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 Sale of Assets: When Is It "In the Course of Trade or Business"?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sale of company assets is subject to VAT, requiring that the sale occur in the course of trade or business.
When Can a Sale Be Annulled? Lessons from Ishida v. De Mesa-Magno
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a sale can be annulled, and why courts cannot grant reliefs not prayed for in a complaint.
Credit Card Liability: Gross Negligence and Moral Damages in the Philippines
When can a credit card issuer be liable for moral damages? The Supreme Court explains gross negligence in Bankard v. Feliciano.
Prescription of Offenses Under Special Laws: Absence From the Philippines Does Not Suspend the Period
The Supreme Court rules that under Act No. 3326, an accused's absence from the Philippines does not interrupt the prescriptive period for offenses under special laws.
Documentary Stamp Tax on Foreign Exchange Sales: Who Pays
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on documentary stamp tax liability for foreign exchange sales to the Central Bank.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Disbarment Case Dismissed for Lack of Clear Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court affirms dismissal of disbarment case against Atty. Teodorico Diesmos, emphasizing the need for clear and convincing evidence in disciplinary proceedings.
Mayor's Personal Deposit of Municipal Checks: Official Misconduct and Probable Cause
Supreme Court ruling on when a mayor's deposit of municipal checks into a personal account constitutes probable cause for graft under RA 3019.
Preliminary Injunctions and Grave Abuse of Discretion: What Philippine Courts Require
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's error becomes grave abuse of discretion, using a preliminary investigation case as guide.
Contempt of Court: Ensuring Due Process and Avoiding Abuse of Judicial Authority
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when judges may issue arrest warrants in preliminary investigations and why good faith shields them from administrative liability.
Procedural Compliance in Philippine Litigation: The PPSTA Case on Court Rules
A Supreme Court ruling shows why procedural rules matter—and when courts may relax them for substantial justice.
Lawyer Suspended for Dishonoring Debt and Issuing Worthless Checks
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to pay debt and issuing checks drawn against a closed account.
Navigating Corporate Disputes Jurisdiction AND Procedural Pitfalls IN Philippine LAW
Learn how Philippine courts handle jurisdiction and procedural errors in corporate disputes, with key takeaways from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Foreshore Rights in the Philippines: When Private Land Meets Public Domain
Philippine foreshore areas are public domain, but private rights can exist. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Laches and Indigenous Land Rights: When Delaying a Claim Can Cost You Everything
A Supreme Court ruling shows that laches can bar recovery of ancestral land, even when a sale lacked required government approval.
Judicial Discretion vs Abuse: Understanding the Limits of Administrative Complaints Against Judges in the Phil
When can a judge's error become an administrative offense? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between judicial discretion and abuse.
Electoral Quorum Rules and Grounds for Challenging Election Results
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on COMELEC quorum requirements, ballot appreciation rules, and grounds for challenging election results explained.
IBP Governance and Lawyer Discipline: Suspension for Misuse of Client Funds
Supreme Court suspends IBP president for misusing client funds, clarifies res judicata in disbarment cases, and affirms IBP removal powers.
The Neighborhood Rule in Philippine Election Law: Abad v. Co Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the neighborhood rule in Abad v. Co, ensuring voter intent prevails over technical ballot errors.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: Extramarital Affair and Child Warrant Removal from the Bench
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality after he had an extramarital affair and fathered a child, and suspended him from law practice for three years.
Philippine CHR Fiscal Autonomy: Why Budget Independence Doesnt Mean Unchecked Power
The Supreme Court clarifies that fiscal autonomy for constitutional bodies like the CHR does not grant unlimited, unchecked power over public funds.
Right to Access Court Records: Balancing Public Interest and Privacy
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when court records are public, who may access them, and how courts balance transparency with privacy.
Preliminary Injunctions and Bank Deposits: Protecting Depositors' Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies that preliminary injunctions preserve the status quo and cannot be used to transfer bank deposits before trial.
Motion for Reconsideration and Election Protests: The CCP Board Case
The Supreme Court ruled on the constitutionality of filling vacancies in the CCP Board and the limits of the President's appointing power.
Self-Defense vs. Alibi: How Philippine Courts Weigh Homicide Defenses
A Supreme Court ruling in a 1994 Occidental Mindoro fiesta killing shows why alibi is the weakest defense and why witness credibility often decides homicide cases.