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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Prohibition Denied When Government Contracts Become Fait Accompli
Supreme Court rules prohibition cannot stop an already completed government contract, and clarifies legal standing rules for citizen suits.
Dismissed Electric Cooperative GM Can't Claim Retirement: NEA Jurisdiction Ruling
Supreme Court affirms NEA's exclusive jurisdiction over electric cooperative GM retirement claims, forfeiting benefits upon valid dismissal.
Foreign Divorce Recognition in the Philippines: Proving Japanese Law Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to recognize a foreign divorce in the Philippines, focusing on proving foreign law.
Condominium Dues and VAT: Supreme Court Clarifies Taxability of Association Fees
The Supreme Court confirms that condominium association dues are not subject to VAT, income tax, or withholding tax.
No-Spouse Employment Policies: Balancing Business Needs and Marital Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies psychological incapacity rules in Laroco v. Laroco, reshaping how courts evaluate marriage nullity cases.
Stare Decisis and Employer Status in Labor Contracting Disputes
The Supreme Court applies stare decisis in labor contracting cases, reaffirming that Consolidated Building Maintenance, Inc. is a legitimate job contractor.
Good Faith vs Criminal Intent: When a Mistake Isn't Estafa
The Supreme Court acquits a jeepney driver of estafa, clarifying that good faith and lack of criminal intent negate conspiracy in fraud cases.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Tardiness and Disobedience in the Judiciary
Court personnel who are habitually tardy and ignore directives face administrative liability under the Revised Rule 140.
Proving Foreign Law in Philippine Courts: Republic v. Kikuchi on Divorce Recognition
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves foreign divorce law in the Philippines, remanding a case for failure to establish Japanese law.
Equitable Mortgage vs Pacto de Retro: Protecting Borrowers From Unfair Loan Agreements
When is a "sale with right to repurchase" really a loan? The Supreme Court explains equitable mortgage and pactum commissorium.
Psychological Incapacity After Tan-Andal: The Laroco Ruling Explained
Understand how the Supreme Court's Laroco ruling applies the Tan-Andal framework on psychological incapacity, shifting focus to mutual incompatibility.
SEC Accreditation of CPAs: Supreme Court Limits SEC Power Over Accountancy Practice
The Supreme Court struck down SEC rules requiring CPA accreditation for external auditors, affirming the Board of Accountancy's exclusive regulatory power.
Mining Rights vs Indigenous Rights: Prior Consent Is Paramount for MPSA Renewal
Supreme Court rules FPIC and NCIP certification are mandatory for MPSA renewal, protecting indigenous peoples' ancestral domain rights.
Good Faith and the Duty to Return Illegally Granted Benefits in the NHA
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on good faith and the obligation to return illegally granted benefits in the National Housing Authority.
Land Registration Reopened: New Evidence and RA 11573 Can Overcome Res Judicata
The Supreme Court allows previously denied land registration applications to proceed under RA 11573, easing proof requirements and overcoming res judicata.
Work Conditions and Illness: Proving Increased Risk for Employee Compensation
Supreme Court clarifies that non-occupational illnesses are compensable if work conditions increased the risk of contracting them, requiring only substantial evidence.
Taxpayers May Await Commissioner's Decision Before Appealing BIR Assessments to CTA
Supreme Court clarifies taxpayers may await the Commissioner's ruling on a protested BIR assessment before filing an appeal with the Court of Tax Appeals.
Unlawful Arrest and Evidence Suppression in Firearm Cases: A Constitutional Safeguard
The Supreme Court clarifies when warrantless arrests and seizures violate constitutional rights in firearm possession cases.
Work-Related Aggravation Proving Entitlement to Death Benefits for Non-Occupational Diseases
The Supreme Court clarifies the evidentiary standard for death benefits when the illness is not a listed occupational disease.
When Holding Two Positions Is Not Grave Misconduct: Espinas v. Ombudsman
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling that holding concurrent public and private bank positions, without corrupt intent, is not automatically grave misconduct.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Graft and Malversation Case Due to Hearsay Evidence
Supreme Court acquits mayor and barangay captain of graft and malversation, ruling that hearsay evidence and admissions alone cannot prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Chain of Custody Doubt in Drug Cases Leads to Acquittal
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after prosecution fails to prove every link in the chain of custody, stressing the need for complete witness testimony.
Omission vs False Statement: Protecting Labor Rights in Employment Applications
Supreme Court rules mere omission of past employment in a job application is not false information justifying dismissal.
Moral Turpitude and Public Service: Examining the Boundaries of Mitigation in Administrative Penalties
The Supreme Court clarifies when mitigating circumstances can—and cannot—reduce the penalty of dismissal for conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude.