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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Immediate Execution of Damages in Intra-Corporate Disputes: What Philippine Law Says
The Supreme Court clarifies that awards for moral damages, exemplary damages, and attorney's fees in intra-corporate cases are not immediately executory.
Self-Defense and Treachery: Key Distinctions in Philippine Criminal Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies killing as murder under Philippine law.
Why Accurate Court Records Matter: Lessons from a Gross Neglect of Duty Case
Court personnel who mishandle fiduciary funds face gross neglect of duty charges, even after retirement. Learn the rules and consequences.
Entrapment and Chain of Custody: Protecting Rights in Philippine Drug Cases
A 2011 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when buy-bust operations are valid and how drug evidence must be preserved.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Parent Companies Face Liability for Labor Violations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when parent companies can be held liable for subsidiaries' labor violations, explained for employees and businesses.
Judicial Efficiency Consequences of Undue Delay in Case Resolution
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on judge liability for delayed case resolution, highlighting the 90-day rule and its impact on judicial integrity.
Service of Judgment to Deceased Lawyer: Ejectment and Annulment in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court rules on validity of judgment service to deceased counsel, finality of ejectment decisions, and limits of preliminary injunction.
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.
Estoppel by Silence in Philippine Insurance Law: When a Bank's Silence Speaks Volumes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estoppel by silence, bank liability for unpaid insurance premiums, and corporate veil in insurance claims.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Foreclosure Redemption Rights: How to Protect Your Property in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle foreclosure disputes, redemption rights, and why settlement agreements often provide the best protection for homeowners facing bank foreclosure.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.