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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Pay Under Protest Before Contesting Real Property Tax Assessments
A claim for tax exemption does not excuse payment under protest before appealing a real property tax assessment under the Local Government Code.
Novation, Verification, and Real Party in Interest: Lessons from S.C. Megaworld v. Parada
Explaining when accepting third-party payments does not release the original debtor, and why procedural objections must be raised early.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Force and Consent in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, clarifying that voluntary presence in a motel does not equal consent to sex.
Breach of Trust When Good Faith Fails in Public Office
A governor's conviction for violating RA 3019 shows that reliance on officials' assurances does not excuse sidestepping procurement rules.
When Insurance Exclusions Cover Damage But Not Loss: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court rules that "malicious damage" exclusion in insurance policies does not cover theft or loss of a vehicle.
Beyond the Document: When the Best Evidence Rule Doesn't Apply in Philippine Law
The Best Evidence Rule only applies when a document's terms are in issue—not its existence. Learn from a 2013 Supreme Court ruling.
Malicious Damage Exclusion Does Not Cover Vehicle Theft by Employee
Theft by an insured's employee is covered by insurance unless the policy explicitly excludes "loss," not just Since the driver was in the insured's service, the insurer argued that the theft fell unde
Balancing Company Rules and Employee Rights: The Doctrine of Proportionate Penalty in Illegal Dismissal Cases
When does a company rule violation justify dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the doctrine of proportionate penalty in illegal dismissal cases.
Tax Treaty Benefits vs. BIR Rules: The Deutsche Bank Ruling on Prior Application
The Supreme Court clarifies that failure to comply with the BIR's prior application rule does not automatically bar tax treaty relief.
Tax Treaty Relief vs. BIR Rules: When Administrative Deadlines Cannot Defeat Treaty Benefits
Supreme Court rules that failure to file a prior tax treaty relief application with the BIR does not automatically forfeit a taxpayer's right to preferential rates under an international tax treaty.
Agency and Authority: When a Deed Does Not Mean a Done Deal in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a deed of sale is void without proper agency authority under the Civil Code.
Writ of Possession Is Ministerial Duty Despite Challenges to Mortgage Validity
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: a pending case questioning mortgage validity does not stop a writ of possession after foreclosure and redemption lapse.
Project Employees and Voluntary Resignation: Lessons from D.M. Consunji v. Bello
When does a project employee become regular, and what proves voluntary resignation? The Supreme Court clarifies in D.M. Consunji v. Bello.
Limits of Authority: When a Verbal Agreement Doesn't Guarantee Land Sale
Supreme Court ruling on COSLAP jurisdiction, Torrens title, and why long occupation of government land does not create ownership rights.
Interest on Installment Payments: When Does the Clock Stop Ticking
A buyer's mere letter of intent to pay does not stop interest from running. The Supreme Court explains tender of payment and consignation rules.
Quarrying Rights: Local Permits Prevail Despite National Authorization
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a national quarry permit does not override local government requirements like the governor's permit.
Bigamy and Prior Annulment: What the Supreme Court Ruled in People v. Odtuhan
A prior annulment of the first marriage does not automatically erase bigamy liability. The Supreme Court explains why in People v. Odtuhan.
Rape and Consent: Why Love Does Not Justify Sexual Assault in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling affirms that being sweethearts is not a license for non-consensual sex, upholding rape convictions and clarifying the sweetheart defense.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Resignation Does Not Preclude Administrative Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: resigning from government service does not erase administrative liability for gross dishonesty committed while in office.
Independent Civil Actions and Criminal Liability: Prejudicial Questions in Estafa Cases
When does a civil case suspend a criminal prosecution? The Supreme Court clarifies the prejudicial question rule in estafa cases.
Bigamy and Nullity of Marriage: When a Void Second Marriage Still Leads to Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that a subsequent declaration of nullity of a second marriage does not erase criminal liability for bigamy.
Management Prerogative vs Constructive Dismissal: Limits of Employee Transfers
When is a job transfer a valid management prerogative and when does it become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies in Peckson v. Robinsons Supermarket.
Illegal Dismissal and Abandonment: Proving Employee Intent in Philippine Labor Law
When does failure to report for work become abandonment? The Supreme Court clarifies the employer's burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases.
Final Judgments and Supervening Events: When Execution Cannot Be Stopped
A sale of property after judgment finality does not automatically stop execution. The Supreme Court explains the limits of supervening events.