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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Senior Citizen Discount Tax Credit: Carry-Over Allowed Even Without Tax Due
Supreme Court rules 20% senior citizen discount is a tax credit, not deduction, and can be carried over when no tax is due.
Illegal Dismissal Burden of Proof: Employer Must Substantiate Abandonment Claims
In Velasco v. NLRC, the Supreme Court clarified that employers bear the burden of proving abandonment in illegal dismissal cases, and that separation pay does not replace backwages.
Beyond Resignation: Constructive Dismissal and Harassment Claims in Philippine Labor Law
When does a resignation become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on forced resignation and workplace harassment claims.
Revoking Mining Rights: Strict Compliance and Government Authority Over Natural Resources
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on exploration permit validity, agency, assignment requirements, and government power over forest reserves.
Disqualification and Succession in Local Elections: The Sinsuat Case
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on disqualification of winning candidates, ballot appreciation, and succession rules in Philippine local elections.
Religious Freedom and Administrative Discipline: The Escritor Doctrine on Benevolent Neutrality
Explaining the Supreme Court's landmark ruling on religious freedom as a defense in administrative cases, and the compelling state interest test.
Fraud Voids Donations: Protecting Consent in Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how fraud and misrepresentation invalidate donations, protecting illiterate donors' consent in property transfers.
Restrictions on Allowances for Water District Directors: Balancing Compensation and Public Service
The Supreme Court clarifies which allowances water district directors may receive under PD 198, prohibiting all compensation beyond per diems.
Security of Tenure and Board Membership: Garayblas v. Atienza on Illegal Ouster
When does a board member's ouster become a justiciable case? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between termination of appointment and illegal removal.
Surety's Liability Survives Death of Principal Debtor: Stronghold Insurance v. Republic-Asahi
The Supreme Court rules that a surety's solidary liability under a performance bond is not extinguished by the death of the principal debtor.
Strikes and Lockouts: Balancing Workers' Rights and Employer Interests in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on illegal strikes, work slowdowns, and the distinct penalties for union officers versus ordinary members.
When a Judge's Contempt Power Becomes Grave Abuse of Authority
Supreme Court fines judge for citing a building operator in contempt over a switched-off circuit breaker, reaffirming limits on judicial contempt power.
Unjust Enrichment and Extra Work: When Contractors Get Paid for Necessary Additions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contractor compensation for necessary extra work, unjust enrichment, and liquidated damages in construction contracts.
Fraudulent Conveyance: When Property Sales Defeat Creditors' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a property sale is fraudulent against creditors and when creditors can rescind.
When Is the Accused the Culprit? Assessing Witness Credibility in Homicide Cases
How Philippine courts weigh witness credibility in homicide cases, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Bricenio v. People.
Reconstitution of Titles: Verifying Authenticity and Protecting Property Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies judicial reconstitution of lost titles under RA 26, emphasizing owner's duplicate authenticity and jurisdictional requirements.
When Counsel's Error Binds the Client: Lessons from Tan v. Court of Appeals
A client is bound by counsel's mistakes, including missed appeal deadlines. Philippine Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgments.
Due Process Prevails in Property Disputes: When a Writ of Possession Cannot Be Enjoined
The Supreme Court clarifies when a writ of possession in extrajudicial foreclosures is ministerial and when due process protects third-party possessors.
Upholding Corporate Governance: The Limits of SEC Intervention in Church Disputes
When can courts reorganize a management committee created by the SEC? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of regulatory intervention in corporate disputes.
Upholding Integrity: Disciplining Court Employees for Misconduct Outside Official Duties
The Supreme Court suspended a court stenographer for one year for moonlighting, showing judiciary staff may be disciplined for acts outside their official duties.
Breach of Warranty vs Waiver: Marine Insurance Policy Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies breach of warranty, waiver, and insurer liability in marine insurance disputes under the Insurance Code.
Employer Liability When an Employee's Crime Becomes the Company's Debt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer subsidiary liability for crimes committed by employees, and when companies must answer for employee misconduct.
Sellers Beware: Ethical Duties When Assigning Property Rights You Don't Fully Own
A lawyer-seller assigned a townhouse he hadn't fully paid for. The Supreme Court suspended him for three years, reminding sellers of their ethical duties.
Seafarers Are Contractual Employees: What This Means for Benefits Claims
Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers are contractual, not regular, employees—affecting 13th month pay and disability benefits claims.