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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VAT on Services: When "Trade or Business" Does Not Require Profit Motive
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that VAT applies to services rendered for a fee even without profit motive. Learn the rules.
Protecting the Credibility of Testimony From Persons With Mental Disabilities in Rape Cases
How Philippine courts assess rape testimony from mentally disabled victims, and why mental deficiency does not diminish credibility.
Tax Exemption Boundaries: PAGCOR Privileges and the Perils of Misrepresentation
Supreme Court clarifies that PAGCOR's tax exemption on importations does not automatically extend to concessionaires, and warns against fraudulent claims.
When Sudden Attacks Dont Mean Murder Examining THE Nuances OF Homicide AND Treachery
A sudden attack does not always amount to treachery. This case explains when killing is homicide, not murder.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: The Boundaries of Justifiable Force
When does a person have the right to use force to defend oneself? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of self-defense in People v. Gaviola.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape of a Person with Mental Deficiencies and Victim Credibility
The Supreme Court affirms rape conviction where the victim has mild mental retardation, clarifying that mental deficiency does not undermine credibility.
The Testimony of a Witness With Disabilities: Ensuring Justice and Fair Trial
How the Supreme Court upheld rape convictions based on a deaf-mute victim's credible testimony, affirming that disability does not disqualify a witness.
Falsified Overtime Slips: Why Acquittal Does Not Overturn a Dismissal
An employee acquitted of falsifying overtime slips still lost her job. The Supreme Court explains why labor dismissal needs only substantial evidence, not proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Good Faith in Land Registration: Protecting the Rightful Owner in Property Disputes
When does a second buyer's registration of property fail to defeat the first buyer's rights? The Supreme Court explains the good faith requirement under Article 1544.
Legislative Immunity vs. Criminal Conviction: The Jalosjos Ruling
The Supreme Court ruled that election to Congress does not exempt a convicted legislator from imprisonment while his criminal appeal is pending.
Forum Shopping and Res Judicata: Boundaries in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing multiple cases over different properties constitutes forum shopping, and when it does not.
Rape Conviction Stands Even If Accused Claims Consensual Affair
A claim of a romantic relationship does not negate rape if force was used. The Supreme Court explains why consent matters.
Life Insurance Contracts: When Does an Application Become a Binding Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a life insurance application becomes a binding contract, using Perez v. BF Lifeman as guide.
Official Immunity vs Individual Accountability: Limits of Protection in Defamation Cases
When does diplomatic or organizational immunity shield a person from criminal defamation? The Supreme Court clarifies the boundaries.
Redundancy vs Due Process: When a Layoff Isn't Always Illegal
The Supreme Court clarifies that failure to give 30-day notice doesn't make a valid redundancy layoff illegal—but backwages may still be owed.
Conspiracy and Treachery in a Chicken Theft Murder: Lessons from People v. Barona
When does a killing become murder? The Supreme Court explains conspiracy and treachery in a fatal chicken theft case.
The Unexpected Strike Establishing Treachery in Sudden Attacks
When does a sudden attack qualify as treachery? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules in People v. Aquino.
Self-Defense and Unjustified Aggression: Evaluating Claims in Homicide Cases
When does self-defense hold in Philippine homicide cases? The Supreme Court explains the burden of proof and the elements required.
Dismissal Without Malicious Prosecution: Why Probable Cause Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a dismissed criminal case does not automatically mean malicious prosecution. Learn the legal distinction.
Election Protest Deadlines: Why a Failure of Election Petition Won't Buy You More Time
Filing a failure of election petition does not suspend the 10-day period to file an election protest. Know the deadline rules.
When Fraud in Election Returns Does Not Justify a Declaration of Failed Election
Philippine Supreme Court explains when election fraud warrants a failure of election declaration versus an election protest.
Filing Fees in Philippine Election Protests: Jurisdictional Rules and Timelines
Philippine election protest filing fees are jurisdictional. Late payment does not cure defects. Learn the rules and deadlines.
Reconstitution of Burned Court Records: When Late Filing Is Not Fatal
Supreme Court clarifies that failure to file for reconstitution of burned court records within six months does not automatically bar the remedy.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Why Delayed Reporting Does Not Mean Fabrication
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a rape victim's delay in reporting, especially in incest cases, does not automatically mean the charge is fabricated.