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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When Commissions Count in Separation Pay: A Philippine Labor Law Guide
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when sales commissions form part of salary for separation pay computation and when quitclaims are invalid.
Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody: Ensuring Integrity in Drug Sale Convictions
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on buy-bust operations, chain of custody, and what it takes to convict under Section 5 of RA 9165.
BUY Bust Operations Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Illegal Drug Sales
Zero-Rated Sales: Strict Invoicing Requirements for VAT Refund Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: failure to comply with invoicing requirements is fatal to VAT refund claims. Learn the strict rules.
Proving Delivery and Payment in a Contract of Sale: Lessons from Asian Construction v. Mendoza
A seller need not attach invoices to a complaint, but must prove delivery. Learn the rules from a 2012 Supreme Court ruling.
Navigating Land Disputes When Unproven Sales Fail Against Registered Titles
A Supreme Court ruling on why unproven deeds of sale cannot defeat registered land titles, and the limits of prescription in land disputes.
Equitable Mortgage Claims: Proving Intent Beyond Bare Allegations
Supreme Court clarifies when a sale is presumed an equitable mortgage under Article 1602, stressing evidence over allegations in property disputes.
Control Test Decides Employer-Employee Relationship in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Charlie Jao v. BCC Products Sales Inc. explains the control test and four elements determining employer-employee relationship.
Attempted Sale of Shabu: When Showing Drugs to a Buyer Is a Crime
A buy-bust operation gone wrong still leads to conviction for attempted sale of drugs under RA 9165. This case explains why.
Acquisitive Prescription and Double Sales: When Long-Term Possession Confirms Ownership
A Supreme Court ruling on how prior possession and good faith determine ownership in double sales of land.
Double Sales and Fraudulent Misrepresentation in Property Sales: The Roman Catholic Church v. Pante Case
A Supreme Court ruling on when misrepresentation voids a sale and how double sales are resolved under Philippine law.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: When Loss of Trust and Confidence Doesn't Justify Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that loss of trust and confidence requires willful breach by employee; poor sales performance alone is not enough.
Rescission of Share Sale: When Broken Promises Do Not Justify Annulment
A Supreme Court ruling on when disappointed investors can—and cannot—rescind a stock sale for fraud or breach.
Entrapment vs Instigation: How Courts Distinguish Lawful Drug Busts
The Supreme Court explains the difference between valid entrapment and unlawful instigation in drug sale cases, and why it matters.
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: When Ownership Transfers in Philippine Real Estate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between a contract to sell and contract of sale, and when ownership actually transfers.
Ejectment Appeals and Equitable Mortgage: Key Lessons from Macaslang v. Zamora
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies appellate review in ejectment cases and when a deed of sale may be treated as an equitable mortgage.
Unmasking Deceptive Sales Tactics: Supreme Court Upholds Consumer Protection in Aowa Case
The Supreme Court affirms DTI's closure order against Aowa for deceptive sales schemes, strengthening consumer protection under the Consumer Act.
VAT Compliance Strict Invoicing Requirements FOR Tax Credit Claims IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict VAT invoicing requirements for zero-rated sales tax credit claims.
Land Sale Contracts in the Philippines: Ensuring Object Certainty and Navigating Legal Heirs
A Supreme Court ruling on forged land sales, object certainty, and the rights of legal heirs in Philippine property disputes.
Forged Deeds and Disputed Titles: How Philippine Courts Determine Land Ownership
A Supreme Court ruling explains how courts resolve land ownership disputes when a deed of sale is alleged to be forged.
When Can a Bank's Foreclosure Sale Be Nullified? Philippine Rules Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a bank's foreclosure sale is valid or void, and what happens when a bank collects beyond what the mortgage covers.
Upholding Drug Sale Conviction: Integrity of Evidence and Due Process
Supreme Court affirms drug sale conviction, ruling that minor lapses in Section 21 procedures do not automatically render seized drugs inadmissible.
Official Overreach When Good Faith Isnt A Free Pass For Illegal Demolitions
Court employee fined for stopping execution of sheriff's sale to help a friend. A lesson in official conduct.
Court Employee Disciplined for Interfering with Execution of Judgment
A court records officer was fined P5,000 for using her position to stop a sheriff's sale execution on behalf of a friend, violating the Code of Conduct for Court Personnel.