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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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.
Payroll Deductions and Employer Obligations: PAL v. PESALA
When an employer ignores court orders on payroll deductions, it may be liable for undeducted amounts plus interest.
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 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.
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.
Chain OF Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence AND Ensuring Fair Trials IN THE Philippines 3
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.
Progress Billings AND Contractual Obligations Upholding Contractors Valuation IN Construction Disputes
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.
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.
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.
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.
Over Recovery Refunds Ensuring Fair Electricity Rates FOR Consumers
Explains NEECO I v. ERC on electric cooperative over-recovery refunds, system loss caps, and consumer rate protection.
Probable Cause AND Surveillance Validating Search Warrants IN Illegal LPG Trading
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.
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.
Judicial Ethics: Conviction of Moral Turpitude Leads to Dismissal and Disbarment
A judge's conviction for malversation and graft leads to dismissal from the bench and disbarment, even while criminal appeals are pending.
Child Witness Testimony and Competency in Philippine Rape Cases
How the Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction based on a four-year-old child's testimony, clarifying competency and hearsay rules.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Theft Case Due to Insufficient Proof of Felonious Taking
When circumstantial evidence fails to prove felonious taking beyond reasonable doubt, the accused must be acquitted. The Supreme Court explains.
Disability Benefits FOR Seafarers THE Importance OF A Mutually Appointed Doctor
Docket Fees and Real Actions: Jurisdictional Requirements in Philippine Property Disputes
Learn how unpaid docket fees and mislabeled complaints affect court jurisdiction in Philippine property cases, based on a 2016 Supreme Court ruling.