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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Seafarer Disability Benefits: Company Doctor's Assessment Prevails Without Substantial Evidence
Supreme Court rules seafarer's brief psychotic disorder not work-related; company-designated physician's assessment prevails absent substantial evidence of work causation.
Surety Bonds Solidary Liability Despite Contract Rescission
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on surety bonds: rescission of the principal contract does not automatically release the surety from liability.
When a Corporate President Can Sign Verifications Without Board Authority
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate president may sign verification and non-forum shopping certifications without board authorization.
Possession vs Ownership: When Land Status Determines Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how land classification as public domain affects possessory rights and estoppel claims.
Plagiarism and Judicial Ethics: Del Castillo Case Sets Standard for Intent
Supreme Court clarifies that plagiarism requires intent to deceive, distinguishing inadvertent attribution errors from judicial misconduct.
Judicial Efficiency vs. Delay: Striking the Balance in Case Disposition
The Supreme Court balances speedy disposition against thorough adjudication in consolidated cases involving land disputes, clarifying the limits of judicial efficiency.
Dismissal for Non-Compliance: Upholding Procedural Rules in Appellate Review
The Supreme Court affirms the CA's dismissal of a petition for review for failure to comply with Rule 43 requirements, underscoring the mandatory nature of appellate procedure.
Corporate Officer vs Employee: Who Hears Illegal Dismissal Cases?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an illegal dismissal case belongs to the Labor Arbiter versus the Regional Trial Court.
Pawnshops and VAT: Clarifying Tax Exemptions for Non-Bank Financial Intermediaries
The Supreme Court clarifies that pawnshops, as non-bank financial intermediaries, were not liable for VAT in 2000 due to deferred effectivity.
Navigating Land Disputes: Reversion, Expropriation, and Title Conflicts Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies how reversion cases, expropriation proceedings, and quieting of title actions interact when land titles are challenged.
Brokers Breach Unauthorized Stock Sales AND Fiduciary Duty IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies stockbroker liability for unauthorized share sales and fiduciary duties under the Civil Code.
Trademark Confusion: Protecting Prior Use and Registration Rights
The Supreme Court explains how prior use and registration of a trademark defeat a later application for a confusingly similar mark.
Continuing Suretyship Scope and Enforceability in Loan Renewals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a continuing suretyship covers loan renewals and future availments under the same credit agreement.
Continuing Suretyship Scope and Enforceability in Loan Renewals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a continuing suretyship covers renewed credit facilities and subsequent loan availments.
Judicial Misconduct When Negligence AND Abuse OF Authority Undermine Public Trust
The Supreme Court's ruling in Lerma shows how a judge's negligence and abuse of authority can erode public trust in the judiciary.
Rape With Homicide: Defining Carnal Knowledge and the Threshold of Sexual Assault
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes carnal knowledge in rape with homicide, ruling that mere touching of the labia by an erect penis suffices for conviction.
Corporate Merger vs Separate Entities: Protecting Creditor Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on invalid mergers, separate corporate personalities, and creditor rights in execution sales.
Upholding a Drug Conviction: Chain of Custody and Informant Testimony in Gonzaga
The Supreme Court affirmed a shabu sale conviction, ruling that informant non-presentation, minor witness inconsistencies, and custody lapses do not defeat a solid buy-bust case.
The Critical Omission: Why "Zero-Rated" Must Appear on VAT Invoices for Tax Credit Refund Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failing to print on its sales invoices. The CTA En Banc affirmed this denial, and J.R.A. elevated the matter to the Supreme Court.
Seafarers Must Comply With Post-Employment Medical Exams or Forfeit Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules seafarers who skip mandatory post-employment medical exams within three days forfeit disability claims, even for mental health conditions.
Tolerance Ends Unlawful Detainer Actions and Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when tolerated possession becomes unlawful detainer, and how property owners can recover possession.
Change Orders Without Written Consent: Contractual Obligations in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on change orders, written consent, and contractual obligations in construction disputes under Article 1724.
Joint and Solidary Liability of Recruitment Agencies for OFW Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recruitment agencies' joint liability with foreign principals for overseas workers' money claims.
Solidary Liability of Recruitment Agencies: Protecting Overseas Filipino Workers' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recruitment agencies' solidary liability with foreign principals for OFW claims, explained in plain language.