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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Defining "By" in Preliminary Inquiries for Student Disciplinary Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that a preliminary inquiry conducted "before" a student tribunal is valid even if performed "by" its members.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Valuation Must Be as of Filing Date, Not Later Market Data
Supreme Court clarifies just compensation is valued as of complaint filing date, not later market prices, in DPWH expropriation case.
Due Process Prevails: Informations Clarity Protects Against Unfair Conviction
The Supreme Court rules that administrative liability requires a formal charge, protecting public employees from unfair conviction based on delay alone.
Judicial Conduct: Balancing Religious Freedom and Impartiality in Court
A judge's use of Bible verses and remarks on sexual orientation during a preliminary conference drew administrative penalties from the Supreme Court.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Valuation Must Be as of Filing of Complaint
Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation in expropriation cases must be based on property value as of filing of the complaint, not later market data.
Corporate Disputes: Navigating Derivative Suits and Jurisdictional Boundaries in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when derivative suits are proper and how jurisdictional boundaries apply in corporate disputes.
Pancreatic Cancer and Seafarers' Benefits: Proving Work Relatedness Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's non-listed illness like pancreatic cancer is compensable, and the strict proof required.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: No Liability Without Formal Charges
Supreme Court rules a government employee cannot be held administratively liable without a formal charge, reaffirming due process in civil service cases.
Relaxing Procedural Rules in Appeals to Protect Property Rights From Counsel Negligence
When a lawyer's negligence causes a late appeal brief, the Supreme Court may relax procedural rules to protect a party's property rights and decide cases on the merits.
Police Blotter Duties Clarified: Valderas v. Sulse on Neglect of Duty
Supreme Court clarifies police blotter scope and simple neglect of duty in Valderas v. Sulse, protecting officers from baseless administrative cases.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Disciplining Lawyers for Misrepresentation and Unauthorized Practice
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for deceiving courts over inherited property and reprimanded another for unauthorized practice, reaffirming ethical duties.
Navigating Tax Refund Deadlines: The 120-Day Rule and Its Window Period Exception
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified the 120+30 day rule for VAT refund claims and the window period exception under BIR Ruling No. DA-489-03.
VAT Refund Claims: The Window Period Exception to the 120-Day Rule
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the window period exception in VAT refund claims, allowing taxpayers to file judicial claims without waiting for the 120-day period.
Prior Physical Possession Decides Forcible Entry Cases: Palajos v. Abad
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on prior physical possession in forcible entry cases and what property owners must prove.
VAT Refund Timelines: The 120+30 Day Rule and Its Window Period Exception
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies VAT refund filing deadlines, the mandatory 120+30 day rule, and the window period exception under BIR Ruling DA-489-03.
Unreasonable Search Evidence Obtained Illegally IS Inadmissible IN Drug Cases
Supreme Court rules evidence from an unreasonable search is inadmissible in drug cases, explaining why Section 21 compliance matters.
Corporate Dissolution and Property Rights: Clarifying Successor Liability in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when dissolved corporations and their officers can be held liable for delivering property titles in subdivision disputes.
Writ of Possession: Ministerial Duty vs Equitable Claims in Foreclosure
The Supreme Court clarifies when a writ of possession is ministerial in foreclosure cases and when equitable claims may delay it.
Broken Chains: How Mishandling Evidence Leads to Acquittal in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession convict due to broken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Broken Chain of Custody: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquitted four accused in a drug case because police failed to follow the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Possession Cases
The Supreme Court acquits four accused in a drug case, underscoring that a broken chain of custody can defeat the prosecution's case beyond reasonable doubt.
Fraudulent Land Patents Void Derivative Titles Even for Good-Faith Buyers
Supreme Court ruling: titles derived from fraudulently obtained land patents are void, even if current owners bought in good faith.
Land Registration With Missing Cadastral Records: The Supreme Court's Ruling in Tapay
Can land be registered when government records from a prior cadastral case are missing? The Supreme Court says yes, under certain conditions.
Philippine Airlines v. Yañez: When Workplace Conduct Warrants Disciplinary Action
The Supreme Court clarifies when employers may discipline employees for creating a hostile work environment, even absent explicit sexual demands.