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.
Counterclaims in Libel Cases: Compulsory vs Permissive Claims Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when counterclaims in libel suits are compulsory or permissive, and the procedural requirements that follow.
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 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.
CLT vs Emancipation Patent: Why a Certificate of Land Transfer Does Not Vest Ownership
Supreme Court clarifies that a Certificate of Land Transfer is not proof of ownership—only an Emancipation Patent confers absolute title.
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.
Familial Abuse of Power When Parental Authority Becomes Criminal Liability
Explore the legal boundaries of parental authority, when discipline crosses into criminal liability, and the Supreme Court's guidance on familial abuse.
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.
Prolonged Floating Status of Security Guards Is Constructive Dismissal
Security guards placed on floating status beyond six months are constructively dismissed. Learn the rule from Padilla v. Airborne Security.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Just Compensation for Easement of Right of Way: Key Lessons from NPC v. Marasigan
When the government takes an easement over private land, what must it pay? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on just compensation, valuation date, and consequential damages.
Seafarer Death Benefits: Proving Work-Related Illness Under POEA-SEC and CBA
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified the burden of proof for seafarers' death benefits under the POEA-SEC and CBA in Maersk-Filipinas v. Malicse.
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.
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.
When Evidence Is Tainted: Marking Seized Drugs and the Chain of Custody Rule
A Supreme Court ruling explains why failing to mark seized drugs immediately can break the chain of custody and lead to acquittal.
When Is an Illness Compensable? GSIS v. Tañedo on Work-Connection Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies the evidence needed to prove work-connection for non-occupational diseases under the Employees' Compensation Law.
Compromised Chain of Custody: Illegal Drug Conviction Overturned Due to Procedural Lapses
The Supreme Court acquitted an illegal drug suspect after police failed to follow the chain of custody requirements under Section 21 of RA 9165, compromising evidence integrity.
Lawyer’s Accountability in Governance Conspiracies: Negligence and the Limits of Reliance
The Supreme Court clarifies lawyer accountability in governance conspiracies, negligence, and the limits of relying on judicial authority in administrative cases.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over broken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.