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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Upholding Ethical Standards Attorney Suspended FOR Dishonest Real Estate Dealings
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for dishonest real estate dealings, reaffirming high ethical standards for attorneys in the Philippines.
Upholding Public Safety: Supreme Court Invalidates Ordinance Permitting Oil Depots in Densely Populated Area
The Supreme Court strikes down Manila Ordinance No. 8187 for allowing oil depots to remain in densely populated Pandacan, reaffirming the primacy of public safety and health.
Dual Office Ban and CSC Independence: Funa v. CSC Chairman (G.R. No. 191672)
The Supreme Court strikes down EO 864 for violating the constitutional ban on dual office and CSC independence.
Lawyer Suspended for Dishonesty and Failure to Pay Debt: A Lesson in Ethical Conduct
The Supreme Court affirms a lawyer's suspension for issuing worthless checks and failing to pay a debt, underscoring lawyers' ethical duty to honor financial obligations.
COMELEC's Budgetary Discretion and the Limits of Recall Election Funding
The Supreme Court ruled that COMELEC's 2014 budget covered recall elections, rejecting the agency's refusal to proceed for lack of funds.
Prescription in Anti-Graft Cases: When Does the Clock Start Ticking?
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period for Anti-Graft Act violations begins, using a behest loan case as the backdrop.
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.
Unlawful Detainer vs Accion Publiciana: Jurisdiction Depends on the Complaint's Allegations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when ejectment cases belong in MeTC versus RTC, based on the complaint's allegations.
Unlawful Detainer and Possession Rights in Philippine Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a case is unlawful detainer versus accion publiciana, and why the complaint's allegations determine jurisdiction.
Donor's Tax on Share Sales: Fair Market Value and Donative Intent
Supreme Court rules on donor's tax for share sales below book value, fair market value determination, and CTA jurisdiction.
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.
VAT Refund Rights Real Property Inventory AND Transitional Input TAX Credit
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Seafarers Disability Claims Upholding Medical Assessment AND Treatment Protocols
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.
Government Infrastructure Projects: Restrictions on Injunctive Relief Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may issue injunctions against government infrastructure projects under RA 8975.
Unlawful Search and Seizure: When Reasonable Suspicion Falters, Liberty Prevails
When police act on mere suspicion, a warrantless search and seizure violates constitutional rights, leading to acquittal.