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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NPC Franchise Tax Case: Local Governments Can Tax Government Corporations
The Supreme Court ruled that provinces may impose franchise tax on government-owned corporations like NPC under the Local Government Code.
Ombudsman's Power to Impose Administrative Penalties: Not Just a Recommendation
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Ombudsman can directly impose administrative penalties, not merely recommend them, under the Constitution and RA 6770.
Execution Pending Appeal in Election Cases: When "Good Reasons" Are Not Enough
The Supreme Court clarifies when execution pending appeal in election cases is allowed and why "good reasons" must be clearly established.
Reformation of Contract: When Does the Prescription Period Begin?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the 10-year prescriptive period for reformation of contract starts—not from execution, but from discovery of the mistake.
When a Plea Does Not Bar Re-Arraignment: Double Jeopardy and Defective Informations
The Supreme Court explains when a conditional arraignment and an amended information do not trigger double jeopardy protections in Philippine criminal procedure.
Limits of Administrative Rulemaking: Can Implementing Rules Expand a Law's Scope?
The Supreme Court clarifies that implementing rules cannot expand a law's scope, upholding DepEd Order No. 1, Series of 2003.
COSLAP Jurisdiction: When Can the Commission Settle Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the limited jurisdiction of COSLAP over land disputes, distinguishing it from DARAB's agrarian cases.
Double Jeopardy in the Philippines: Understanding the Limits of Appealing Acquittals
The Supreme Court clarifies when double jeopardy attaches in Philippine criminal cases, using a Sandiganbayan conditional arraignment case as the focal point.
Untangling Tax Assessment Appeals: Deadlines and Excusable Neglect
A bank missed the 30-day window to appeal its tax assessment to the CTA. The Supreme Court explains why deadlines are jurisdictional and when relief is unavailable.
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.
Attorney Conflicts of Interest: Lessons from Philippine Jurisprudence
Learn how Philippine courts handle attorney conflicts of interest, consent requirements, and ethical duties through key Supreme Court rulings.
Falsification of Documents: Proving Intent and Damage in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on notarial falsification, forgery evidence, and lawyer liability in Lingan v. Calubaquib.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: What Philippine Courts Look For
When is a deed of sale really a mortgage? The Supreme Court explains the rules on equitable mortgage in Cirelos v. Hernandez.
Stare Decisis in Philippine Courts: How Prior Rulings Bind Future Cases
The Supreme Court applies stare decisis to bar relitigation of the Pepsi The decision demonstrates how prior rulings on the same controversy can bar subsequent claims and promote consistency in the ad
Due Process in Administrative Cases: Understanding Your Rights
Learn how the Supreme Court applies due process in administrative proceedings and what rights individuals have when facing government actions.
Deficiency Judgments in Philippine Foreclosure: Can Banks Recover More After Auction?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when banks can collect deficiency after extrajudicial foreclosure of real estate mortgages.
Employee Termination: Just Cause and Due Process Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the standards for valid employee termination in the Philippines, focusing on just cause and due process requirements.
Search Warrant Requirements in the Philippines: A Judge's Duty to Examine Witnesses in Writing
The Supreme Court reminds judges that issuing search warrants requires a written, searching examination of witnesses—not just oral interviews.
Banking Insolvency: When the Central Bank Can Close an Insolvent Bank
The Supreme Court upholds the Central Bank's power to close insolvent banks, explaining the legal meaning of insolvency and the limits of judicial review.
Perfecting Your Appeal: Understanding Docket Fee Payment Requirements in the Philippines
Learn the rules on docket fee payment for appeals in the Philippines, including timing, amount, and consequences of non-payment.
When Government Salaries Can Be Withheld: The Santiago COA Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when COA may withhold a government employee's salary for an alleged cash shortage, and when it cannot apply the withheld amounts.
Unsigned Stipulations in Mortgages: Philippine Supreme Court Upholds Consent as Key
Philippine Supreme Court rules a mortgage stipulation inserted after signing without the mortgagor's consent is void ab initio.
Successor Liability in Philippine Labor Law: When Is a Company Responsible for Another's Debts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a company becomes liable for another firm's labor debts under successor liability rules.
Finality of Judgments in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
The Supreme Court enforces final disbarment orders through execution and contempt, underscoring the doctrine of finality of judgment.