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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City of Manila v. Prieto: Strict Limits on Local Government Expropriation Powers
Supreme Court rules local governments must strictly comply with legal requirements before exercising delegated eminent domain powers.
Treachery in Criminal Law: When a Sudden Attack Does Not Qualify as Murder
Supreme Court clarifies that sudden attacks after heated altercations may not constitute treachery, reducing murder to homicide.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Rape Case for Lack of Direct Evidence
Supreme Court acquits father of rape charges, ruling that hearsay and circumstantial evidence cannot overcome the presumption of innocence.
Upholding Transparency Competitive Bidding Mandate IN Power Supply Agreements
Supreme Court voids ERC's postponement of competitive selection for power supply agreements, protecting consumers from opaque electricity costs.
Safeguarding Rights Strict Compliance With Drug Evidence Rules Protects Against Wrongful Convictions
The Supreme Court rules that notarized deeds of sale enjoy a presumption of validity that only clear and convincing evidence can overcome.
VAT Zero Rating: Proving Tax Exempt Status for Power Generation Services
Supreme Court clarifies that power generators selling to NPC may claim VAT zero-rating under Section 108(B)(3) without an ERC Certificate of Compliance.
Caveat Emptor and Land Titles: The Duty of Due Diligence in Real Estate Transactions
Buyers of land with administratively reconstituted titles must exercise extra diligence. The Supreme Court explains why in Jurado v. Spouses Chai.
Regular Seasonal Workers Payrolls and the Presumption of Regularity in Illegal Dismissal Cases
Supreme Court clarifies how payrolls are weighed in backwages disputes involving regular seasonal workers, and when presumption of regularity may be overcome.
Contractual Intent Signatures Fine Print AND Dispute Resolution IN Commercial Agreements
Court rules on venue and arbitration clauses in commercial contracts, emphasizing the importance of clear contractual intent and valid signatures.
Contract to Sell vs. Sale: When Cancellation Is Valid Without Maceda Law
Supreme Court clarifies contract to sell rules, default judgments, and when Maceda Law does not apply to commercial property buyers.
Good Faith and Torrens Titles: Overcoming the Innocent Purchaser Presumption
The Supreme Court explains when a Torrens title holder loses the innocent purchaser presumption and what buyers must prove to keep their property.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails Safeguarding Individual Liberty In Rape With Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court acquits two men of rape with homicide, ruling that weak circumstantial evidence cannot overcome the presumption of innocence.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Rape with Homicide Case for Insufficient Circumstantial Evidence
Supreme Court acquits two men convicted of rape with homicide, ruling that weak circumstantial evidence and doubtful identification cannot overcome reasonable doubt.
Land Registration: Overcoming the State's Presumptive Ownership of Public Lands
The Supreme Court clarifies that buyers and heirs of land must prove it is alienable and disposable—not just show a deed or inheritance—to register title.
Dismissal Upheld: Intra-Corporate Disputes Belong in Commercial Courts
Supreme Court rules a shareholder's ejectment suit against corporate officers is an intra-corporate dispute, not a simple forcible entry case.
Website Activity as Proof of Commercial Use in Philippine Trademark Law
How Philippine courts treat website activity as evidence of commercial use in trademark cases, and what this means for brand owners.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Determining Employer Status in Labor Disputes
Learn when courts pierce the corporate veil in labor cases and how legitimate job contracting differs from prohibited labor-only contracting.
Surety Bonds Liability Extends Until Case Termination Despite NON Renewal
A surety bond stays effective until a case is finally terminated, even without renewal. Learn the rule from Enriquez v. Mercantile Insurance.
Quasi-Delict Claims Need No Reservation: Supreme Transport Ruling Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that quasi-delict counterclaims may proceed without reservation in criminal cases, subject only to the ban on double recovery.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Individual Liability for Corporate Fraud
When can directors be personally liable for corporate fraud? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on piercing the corporate veil.
Fair Wage Standards for Bus Drivers Upheld: PBOAP v. DOLE Explained
The Supreme Court upheld DOLE Order No. 118-12 requiring part-fixed wages for bus drivers, ruling it a valid exercise of police power.
Overcoming Concealment Claims Seafarers Right TO Disability Benefits Despite Prior Condition
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Proving Social Media Authorship and Higher Penalties
Supreme Court clarifies how to prove social media authorship in VAWC psychological abuse cases and applies higher cybercrime penalties.
Child Witness With Cerebral Palsy: Competency and the Pursuit of Justice
The Supreme Court affirms that a child with cerebral palsy can be a competent witness, provided she can perceive and communicate her perceptions.