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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Irrevocable Choice: Understanding Tax Credit Carry-Over in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains why choosing tax credit carry-over over refund is irrevocable under the 1997 National Internal Revenue Code.
Searching Inquiry and Guilty Pleas: Safeguarding Rights in Philippine Criminal Justice
The Supreme Court explains when a guilty plea requires a searching inquiry and when a conviction may stand despite an improvident plea.
Due Process Prevails: How Motions for Reconsideration Can Cure Procedural Lapses in Writ of Possession Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that a motion for reconsideration can cure a trial court's procedural lapse in granting a writ of possession without prior hearing.
False Pretenses and Failed Promises: Establishing Estafa in Employment Scams
When promises of overseas jobs fail, when is it estafa or illegal recruitment? The Supreme Court clarifies in People v. Laogo.
Caught in the Act: Upholding Warrantless Arrests in Philippine Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains when police may arrest without a warrant under the in flagrante delicto rule in drug cases.
Writ of Preliminary Mandatory Injunction in Property Disputes: Protecting Possession Rights
When can a court issue a writ of preliminary mandatory injunction to restore possession in property disputes? The Supreme Court explains in Castro v. Se.
Supplemental Complaint Filing Fees and Damages: Key Jurisdictional Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when unpaid filing fees on supplemental complaints affect jurisdiction and damage awards.
Plain View Doctrine: When Warrantless Seizures Are Admissible in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court explains the plain view doctrine and when evidence seized without a warrant can be used in court.
Liability for Lost Goods: Common Carriers, Negligence, and Insurance Subrogation in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on common carriers' solidary liability for lost goods and insurer's subrogation rights under Article 2207.
VAT Refund for Foreign Tourists Upheld: Equal Protection and Tax Classification
Supreme Court upholds VAT refund law for foreign tourists, ruling it does not violate equal protection and uniform taxation.
VAT Refund for Foreign Tourists Upheld: Equal Protection and Tax Classification Under RA 12079
The Supreme Court upholds RA 12079's VAT refund for foreign tourists, ruling it does not violate equal protection or uniform taxation.
Overseas Dreams AND Broken Promises Safeguarding Migrant Workers From Illegal Recruitment AND Fraud
The Supreme Court clarifies when seafarers' injuries during onboard recreational activities are compensable under the POEA-SEC.
Prescription and Laches in Land Disputes: Understanding Time Limits to Protect Your Property Rights
The Supreme Court explains when actions for reconveyance of registered land prescribe and how laches can bar claims, even those based on forged titles.
Valid Employee Dismissal in the Philippines: Just Cause and Due Process Explained
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on valid employee dismissal in the Philippines, covering just cause and due process requirements.
Taxing National Instrumentalities: PFDA Exemption and Local Government Powers
The Supreme Court ruled the PFDA is a government instrumentality, not a GOCC, exempt from real property tax on the Lucena Fishing Port Complex.
Tenant Rights vs Landowner Claims: Agrarian Reform Protections Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when tenant farmers can invoke agrarian reform coverage and how landowner retention limits affect tenant rights under PD 27 and RA 6657.
Rape Conviction Upheld Alibi Weak Against Positive Identification
The Supreme Court affirmed a murder conviction, ruling that alibi cannot prevail over positive identification by witnesses who had no motive to falsely implicate the accused.
Land Ownership Disputes: Proving Your Claim in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes government instrumentalities from GOCCs in real property tax disputes, and what this means for proving ownership claims.
Navigating Libel Law: Probable Cause and Privileged Communication in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that probable cause for libel is a prosecutor's call, and privileged communication is a trial defense.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and Mental Capacity to Consent in the Philippines
In People v. Castro, the Supreme Court affirmed that sex with a mental retardate whose mental age is below 12 is statutory rape—consent is legally impossible.
Corporate Liability in Illegal Petroleum Trading: Defining the Scope of Responsibility
Supreme Court clarifies who may be held criminally liable for illegal LPG refilling and underfilling under BP 33, as amended.
Chain of Custody and Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why the chain of custody rule is essential in drug cases, and what prosecutors and police must prove.
Reimbursement Rights When a Payor Can Recover Debt Paid on Another's Behalf
When can a co-maker recover payment made on a debtor's loan? The Supreme Court explains Article 1236 reimbursement rules.
Just Compensation in Eminent Domain: Ensuring Fair Market Value for Expropriated Property
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts must determine just compensation in expropriation cases, requiring reliable evidence over speculation.