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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Tax Assessments: Strict Compliance With Waiver Requirements Protects Taxpayers
Waivers extending the tax assessment period must strictly follow BIR rules. Learn how defects invalidate waivers and protect taxpayers from late assessments.
Navigating Libel in the Digital Age: Defining Jurisdiction in Online Defamation
The Supreme Court clarifies where online libel cases may be filed, ruling that mere internet access does not determine venue.
Fair Market Value vs Arbitrary Pricing: Protecting Option to Purchase Agreements in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that "fair market value" in option to purchase agreements cannot be arbitrarily set by the grantor.
Forum Shopping and Dismissed Cases: What the Benedicto Ruling Means for Refiled Complaints
The Supreme Court clarifies when a withdrawn case must be disclosed in a certification against forum shopping, and what litis pendentia requires.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Victim Testimony and Positive Identification in Philippine Law
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a victim's positive identification and credible testimony can overcome alibi and denial defenses.
Tortious Interference Protecting Distributorship Rights in Philippine Commerce
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tortious interference with exclusive distributorship contracts and the liability of third parties who induce breach.
Finality Prevails Reaffirming HRET Discretion in Electoral Protests
Supreme Court affirms HRET's discretion in ballot revision and upholds finality of judgments in election protests.
Procedural Lapses and Contempt: Navigating Court Rules in Contract Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling on procedural rules in contract disputes: motion for reconsideration, hierarchy of courts, and indirect contempt.
Presumption of Regularity vs. Misconduct Claims: Integrity in Court Execution
Learn how the presumption of regularity in official duty interacts with misconduct allegations in administrative cases, from a 2010 Supreme Court ruling.
Corporate Rehabilitation vs Labor Claims: Balancing Creditor Rights and Employee Protection
When a company undergoes rehabilitation, labor claims are suspended. The Supreme Court explains why in Castillo v. Uniwide.
Public Trust Dismissal for Grave Misconduct in Extortion Case
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of BIR examiner for grave misconduct in extortion, clarifying substantial evidence standard in administrative cases.
Party-List Delisting Rules Clarified: Two Separate Grounds Under RA 7941
Supreme Court clarifies party-list delisting under RA 7941: two separate grounds, cannot be combined; abandons Minero ruling.
Protecting the Right to Vote: Domicile and Voter Registration in the Philippines
The Supreme Court protects voter registration rights, ruling that domicile, not technicalities, determines a citizen's right to vote.
When Death and Procedural Choices End Criminal Complaints: The ABS-CBN v. Ombudsman Case
Explaining how the Supreme Court applied the Bayotas rule on death of respondents and why procedural choices in filing claims can affect criminal complaints.
Balancing Justice and Procedure: When Technicalities Yield to Equity in Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when procedural rules prevail over equitable arguments in criminal appeals involving the Ombudsman.
Trust Receipts vs Loan Agreements: When Misuse of Funds Is Not Estafa
The Supreme Court clarifies when a trust receipt arrangement is actually a simple loan, and why criminal liability for estafa does not follow.
When Supervisors Lose Trust: Dismissal for Misconduct Under Article 282
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a supervisor's unauthorized disposal of company property justifies dismissal for serious misconduct and loss of trust.
When Modified Judgments Can Be Appealed: Protecting Litigants' Rights
Learn when a modified Court of Appeals decision is appealable to the Supreme Court and how litigants' rights are protected in civil procedure.
Breach of Public Trust: Accountability for Mismanaged Court Funds in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms COA's power to disallow irregular allowances and expenses of government officials, upholding public purpose requirements.
Contract to Sell: Buyer's Failure to Pay Nullifies Seller's Obligation to Convey Title
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in a contract to sell, buyer's failure to pay the full price prevents the seller's obligation to convey title from arising.
Self-Defense vs Murder: Unlawful Aggression in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails in murder cases, focusing on unlawful aggression as its primordial element.
Entrapment or Illegal Inducement: The Fine Line in Buy-Bust Operations
The Supreme Court clarifies when a buy-bust operation is valid entrapment versus instigation, and why the chain of custody still matters.
Breach of Trust Employee Dismissal Upheld for Unauthorized Sale of Company Assets
Supreme Court rules on when unauthorized disposal of company property justifies dismissal for serious misconduct and loss of trust.
Management Prerogative vs. Illegal Dismissal: Redundancy and Employee Rights
When does a redundancy program become illegal dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the balance between business needs and employee security of tenure.