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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Tax Evasion Cases: When a Prior Assessment Is Not Required for Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies when the BIR can prosecute tax evasion without a prior assessment, and what probable cause requires.
When Good Faith Can't Excuse Ignoring Red Flags in Government Projects
Supreme Court explains when courts can't stop government projects and why permits are privileges, not property rights.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: When a Deadly Response Fails in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies self-defense requirements in homicide cases, explaining why unlawful aggression is essential and must be proven with clear evidence.
Prevailing Medical Opinion Resolving Seafarer Disability Claims Under Poea SEC
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 120-day vs 240-day rule in seafarer disability claims under the POEA-SEC.
Navigating SEC Appeals: Understanding the Scope of Review and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies when appellate courts may relax procedural rules and the limits of certiorari review in labor appeals.
Government Infrastructure Projects: Restrictions on Injunctive Relief Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may issue injunctions against government infrastructure projects under RA 8975.
VAT Refund Claims: Equitable Estoppel and Strict Interpretation of Tax Laws
Supreme Court ruling on VAT refund claims, transitional input tax credits, and the strict interpretation of tax laws in Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation v. CIR.
Judicial Conduct Upholding Impartiality AND Adherence TO Procedural Rules IN Court Proceedings
The Supreme Court reinstates NLRC dismissals, emphasizing strict compliance with procedural rules in labor appeals and the finality of judgments.
Judge Fined P40,000 for Using Court Chambers as Residence and Love Nest
Supreme Court holds judges to strict moral standards, penalizing a judge who used his chambers as residence and for an extramarital affair.
Moral Turpitude and Falsification: Defining the Boundaries of Public Trust
The Supreme Court rules that falsification of a Personal Data Sheet is a crime involving moral turpitude, warranting dismissal from government service.
VAT Refund Claims: Strict Deadlines and Proper Documentation Required
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies VAT refund rules: strict 2-year filing deadlines and the necessity of official receipts for zero-rated services.
Protecting Children: Corroborated Testimony and the Crime of Statutory Rape
In People v. Sato, the Supreme Court affirmed a statutory rape conviction based on a child's candid testimony, showing how Philippine courts weigh evidence in child abuse cases.
When a Seafarer's Disability Claim Fails: The Weight of Medical Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability claim fails, emphasizing the company-designated physician's findings and proper procedure.
Procedural Rigidity vs Substantial Justice: Navigating NLRC Rules on Appeal
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when procedural lapses before the NLRC can—and cannot—be excused in labor appeals.
Homestead Rights vs Agrarian Reform: Continued Cultivation Is Key
Supreme Court clarifies that heirs of homestead grantees must personally cultivate the land to exempt it from CARP coverage under Section 6 of RA 6657.
Possession of Forest Products Without Documents: A Primer on the Revised Forestry Code
Learn how mere possession of lumber without legal documents can lead to criminal liability under the Revised Forestry Code, as explained in a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Judicial Misconduct and Immorality: When a Judge's Conduct Warrants Dismissal
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross misconduct, bribery, and immorality, reaffirming the high standards of judicial conduct.
Court Employee Dismissed for Breach of Public Trust in Extorting Litigants
Supreme Court dismisses court employee for blocking ATM card to evade loan payments, ruling it dishonesty and grave misconduct.
Substandard Work Contractor Liable FOR Rectification Costs Despite Acquittal IN Estafa Case
A contractor acquitted of estafa can still be civilly liable for defective work. The Supreme Court explains rectification costs under the Civil Code.
Contractor Liability for Substandard Electrical Installations: Mackay v. Caswells
When can a contractor be held liable for defective work? The Supreme Court clarifies contractor obligations under Article 1715 of the Civil Code.
Protecting Judicial Independence When Administrative Complaints Cross The Line
Explore how the Supreme Court safeguards judicial independence when administrative complaints are used to pressure judges in pending cases.
Upholding Warrantless Arrests: The Limits of Challenging Drug Possession Evidence
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when warrantless arrests and seizures in drug cases are valid, and when procedural lapses still allow conviction.
Probable Cause vs Ownership Claims in Theft Cases: People v. Yecyec
When can courts dismiss theft charges for lack of probable cause? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial review in People v. Yecyec.
Torrens Title vs Unregistered Deed: How Philippine Courts Resolve Land Possession Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Torrens titles, unregistered deeds, and land possession disputes involving public domain classification.