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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Reinstatement and Attorney's Fees: Protecting Employee Rights After Illegal Termination
Learn how the Supreme Court protects employees' right to reinstatement and backwages after illegal dismissal, and what it means for workers.
Debt Recovery Execution: Waiver of Demand and Proving Overlevy
Learn when a sheriff's failure to demand payment is excused and how to prove overlevy in execution sales under Rule 39.
Redemption Rights Interest Computation CUT OFF In Foreclosure Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that in DBP foreclosure redemptions, interest stops accruing at the auction date.
Navigating TAX Exemptions THE Fine Line Between National AND Local Levies
Press Freedom vs. Fair Comment: The Limits of Libel Law in Tulfo v. People
The Supreme Court in Tulfo v. People clarifies when press freedom ends and criminal libel begins, applying the actual malice standard to defamatory columns.
Safeguarding Due Process in Administrative Proceedings: The Ruivivar Case
Explaining when Ombudsman decisions are final and unappealable, and how due process is preserved in administrative cases.
Compromise Agreements in Philippine Litigation: Ensuring Validity and Enforcement
Learn how Philippine courts treat compromise agreements, including validity requirements, enforcement mechanisms, and practical tips for ensuring compliance.
When 'In Lieu of All Taxes' Does Not Mean Local Tax Exemption: Smart Communications v. City of Davao
The Supreme Court ruled that a franchise's "in lieu of all taxes" clause covers only national taxes, not local franchise taxes.
Self-Defense or Murder: Treachery and Voluntary Surrender in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a sudden knife attack is treachery, and when voluntary surrender can mitigate murder liability.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: When a Separation Package Waives Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when accepting a separation package during reorganization bars a later illegal dismissal claim.
Jurisdictional Thresholds in Property Disputes: Assessed Value vs. Estimated Value
Philippine courts clarify that assessed value, not estimated value, determines which court has jurisdiction over property disputes.
Rape and Intimidation: How Fear Can Establish Force Without Physical Injury
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in rape cases, intimidation can substitute for physical force—a knife threat suffices even without injuries.
Suretyship Perfected Surety Liable Despite Appeal Rejection
A surety bond is perfected upon issuance, not upon the appeal's success. Learn the Supreme Court's ruling in Quiamco v. Capital Insurance.
Full Market Value, Not a 10% Cap, Is Just Compensation for Power-Line Easements
In NPC v. Purefoods, the Court held that a transmission-line easement that cripples normal use must be paid at full market value, not 10%.
Upholding Trust in Notarization: Consequences for Negligence in Verifying Document Signatures
A lawyer who notarized a deed without the signatories appearing before him was suspended and disqualified. Learn the notarial rules.
Notarization Is Not a Rubber Stamp: Supreme Court Disbars Negligent Notary
A notary who notarized a forged deed without verifying signers' identities was suspended and disqualified. Learn the rules on notarization.
VAT Refund Claims Strict Deadlines Apply Even If Payment IS Belated
Philippine Supreme Court rules VAT refund claims must be filed within two years from the taxable quarter's close, not from payment date.
Corporate Misrepresentation Piercing THE Veil OF Deceit IN Investment Fraud
Lawyer Suspended for Misusing Attached Properties in Custody of Court
Lawyer suspended one year for taking custody of attached vehicles without court authority and allowing their unauthorized use.
Finality OF Awards THE Importance OF Following Appeal Procedures IN Land Disputes
Rape Conviction Upheld: Credible Testimony and Medical Evidence Validate Child Victim's Account
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining why a child victim's credible testimony and medical findings outweigh denial and alibi.
Rape Delay in Reporting Due to Fear and Intimidation Does Not Affect Victim's Credibility
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a rape victim's delay in reporting due to fear of the offender does not diminish her credibility or indicate a false accusation.
Loan Restructuring vs Mortgage Release: When Must a Bank Return Collateral?
When a borrower restructures a loan and assigns property as partial payment, is the bank obliged to release other collateral? The Supreme Court explains.
Investment or Loan? The Estafa Trap in Misrepresented Business Ventures
When a business deal fails, is it a breach of contract or estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies when false pretenses turn a failed investment into a criminal offense.