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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VAT Refund Denied for Failure to Print "Zero-Rated" on Invoices
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failure to print "zero-rated" on sales invoices bars VAT refund claims, even for exporters.
VAT Refund Eligibility Excess Creditable VAT Withheld MAY BE Refunded AS Erroneously Collected TAX
Insubordination and Due Process: Understanding Employee Rights in Disciplinary Actions
The Supreme Court clarifies when a suspension order is valid, what due process requires, and when defiance justifies dismissal under Philippine law.
Adverse Claim vs Execution Sale: Protecting Prior Registered Rights Over Land
The Supreme Court ruled that a levy on execution is subordinate to valid encumbrances already annotated on the title, and that an adverse claim gives constructive notice to all.
Balancing Indigenous Land Rights and Government Authority: Clarifying the Scope of NCIP Injunction Powers
The Supreme Court clarifies when the NCIP may issue injunctions in ancestral land disputes, balancing indigenous rights against government authority.
Union Leave vs Management Prerogative: Balancing Rights in the Workplace
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on union leave, management prerogative, and the consequences of defying a disapproved leave application.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as Valid Cause for Dismissal: Bibiana Farms v. Lado
Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal and what procedural due process requires in employee termination.
Due Process in Termination: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Protection in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that dismissal for just cause still requires procedural due process, with nominal damages for violations.
When Silence Isn't Golden: Affirmative Identification and Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court in Vidar v. People explains why delayed reporting, mug-shot identification, and relationship to the victim do not necessarily weaken a prosecution for robbery with homicide.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim Testimony and Deadly Weapon in Rape Cases
Supreme Court affirms rape convictions, ruling credible victim testimony suffices and a proven knife threat justifies exemplary damages.
Motion for Reconsideration: A Necessary Step Before Filing Certiorari
Learn why Philippine courts require a motion for reconsideration before a Rule 65 certiorari petition, as shown in this Supreme Court ruling.
Fair Election Practices: Candidates Responsible for Donated Political Ads
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on candidate liability for donated political advertisements under the Fair Elections Act and COMELEC rules.
The Devil in the Details: Upholding Conviction Despite Flaw in Rape Information
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction but reduces penalty to reclusion perpetua because the information failed to allege relationship within the third civil degree.
Rape Conviction Affirming Victim Testimony AND Ensuring Justice
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, explains qualifying circumstances and penalties under Philippine law.
Due Process in PEZA Registration Cancellation: What Fair Administrative Action Requires
The Supreme Court clarifies what due process means in PEZA registration cancellation cases, explaining the notice-and-hearing requirement for ecozone enterprises.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: PEZA Cancellation of Ecozone Registration Upheld
Supreme Court rules on due process and substantial evidence in administrative proceedings involving PEZA cancellation of ecozone enterprise registration.
DUE Process AND Forcible Entry Prior Possession Prevails IN Land Disputes
Good Faith and Land Titles: Resolving Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court balances Torrens titles against good faith in ownership disputes, and why buyers must investigate suspicious circumstances.
Disbarment for Misconduct: Upholding Candor and Justice in Legal Practice
A lawyer's disbarment for abuse of court processes, forum shopping, and falsehoods—a reminder that zeal must yield to truth and justice.
Preventive Suspension of Public Officials: Due Process and Unexplained Wealth in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Ombudsman may preventively suspend public officials and what due process requires in unexplained wealth cases.
Contempt of the COMELEC: The Scope of Its Quasi-Judicial Power Explained
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's power to cite for contempt even when acting through fact-finding task forces, clarifying the scope of its quasi-judicial authority.
Contempt of the COMELEC: Scope of Power and Due Process in Election Investigations
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's power to initiate contempt proceedings motu proprio during fact-finding investigations, clarifying due process requirements.
Presidential Warranties vs. State Sovereignty: The PICOP Timber License Case
The Supreme Court ruled presidential warranties on timber licenses are not contracts, and state sovereignty over natural resources prevails.
Refusal to Accept Notices Upholds Lessor's Rights in Unlawful Detainer Cases
A lessee's refusal to accept notices to vacate cannot defeat a lessor's right to recover possession in unlawful detainer cases.