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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Treachery and Self-Defense: Defining the Boundaries of Justifiable Homicide in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden attack amounts to treachery and why claiming self-defense requires proving unlawful aggression.
Forcible Entry Proof: Prior Physical Possession Is Key to Ejectment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in forcible entry cases, proof of prior physical possession, not mere ownership, is essential.
VAT Refund Denials: Why "Zero-Rated" Must Appear on Invoices
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on VAT refund claims: strict invoicing rules, including the "zero-rated" imprint, determine success.
Tobacco Sales Promotions: Who Regulates Them After RA 9211?
The Supreme Court rules that the IAC-Tobacco, not the DOH, has exclusive authority to regulate tobacco sales promotions under RA 9211.
Assignment of Contractual Rights: Consent Requirements and Third Party Obligations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when contractual assignment binds the debtor and when assignee consent is required under Civil Code.
Proving Alienable and Disposable Status in Land Registration: Republic v. Lualhati
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves land is alienable and disposable for original registration under the Property Registration Decree.
Novation Requires Clear Creditor Consent Protecting Banks IN Debt Assumption Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on debt assumption, assignment of credit, and the need for creditor consent under Civil Code.
When Dismissing an Appeal for Missing a Memorandum Is Wrong: Sanico v. People
The Supreme Court ruled that a trial court cannot dismiss a criminal appeal solely for failure to file a memorandum, as this violates due process.
Upholding Court Authority Disregarding Orders Constitutes Contempt
The Supreme Court affirms that a party disregarding court orders and delaying proceedings may face dismissal of its case and liability for damages.
Trademark Registration: Similarity and Consumer Confusion in Electronic Goods
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when identical trademarks can coexist on different electronic goods under Philippine IP law.
Retrenchment and Stare Decisis: Upholding Valid Business Decisions in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court applies stare decisis to uphold Pepsi-Cola's retrenchment program, affirming the validity of the Corporate-wide Rightsizing Program.
Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Buy-Bust Operations: Lessons from People v. Sorin
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, emphasizing proper marking of seized evidence.
Possession Trumps Ownership: Upholding Conviction for Illegal Firearms Based on Control, Not Title
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that illegal possession of firearms requires control, not ownership. Conviction upheld on constructive possession.
Redemption of Foreclosed Property: Full Payment Required, Good Intent Not Enough
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that redeeming a foreclosed property requires full payment of the redemption price within the one-year period, not just partial payments or good intentions.
Grave Abuse of Discretion When Courts Fail to Justify Denial of Preliminary Injunction
The Supreme Court rules that a court commits grave abuse of discretion when it denies a preliminary injunction without stating its factual and legal bases.
Self-Defense and Double Jeopardy: Key Lessons from People v. De Leon
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. De Leon clarifies the strict requirements for self-defense and the absolute protection against double jeopardy in Philippine criminal law.
Understanding Documentary Stamp Tax on Trust Agreements: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Case
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when documentary stamp tax applies to trust agreements and the evidence needed for tax refund claims.
When Public Interest Meets Private Contracts: The SM Land v. BCDA Ruling on Development Projects
The Supreme Court ruled that government agencies cannot cancel accepted unsolicited proposals by invoking public interest, upholding contractual obligations.
Upholding Stockholder Rights Jurisdiction In Intra Corporate Disputes Involving Sequestered Entities
The Supreme Court clarifies that intra-corporate disputes involving sequestered firms belong to the RTC, not the Sandiganbayan.
Theft or Mistake: Gauging Intent in Employee Dismissal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an employee's taking of company property constitutes theft justifying dismissal, and when it is merely a mistake.
Reasonable Doubt in Robbery Cases: Insufficient Proof of Threat Leads to Acquittal
Supreme Court acquits robbery convict where prosecution failed to prove intimidation beyond reasonable doubt. Learn the rules.
Upholding Integrity: Attorney Liability for Notarial Register Errors in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court holds notary public liable for erroneous notarial register entries, stressing the duty to record every notarial act accurately.
Passion's Lingering Flame: Redefining Mitigating Circumstances in Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that passion and obfuscation may build over time, not just in the heat of the moment, reducing murder to homicide.
COA Auditors Barred From Agency Benefits: Nacion v. COA
Supreme Court affirms COA's discipline of auditor who received bonuses, housing, and car loans from audited agency MWSS.