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.
Attorney Disbarred for Abandoning Client After Receiving Full Payment for Legal Services
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who took full payment but abandoned client's case, violating the duty of fidelity and diligence.
When Can Power Generators Be Exempted from Power Delivery Charges
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when independent power producers may be exempt from Power Delivery Service charges for ancillary services.
Injunctions in Ejectment Cases: Balancing Property Rights and Public Service
When can an ejectment judgment be stayed? City of Naga v. Asuncion shows how courts balance property rights against disruption of public services.
Crediting Government Service for Retirement: Defining the Scope of the Civil Service and Compensation
The Supreme Court clarifies which government services count for retirement benefits, distinguishing full-time civil service from part-time and non-chartered positions.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect and Mishandling Client's Property
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for failing to render legal services, returning money late, and withholding client's title and documents.
VAT Zero Rating on Services: Clarifying the Destination Principle in Philippine Taxation
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified the destination principle for VAT zero-rating on services in the Philippines and what it means for businesses.
Attorney Accountability: When a Lawyer Fails to Deliver Legal Services
A lawyer who takes a client's money but fails to file cases faces suspension and must return the full amount with interest.
VAT Exemption for PAGCOR Transactions: What Acesite Means for Philippine Businesses
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that services to PAGCOR are zero-rated VAT, sparing suppliers from paying the 10% tax.
Land as Attorney’s Fees: Enforcing Written Contracts for Legal Services in the Philippines
Philippine courts uphold written attorney’s fee contracts, even those paid in land, provided the essential elements of a valid contract are present.
Hospital Liability for Doctor Negligence in the Philippines: Corporate Responsibility Explained
When can a Philippine hospital be held liable for a doctor's negligence? The Supreme Court's ruling in Professional Services, Inc. v. Agana clarifies corporate responsibility.
Philippine VAT Zero-Rating for Services: The "Doing Business Outside the Philippines" Requirement
Supreme Court clarifies VAT zero-rating for services requires the recipient to be doing business outside the Philippines, not just payment in foreign currency.
Situs of Service Determines Income Tax Liability for Nonresident Aliens in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules that for nonresident aliens, income tax depends on where services are actually rendered, not where the payor resides.
Attorney Accountability in the Philippines: Upholding Client Trust and the Duty to Deliver Legal Services
A lawyer who accepts a client's money must render competent legal service or return the fees—the Supreme Court explains why.
Attorney's Fees and Ethical Obligations in Disputes Over Legal Services
A Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal shows why courts award attorney's fees and how evidence must support claims for legal costs.
The Price of Delay: Judicial Efficiency and the Right to Speedy Justice in the Philippines
The Magna Financial Services v. Colarina case clarifies the limits of Article 1484 remedies and the importance of timely judicial action.
Blood AS A Public Resource Upholding THE National Blood Services ACT AND ITS Phase OUT OF Commercial Blood Banks
Quantum Meruit Recovery for Services Without a Formal Contract
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recovering payment for services rendered without a written contract, explained in plain language.
Lawyer Advertising Balancing Professional Dignity With Public Access TO Legal Services
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between lawyer advertising and professional dignity, balancing public access to legal services with ethical standards.
VAT Zero-Rating for Services Performed in the Philippines Paid in Foreign Currency
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies VAT zero-rating rules for services performed locally but paid in foreign currency, striking down restrictive BIR regulations.
Lawyer Suspended for Misusing Client Funds and Failing to Deliver Agreed Services
A lawyer was suspended for six months for misappropriating client funds and failing to appear in administrative hearings. Learn the ethical rules.
Attorney's Fees: How Philippine Courts Determine Reasonable Compensation for Legal Services
Philippine Supreme Court explains how courts determine reasonable attorney's fees under Rule 138 and the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Judicial Ethics Upholding Impartiality AND Efficiency IN Court Services
Attorneys Fees Upholding A Lawyers Right TO Payment Despite Contract Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on attorney's fees, contract termination, and a lawyer's right to compensation for services rendered.
Trademark Protection for Well-Known Marks Extends to Unrelated Goods Under IP Code
The Supreme Court clarifies how Section 123.1(f) of the IP Code protects well-known marks like Rolex even against use on unrelated goods or services.