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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Navigating Sequestration: Why Court Approval Is Mandatory for Disposing of Assets in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why sequestered assets, including dividends, cannot be sold without Sandiganbayan approval.
Trademark Territoriality and Bad Faith Registration in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies territoriality principle and bad faith in trademark registration under R.A. 166 in Shangri-La case.
Philippine VAT Zero-Rating for Services: The "Doing Business Outside the Philippines" Requirement
Supreme Court clarifies VAT zero-rating for services requires the recipient to be doing business outside the Philippines, not just payment in foreign currency.
Dishonesty in Public Office: Understanding Administrative Liability in the Philippines
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Apolinario v. Flores on administrative liability for dishonesty, double jeopardy, and substantial evidence.
Ombudsman's Discretion in Graft Cases: When Courts Step In
Explore how Philippine courts review Ombudsman discretion in graft cases, balancing prosecutorial independence with judicial oversight.
Missed Deadlines Dismissed Cases Understanding Failure TO Prosecute IN Philippine Courts
Understand how Philippine courts handle failure to prosecute and missed deadlines, and why procedural rules may be relaxed in labor cases.
Online Psychological Abuse and Higher Penalties Under RA 9262 and the Cybercrime Law
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for online psychological abuse under RA 9262 and raises the penalty because the offense was committed through Facebook.
Breach of Trust: When Can a Manager Be Dismissed in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when employers may validly dismiss managerial employees for loss of trust and confidence.
Scope of a Doctor's Duty: No Administrative Liability for Patient's Departure Against Medical Advice
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that doctors are not administratively liable when a patient leaves against medical advice, defining the scope of medical duty.
Judge Dismissed for Extramarital Affair: High Court Reinforces Judicial Morality Standards
Supreme Court dismisses judge for gross immorality over extramarital affair and child, suspends him from law practice for three years.
Construction Contract Disputes: Why Written Agreements and Arbitration Decisions Matter
A Supreme Court ruling on construction disputes shows why written agreements and final arbitration decisions matter in Philippine law.
Dation in Payment and Perfected Contracts of Sale Under Philippine Law
When is a deposit earnest money? This case explains when a contract of sale is perfected and why a bank's qualified acceptance was only a counter-offer.
Perfected Contract of Sale: The Necessity of Unequivocal Agreement on Price and Terms in Real Estate Transacti
Learn how Philippine courts treat contracts of sale, emphasizing the need for clear agreement on price and terms to avoid disputes.
Lost Titles and Land Disputes: When a Lost Title Isn't Really Lost
The Supreme Court clarifies that a petition to replace a "lost" title requires proof of actual loss—a jurisdictional fact that cannot be assumed.
Finality of Judgments: Why Courts Cannot Revisit Decided Cases
Explore the doctrine of finality of judgments in Philippine law, its rationale, exceptions, and practical implications for litigants.
Upholding Timely Justice: The Consequences of Neglect for Court Stenographers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court holds court stenographers accountable for delayed transcripts, reinforcing the duty to ensure speedy justice for all.
Bouncing Checks and Unconscionable Interest: BP 22 Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when unconscionable loan interest affects criminal liability for bouncing checks under BP 22.
Altering Tax Declarations: The Uriarte Case on Undue Injury Under Anti-Graft Law
A municipal assessor altered tax declaration entries to favor his father's land, leading to a conviction for violation of Section 3(e) of R.A. 3019.
Exclusivity Clauses in Philippine Contracts: When Are They Valid?
Exclusivity clauses are not automatically invalid restraints of trade in the Philippines. They are enforceable when reasonable and tied to legitimate business interests.
Jurisdiction in Land Title Reconstitution: Why Notice to Occupants Matters
Learn when courts acquire jurisdiction in reconstitution cases and why notice to occupants is mandatory under RA 26.
When Government Officials Are Personally Liable for Audit Disallowances
The Supreme Court explains when public officials may be held personally liable for disallowed government expenditures, and when good faith approval is enough.
Court Fund Accountability: Clerk of Court Liabilities in the Philippines
Financial audit case clarifies the accountability of clerks of court and cash clerks for shortages, delayed deposits, and misuse of court funds.
Final Judgment IS Final Understanding Immutability IN Philippine Courts
Learn how the doctrine of immutability of judgment prevents courts from altering final decisions, with insights from a Philippine Supreme Court case.
When Must Private Entities Account for Government Funds? Campomanes v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies when private individuals receiving government funds must render accounts to the COA, and when they cannot be held liable under Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code.