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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Assessed Value, Not Market Value, Governs Court Jurisdiction in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court rules that in actions involving title to or possession of real property, the assessed value—not market value—determines which court has jurisdiction.
Supreme Court Upholds VAT Refund Law for Foreign Tourists
The Supreme Court upholds RA 12079's VAT refund for foreign tourists, ruling it does not violate equal protection and uniform taxation.
When Employment Contracts Expire: Protecting Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when contract expiration becomes illegal dismissal, and why employees cannot be forced into early retirement before age 65.
Urban Land Reform Tenants Right Of First Refusal Limited TO Declared Zones
The Supreme Court clarifies that the right of first refusal under P.D. 1517 applies only to tenants in declared urban land reform zones.
When Does the Appeal Clock Start for Offended Parties in Criminal Acquittals?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the 15-day appeal period begins for private offended parties appealing the civil aspect of an acquittal.
Eyewitness Testimony and Positive Identification in Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on eyewitness identification, circumstantial evidence, and penalties in carnapping and homicide cases.
Adverse Claims and Good Faith: Protecting Mortgage Interests in Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how adverse claims and buyer good faith affect mortgage rights in property transfers.
Preserving Rights When Preliminary Injunction Halts Foreclosure Consolidation
When can a preliminary injunction stop foreclosure consolidation? The Supreme Court explains the two requisites and the role of status quo.
Judicial Efficiency vs. Litigants' Rights: Resolving Motions Promptly
The Supreme Court admonished a judge for failing to resolve a pending motion for over a year, affirming that promptness applies even to interlocutory matters.
Carnapping and Homicide: Conviction Through Circumstantial Evidence and Admissible Confessions
The Supreme Court explains how circumstantial evidence and admissions to private persons can establish guilt in carnapping and homicide cases.
In-Court Identification Overcomes Police Lineup Doubts in Rape Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on police lineup identification, in-court testimony, and rape conviction under Article 335 of the Revised Penal Code.
Treachery Unproven Conviction Reduced In Shooting Due To Lack Of Evidence Of Planned Attack
Supreme Court ruling explains when treachery applies in shooting cases and why lack of proof of a planned attack reduces criminal liability.
Kidnapping for Ransom: When Victim Testimony Alone Sustains a Conviction
The Supreme Court affirmed a kidnapping-for-ransom conviction based on the victim's positive identification, showing eyewitness testimony can outweigh bare denials.
CNA Signing Bonuses: Protecting Social Security Funds From Unauthorized Disbursements
The Supreme Court ruled that the SSS cannot grant CNA signing bonuses to its employees, protecting workers' trust funds from unauthorized disbursements.
Breach of Trust vs Social Justice: When Separation Pay Is Justified
The Supreme Court clarifies when dismissed employees may receive separation pay as social justice, using San Miguel Corporation vs. Lao.
Private Searches and Constitutional Rights: When Is Evidence Admissible
The Supreme Court clarifies that constitutional protection against unreasonable searches applies only against government action, not private individuals.
Judicial Stability Doctrine: Resolving Jurisdictional Conflicts Between Co-Equal Courts
Philippine Supreme Court explains the doctrine of judicial stability and how co-equal courts resolve jurisdictional conflicts without overstepping authority.
Sheriffs' Duty to Execute Court Orders: Balancing Diligence and Due Process
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs' duty to promptly execute writs of demolition, balancing enforcement with respect for due process.
Safeguarding Public Domain: Constitutional Limits on Private Land Acquisition
The Supreme Court ruled that reclaimed lands remain public domain and cannot be sold to private corporations, reaffirming constitutional limits.
Youth Elections and the Shifting Sands of Legal Standing: Montesclaros vs. Comelec
The Supreme Court explains why youth who aged out of the SK had no standing to challenge election postponement and age requirement changes.
Reasonable Doubt and Credibility in Online Rape-Related Abuse Cases
How the Supreme Court affirmed a conviction for psychological abuse under RA 9262 committed through Facebook, and why credibility remains decisive.
The Mandatory Nature of Non-Forum Shopping Certifications in Ejectment Cases
A Supreme Court ruling underscores that the certification against forum shopping is a mandatory requirement in ejectment complaints, and its omission warrants dismissal.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and the Mandatory Death Penalty
Philippine Supreme Court affirms death penalty for statutory rape of a six-year-old, explaining the rules on victim credibility and damages.
Corporate Dissolution and Judgment Enforcement: Rights Survive Liquidation
A final judgment can still be enforced after a corporation dissolves — the Supreme Court explains why in this ruling.