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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Quitclaims and Retirement Benefits: Protecting Employees From Unfair Waivers
Philippine Supreme Court rules quitclaims cannot waive judgment awards if payment covers only retirement benefits. Learn the safeguards.
Aliens Cannot Recover Funds for Land Bought in a Filipino's Name
Supreme Court rules an alien who bought Philippine land in a Filipino spouse's name cannot claim reimbursement, upholding the constitutional ban on foreign land ownership.
Breach of Contract When Fault Is Shared: Losses Lie Where They Fall
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on shared fault in contract breach—losses stay with the party that suffers them. Learn the rules.
Dishonesty and Due Process: When Breach of Trust Justifies Termination
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of sales clerk for unauthorized scrap metal sale, clarifying just cause and due process in Philippine labor law.
Doubt and Acquittal: Assessing Witness Credibility in Attempted Murder Cases
The Supreme Court acquits Gerardo Biong of attempted murder, stressing that credible testimony, not just a credible witness, is required for conviction.
Situs of Service Determines Income Tax Liability for Nonresident Aliens in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules that for nonresident aliens, income tax depends on where services are actually rendered, not where the payor resides.
Custody Rights and Habeas Corpus in Philippine Child Custody Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus is proper in custody disputes and how the tender-years rule applies.
Repatriation and Citizenship: Strict Requirements for Reacquiring Filipino Citizenship
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict requirements for repatriation under RA 8171, including political or economic necessity and proper procedure.
When a Seafarer's Quitclaim and Delay Bar Disability Claims: The Famanila Case
The Supreme Court explains when a seafarer's quitclaim is valid and how prescription periods bar late disability claims.
Res Judicata: How a Final Judgment Prevents Relitigation of the Same Issue
Learn how res judicata bars relitigation of settled issues, using a Philippine Supreme Court case on a disputed deed of donation.
Tenancy vs Ownership: When Claiming the Land Defeats Tenant Status
Supreme Court clarifies when a person cannot claim both tenancy and ownership over agricultural land, and which court has jurisdiction.
Limits on Self-Representation When a Lawyer Is Required in Court
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a party may appear without counsel and why mixing self-representation with a lawyer's appearance is not allowed.
Exclusive Venue Stipulations: When "Exclusively" Means What It Says
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a contractual venue stipulation is truly exclusive and binding on the parties.
When Public Duty and Private Conduct Collide: A Judge’s Venue Ruling Upheld
The Supreme Court affirms a judge’s dismissal of a case for improper venue, clarifying exclusive venue stipulations in loan contracts.
Restarting the Clock: Minimum Corporate Income Tax and the Revival of Thrift Banks
When a closed bank reopens as a thrift bank, when does its MCIT grace period begin? The Supreme Court settles the rule.
Attorney's Fees in Estate Proceedings: Mandamus Not a Remedy When Fees Are Redetermined
When a probate court redetermines attorney's fees, a prior writ of execution is superseded, and mandamus cannot compel its enforcement.
MCIT Grace Period for Reopened Banks: The Manila Banking Corporation Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies when a bank that reopens after receivership starts its four-year MCIT grace period under the Tax Code.
When Can NEA Administrators Suspend or Remove Electric Cooperative Officers
Supreme Court clarifies when NEA administrators may validly suspend or remove electric cooperative officers under PD 269.
Upholding Decorum: Judicial Employees' Duty to Maintain Respect and Civility in the Workplace
Court employees must maintain civility and respect at all times. Gross discourtesy warrants suspension under Civil Service rules.
Accountability in Public Works: Good Faith and Falsification of Documents by Public Officials
Supreme Court acquits three DPWH officials charged with falsifying road project completion reports, stressing good faith and lack of personal participation.
Unconscionable Greed: Attorney's Fees Must Be Reasonable and Just
Philippine Supreme Court nullifies P50M attorney's fee claim, ruling lawyers' compensation must be reasonable, not driven by greed.
Corporate Authority and Debt: When a Corporation Is Not Liable for Its President’s Loan
A corporation is not liable for a president’s personal loan unless authorized or ratified. Learn the rules from a 2006 Supreme Court case.
GSIS v. Villamayor: When Illness Is Not Work-Related, No Death Benefits
Supreme Court denies GSIS death benefits for breast cancer death, ruling claimants must prove work connection, not just illness.
Tax Refund vs Deficiency: The Rules on Set-Off in Philippine Tax Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when tax refunds can be set off against tax deficiencies, and the limits of compromise agreements in tax settlements.