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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Preliminary Injunctions and Ombudsman Decisions: The Gabuya Case on Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies when preliminary injunctions may stop Ombudsman dismissal orders and the consequences of forum shopping.
When Checks Prove a Loan: The Supreme Court Ruling on Evidence of Indebtedness
The Supreme Court clarifies when checks alone establish a loan obligation and shift the burden of proof to the debtor under Philippine law.
Sexual Harassment by a Lawyer: When Misconduct Erodes Client Trust
A lawyer who sexually harasses a client faces suspension. The Supreme Court explains why such conduct betrays the profession's core values.
Accountability Endures: Fiscal Responsibility in the Philippine Judiciary Even Post Mortem
A lawyer who sexually harasses a client faces suspension. The Court clarifies accountability and professional conduct standards.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Ignorance of Law in Land Title Reconstitution Case
Supreme Court dismisses Judge Omelio for gross ignorance of law in reconstituting previously cancelled land titles, reversing inhibition and citing contempt without hearing.
Electoral Tribunal Jurisdiction: Proclamation Is the Decisive Factor in Election Contests
The Supreme Court clarifies that once a congressional candidate is proclaimed, the HRET, not the COMELEC, has sole jurisdiction over election contests.
Party List Registration Misrepresentation and the Right to Representation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal, not the COMELEC, has jurisdiction over congressional election disputes.
Election Contests and Jurisdiction: When the HRET Takes Over from COMELEC
The Supreme Court explains why election contests involving proclaimed congressional winners belong exclusively to the HRET, not the courts.
Court Personnel Must Not Accept Judicial Fees: A Lesson on Ethical Duty
A stenographer's suspension for accepting TSN payments shows why court personnel must never collect judicial fees directly from litigants.
Court Stenographer Suspended for Collecting TSN Fees Directly From Litigants
SC ruling clarifies court personnel cannot collect TSN payments directly; payments must go to the Clerk of Court under Rule 141.
VAT Refund Claims: The 120-Day Rule and Timely Appeals to the CTA
Learn the mandatory 120+30 day periods for VAT refund claims and how the Supreme Court applies them in CIR v. GST Philippines.
Navigating VAT Refund Deadlines Equitable Estoppel AND THE 12030 DAY Rule
Judicial Ethics: Avoiding Impropriety and Its Appearance in Judges' Conduct
A judge's off-bench conduct matters. The Supreme Court fined a judge for drinking with a litigant, showing why appearance of impropriety is a serious offense.
Medical Certificate Requirements and Illegal Dismissal: Balancing Employer Prerogative and Employee Rights
When can an employer require a medical certificate without risking illegal dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of management prerogative.
Airport Frisking and Drug Transportation: Upholding Convictions on Reasonable Searches and Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court affirms a drug transport conviction, ruling airport frisking is a valid search and the chain of custody of seized shabu was unbroken.
Marriage Validity: Intent vs Motive in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that a marriage entered for immigration purposes is valid if consent is freely given; motive alone does not void it.
Rehabilitation Courts Have Limited Jurisdiction Over Insurance Claims of Corporate Debtors
Supreme Court clarifies that rehabilitation courts cannot adjudicate insurance claims filed by the distressed company against its insurers.
Equitable Mortgage: Execution and Reconveyance of Property Explained
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how courts must execute judgments involving equitable mortgages, emphasizing reconveyance over payment of fair market value.
Voluntary Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: What Employees Must Prove
The Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is voluntary and not constructive dismissal, and what evidence employees must present.
Substantiate Tax Refund Claims with Withholding Tax Certificates: Key Lessons from CIR v. TeaM Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the substantiation requirements for tax refund claims, focusing on the evidentiary value of creditable withholding tax certificates.
Love OR LAW Intentions Behind Marriages AND Legal Validity
Philippine Supreme Court rules that marriage for citizenship or money is valid if consent is real, distinguishing motive from lack of consent.
Equitable Mortgage Ruling Reasserts Mortgagor Rights in Property Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that in equitable mortgages, reconveyance to the mortgagor is the principal remedy—not payment of fair market value.
Sheriffs' Duties and Ethical Conduct: Receiving Funds and Serving Summons
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies sheriff duties, the proper procedure for travel expense deposits, and the ethics of receiving funds.
Prescription and Void Titles: When Real Property Actions Do Not Prescribe
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when actions to declare void titles prescribe, and why quieting title actions may not be time-barred.