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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Zonal Valuation vs. Actual Use: What Governs CGT and DST on Property Sales
The Supreme Court rules that existing zonal valuations, not actual property use, govern capital gains tax and documentary stamp tax computations.
Court Stenographer Dismissed for Habitual Absences, Tardiness, and Dishonesty
Supreme Court dismisses court stenographer for habitual tardiness, absenteeism, and submitting a falsified medical certificate to cover unauthorized absences.
Toll Regulatory Powers Defining Limits In Public Private Infrastructure
Supreme Court defines TRB's franchise powers, toll regulation, and public bidding requirements in Luzon expressway cases.
Residency for Public Office: Intent, Incremental Moves, and Misrepresentation Claims
The Supreme Court explains how candidates prove residency for public office and when a certificate of candidacy may be challenged.
Upholding Judicial Integrity Balancing Free Speech AND Respect FOR THE Courts IN THE Philippines
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.
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.
Prior Title Prevails in Property Possession Cases: Lessons from a Double Sale
When two buyers claim the same land, prior title and possession in good faith prevail. Learn the rules on double sales and buyer diligence.
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.
Dismissal For Cause When Neglect Of Duty Disentitles An Employee To Separation Pay
When can an employee be dismissed for neglect of duty and lose separation pay? This article explains the legal standard.
Chain OF Custody AND THE BUY Bust Operation Ensuring Integrity IN Drug Cases
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.
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.
Corporate Officer vs Employee: Who Hears Illegal Dismissal Cases?
When a dismissed executive is a corporate officer, the RTC hears the case; if a regular employee, the Labor Arbiter. This ruling explains the test.
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.
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.
Reclusion Perpetua VS Reclusion Temporal Determining Criminal Liability AND Retroactive Application OF Juvenile Justice ACT
Delayed Justice: A Judge's Accountability for Prolonged Case Resolution
Explore how Philippine courts hold judges accountable for undue delay in resolving cases, and what this means for litigants seeking timely justice.
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.
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.
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.
Unlawful Withholding of Salary Constitutes Constructive Dismissal: An Employer's Guide
Learn how unlawful salary withholding can amount to constructive dismissal under Philippine labor law, and what employers must avoid.
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.