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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Back Taxes on Undeclared Improvements: What "Declared for the First Time" Means
The Supreme Court explains when local assessors may impose back taxes on previously undeclared building improvements under PD 464.
Doing Business in the Philippines: When Selling to a Filipino Buyer Requires a License
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a foreign corporation's sales to a local buyer constitute
When Are Insurance Claim Agents Liable for Foreign Principals' Debts in the Philippines?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when local claim agents of foreign insurers can be held personally liable for policy obligations.
Self Defense Claims in Philippine Criminal Law: When Do They Hold Up
Philippine courts require unlawful aggression, reasonable necessity, and lack of provocation for self-defense. Learn from People v. Tobias.
Passion Provocation and Criminal Liability: Understanding Homicide in the Philippines
When does anger mitigate a killing? The Supreme Court explains passion or obfuscation, treachery, and homicide in People v. Valles.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Can You Legally Defend Yourself?
Learn the legal requirements for self-defense in the Philippines, including unlawful aggression, reasonable necessity, and lack of provocation.
Understanding Recall Elections Limitations AND Implications IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the one-year ban on recall elections and what "regular local election" means under the Local Government Code.
When Does a Local Union Have the Right to Bargain? A Look at San Miguel Foods v. Laguesma
A local union need not secure its own registration certificate to be legitimate. Learn the rules from San Miguel Foods v. Laguesma.
Diplomatic Immunity in the Philippines: Protecting International Organizations From Legal Suits
The Supreme Court explains how diplomatic immunity shields international organizations like the Asian Development Bank from local lawsuits, and why courts must respect it.
Taxing Government Entities: Local Government Power and Exemptions Under the LGC
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may tax government-owned corporations, balancing local autonomy with national exemptions.
Donation of Subdivision Open Spaces: Conditions, Revocation, and Public Use
The Supreme Court rules on conditions attached to donated subdivision open spaces, their non-buildable character, and limits on revocation.
When Can a Foreign Corporation Sue in the Philippines? The ITEC Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when unlicensed foreign corporations may sue in local courts, with estoppel and doing business rules explained.
Fugitive From Justice: Understanding Disqualification in Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court clarifies what "fugitive from justice" means for election disqualification under the Local Government Code.
Union Disaffiliation in the Philippines: Know Your Rights Under the CBA Freedom Period
Understand when a local union can validly disaffiliate from its mother federation under Philippine labor law, based on the ANGLO vs. SAMANA BAY ruling.
Moral Turpitude and Fencing: Understanding Disqualification in Philippine Elections
Learn how a fencing conviction disqualifies candidates from local office under Philippine election law, explained in plain language.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: Unlawful Aggression and the Cabiles Case
Philippine self-defense law requires unlawful aggression, reasonable force, and no provocation. The Cabiles case shows how courts test these elements.
Condonation Doctrine: Can Re-Elected Officials Be Disciplined for Prior Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether re-election condones prior administrative misconduct of local elective officials.
Jurisdiction Over Foreign Corporations Doing Business in the Philippines
Philippine courts can assert jurisdiction over foreign corporations doing business locally, even for a single transaction, under Rule 14, Section 14.
Filling Vacancies in Local Government: A Guide to Appointments in the Philippines
Who appoints replacements for vacant local council seats? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules under the Local Government Code.
Reelection Does Not Condon Prior Misconduct When Removal Is Already Final
Removal becomes final despite refusal to accept service; reelection cannot cure disqualification under Section 40(b) of the Local Government Code.
Contempt of Court: Navigating the Boundaries of Respect and Legal Advocacy in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a motion for judicial inhibition crosses the line into direct contempt, and what lawyers and litigants should avoid.