Supreme Court Found No Equal Protection Violation
The Supreme Court upheld the VAT refund law for foreign tourists, ruling it does not violate equal protection and uniform taxation.
When an Employer Fails to Provide Work: Constructive Dismissal in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when an employer's failure to give work assignments amounts to illegal constructive dismissal, and what workers must prove.
Upholding Notarized Deeds: Supreme Court on Authenticity and Forgery in Property Sales
The Supreme Court affirms that notarized deeds enjoy a presumption of authenticity, and forgery claims require clear and convincing evidence to overturn them.
Belated Evidence and Land Title Registration: Substantial Justice Prevails
Explore how the Supreme Court balances procedural rules with substantial justice in land title registration cases, ensuring fairness prevails.
Psychological Incapacity: Mere Disagreement Is Not Grounds for Marriage Nullity
The Supreme Court clarifies that irreconcilable differences and personality clashes do not amount to psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Timely Claims and Limited Liability: Arrastre Operator Obligations in Cargo Damage Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when cargo damage claims against arrastre operators are timely filed and how liability limits apply.
Redundancy Programs Ensuring Fairness IN Employee Selection
The Supreme Court rules that a redundancy program must use fair criteria in selecting employees to dismiss, not just general business logic.
Injunction Relief in Property Disputes: Establishing Clear Rights and Irreparable Harm
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may grant preliminary injunctions in property disputes, requiring actual existing rights and urgent necessity.
Unlawful Detainer: Tolerance vs. Right of Possession in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in unlawful detainer cases, mere tolerance by the owner establishes possession, and ownership issues cannot be collaterally attacked.
Robbery with Rape: Proving Intent and Credibility of Victim Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms a robbery with rape conviction, explaining how intent to rob and credible victim testimony establish guilt.
Prescription and COA Authority Over Disbursed Public Funds: Ramiscal v. COA
The Supreme Court clarifies that the State's right to recover illegally disbursed public funds does not prescribe, but limits COA's power over tax collection.
State's Right to Recover Public Funds: Prescription Does Not Run Against the Government
Supreme Court rules the government's right to recover illegally disbursed public funds does not prescribe, but limits COA's power over tax collection.
Jurisdiction in Drug Cases: The Limits of Anti-Graft Authority and Protecting Individual Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction over drug cases involving public officials, emphasizing procedural rules and the hierarchy of courts.
Judicial Accountability vs Mercy: Balancing Misconduct Penalties with Mitigating Circumstances
The Supreme Court shows how mitigating circumstances can temper penalties for court employees guilty of grave misconduct, gross neglect, and dishonesty.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police breached chain of custody rules under RA 9165, stressing evidence integrity.
When Judges Fall Short: Accountability, Mediation Rules, and Court Personnel Duties
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial accountability, proper mediation referral, and the limits of delegating court personnel duties.
Syndicated Estafa Liability and Investor Protection Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court affirms syndicated estafa conviction under PD 1689, clarifying liability of corporate officers and investor protection.
Chain of Custody Breaches Lead to Acquittal in Drug Cases: People v. Lim Ching
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after police breached chain of custody rules under Section 21, RA 9165, safeguarding the accused's right to proof beyond reasonable doubt.
When a Motion for Reconsideration Is Not a Second Bite at the Apple
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a motion for reconsideration of a decision that substantially reverses an earlier ruling is not prohibited.
When Verbal Termination of Lease Ends the Need for a Demand Letter in Unlawful Detainer
The Supreme Court clarifies when a demand letter is unnecessary in unlawful detainer cases, particularly involving month-to-month verbal leases.
Property Rights vs Public Use: Resolving Road Access Disputes
When can a government hospital close a road on its titled property? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of preliminary injunctions in access disputes.
Maintaining Labor Peace: The Duty to Preserve Status Quo During Labor Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court protects employees from illegal dismissal and clarifies the duty to maintain the status quo during labor disputes.
Supreme Court Ruling on Government Procurement and Public Officer Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public officer's procurement violations constitute gross neglect of duty rather than grave misconduct.
Breach of Express Warranty When Road Widening Impacts Property Sales in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that express warranties in deeds of sale differ from implied warranty against eviction, entitling buyer to refund.