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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Falsifying Time Records and Habitual Absenteeism in the Judiciary: A Lesson in Accountability
The Supreme Court disciplines court personnel for falsified DTRs and habitual absenteeism, reaffirming strict ethical standards in the judiciary.
PAGCOR Tax Landscape: Franchise Tax vs Income Tax Obligations Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies PAGCOR's tax liabilities: 5% franchise tax on gaming income, income tax on related services, and FBT obligations.
Mortgage in Good Faith: Protecting Lenders in Philippine Real Estate Transactions
The Supreme Court explains how the mortgagee-in-good-faith doctrine shields lenders who rely on a clean Torrens title, even if fraud taints the chain.
Burden of Proof in Murder Cases: When a Single Eyewitness Suffices
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on a single eyewitness's positive identification, explaining the burden of proof and the limits of the alibi defense.
PAGCOR Tax Ruling Clarifies Income Tax, VAT, and Fringe Benefit Liability
Supreme Court ruling clarifies PAGCOR's tax liability: 5% franchise tax on gaming income, income tax on related services, and FBT obligations.
Lawyer Suspended for Negligence: The Duty to File Briefs and Update Clients
A lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief and inform clients of case status results in six-month suspension for violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Parental Abuse of Authority: When Acts of Lasciviousness Differ from Rape
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a father's lewd acts on a child are acts of lasciviousness under RA 7610 versus qualified rape.
PAGCOR Tax Liabilities Clarifying Income and VAT Exemptions Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies PAGCOR's tax liability: 5% franchise tax on gaming income, income tax on related services, and VAT exemption.
Robbery With Rape Affirming Conviction Based ON Credible Testimony Despite Negative Medical Findings
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible testimony and mental age, despite negative medical findings.
Cadastral Proceedings: Jurisdictional Validity Through Official Gazette Publication
When does a cadastral court validly acquire jurisdiction? The Supreme Court clarifies the publication requirement under the Cadastral Act.
Mortgagee in Good Faith: Protecting Lenders in Real Estate Transactions
Learn how the Supreme Court protects mortgagees in good faith who rely on Torrens titles, and what this means for lenders.
Protecting Property Rights: Good Faith Purchasers Prevail in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that a buyer who relies on a clean Torrens title in good faith keeps ownership, even if the seller's title was later found defective.
Accountability in Government Procurement: Upholding Transparency in Limited Source Bidding and Negotiated Proc
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of NPO-BAC chair for grave misconduct over flawed limited source bidding and negotiated procurement under RA 9184.
Disrespecting the Court: Fine for Counsel Who Blamed Justices for Own Errors
The Supreme Court fined a lawyer and his client for contempt after they accused the Court of negligence over their own procedural lapses.
Retirement Benefits and Retroactivity: PITC v. COA on Judicial Interpretation
When a Supreme Court ruling interprets a law, it applies retroactively. PITC learned this in a dispute over retirement benefits.
MWSS Benefits Disallowance: Retroactive Effect of Judicial Rulings on Government Compensation
Supreme Court rules judicial interpretations of law apply retroactively, not prospectively, in government benefits disallowance cases.
Contempt of Court and the Limits of Reconsideration: Lessons from Fortune Life Insurance v. COA
The Supreme Court penalizes a litigant and counsel for disrespectful language in pleadings and clarifies the strict rules on second motions for reconsideration.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Simple Neglect in Delayed Appeal Transmittal
Supreme Court dismisses clerk of court for simple neglect of duty over delayed case records transmittal, but clears court stenographer.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Drug Conviction Overturned Due to Flawed Chain of Custody
In People v. Calibod, the Supreme Court acquitted a drug-sale suspect after police failed to follow the chain of custody rules under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Illegal Possession Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, underscoring Section 21 RA 9165 compliance.
No Illegal Dismissal Without Proof Employee Must First Establish Dismissal Before Employers Burden Arises
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who bears the burden of proving dismissal in illegal dismissal cases.
Finality of Judgments: Why Failing to Appeal on Time Can Uphold a Conviction
A procedural lapse—filing the wrong appeal—can make a conviction final and immutable. Learn the doctrine of immutability of judgment.
Varicose Veins and Workers' Compensation: Proving the Link Between Work and Illness
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling in GSIS v. Tañedo on when varicose veins qualify for compensation under PD 626.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Proving Clear and Convincing Evidence in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict evidentiary standard for reconstituting lost or destroyed land titles under Republic Act No. 26.