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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Excise Tax Exemption for International Carriers: A Landmark Ruling on Refunds
The Supreme Court affirms excise tax refunds for petroleum products sold to international carriers, upholding international commitments under the Chicago Convention.
Seafarers Death After Repatriation Ensuring Compensation FOR Work Related Illnesses
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on death benefits for seafarers who die shortly after repatriation from work-related illnesses.
Maintaining Decorum: Ethical Standards for Court Employees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court reprimands a process server for discourtesy toward a superior, reaffirming strict ethical standards for all court personnel in the Philippines.
Financial Assistance After Termination: Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Interests
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when separation pay may be granted to employees validly dismissed for just cause.
Sheriff's P70,000 Demand and 6-Month Delay: Supreme Court on Unauthorized Fees in Writ Execution
Supreme Court rules sheriff liable for receiving P70,000 directly and delaying writ execution, explaining proper fee procedures under Rule 141.
Fixed-Term Employment: When Repeated Contract Renewals Create Regular Employee Status
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when repeated fixed-term contract renewals convert employees to regular status with security of tenure.
Pacto de Retro Sales: Indispensable Parties and Overcoming Presumptions
Supreme Court clarifies who are indispensable parties in pacto de retro consolidation cases and when notarized documents prevail.
Incestuous Rape: The Overriding Weight of the Victim's Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms a father's conviction for five counts of incestuous rape, underscoring that a credible victim's testimony prevails over denial and alibi.
Withdrawing a Land Registration Application: Mootness and Property Rights Under PD 1529
The Supreme Court explains what happens when an applicant withdraws a land registration case, and why the withdrawal does not forfeit property rights.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Disciplinary Action for Attorney Misconduct and Violation of Court Orders
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for gross misconduct, including false certifications, abusive language, and defying a court-imposed ban.
Lawyer Suspended for Misconduct and Disobedience to Court Orders
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for misrepresentation, improper language, and defying a court-imposed ban on government reemployment.
When a Lawyer Can Challenge a Court Order: The Rule 65 "Aggrieved Party" Exception
Explaining when a lawyer can file a certiorari petition despite not being a party, based on a 2016 Supreme Court ruling.
When Can a Law Firm File Certiorari on Its Own Behalf? Standing Rules Explained
The Supreme Court explains when a law firm, though not a party to the case, may challenge a court order via certiorari to protect its own interests.
Conjugal Property Sales When A Void Contract Still Speaks Volumes
When a deed of absolute sale is void for lack of spousal consent, can it still be used to prove a valid dacion en pago? The Supreme Court weighs in.
Probable Cause and Human Trafficking: When Judges May Not Dismiss on Disputed Facts
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge may dismiss a human trafficking case for lack of probable cause, and when trial is required.
Clerk of Court Notarial Authority: Scope and Limits in Philippine Legal Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that clerks of court may notarize only matters related to their official functions, not private pleadings.
Corporate Rehabilitation Venue and Joint Petitions Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies venue rules for corporate rehabilitation and disallows joint petitions by separate corporations under the Interim Rules.
Injunctions and Property Rights: Balancing Ownership and Possession in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when preliminary injunctions may issue, distinguishing real parties in interest from indispensable parties in property disputes.
Upholding Ethical Boundaries: Attorneys' Duty and Good Faith in Legal Practice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies attorneys' ethical duties, good faith, and confidentiality rules in administrative cases.
Labor-Only Contracting: When a Principal Becomes the True Employer
Supreme Court clarifies labor-only contracting and employer-employee relationship, holding principals liable for benefits when contractors lack capital or control.
Clerk of Court Notarial Authority: Limits on Ex-Officio Powers in Appeals
Supreme Court clarifies clerks of court cannot notarize appeal pleadings; improper verification warrants dismissal of petition for review.
Dacion en Pago vs. Equitable Mortgage: Lessons from Villarta v. Talavera
The Supreme Court clarifies when a property transfer is a valid dacion en pago, not an equitable mortgage, in Villarta v. Talavera.
Court of Appeals Erred in Dismissing Case Against Monzon: Jurisdiction Acquired Through Counsel
Supreme Court rules CA acquired jurisdiction over respondent through service to counsel of record, reversing dismissal order.
Protecting Childhood: Defining Carnal Knowledge in Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that slight penetration suffices for statutory rape, protecting child victims like a four-year-old in this case.