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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Halal Certification for Philippine Exporters: Requirements and Process
Halal certification is mandatory for Philippine products exported as Halal. Learn the requirements, the role of the PAB, and the Philippine Halal Logo rules.
Halal Certification Philippines Export Requirements Under R.A. 10817
Halal certification for Philippine exports is governed by R.A. 10817. Learn the three mandatory requirements, the Halal Board, and the Philippine Halal Logo.
Transfer Pricing Documentation in the Philippines: Who Must Prepare It
Who must prepare transfer pricing documentation in the Philippines? Learn the BIR thresholds under RR No. 34-2020 and when a TPD is mandatory.
Transfer Pricing Thresholds Philippines: When Documentation Becomes Mandatory
Transfer pricing thresholds in the Philippines determine when a taxpayer must prepare Transfer Pricing Documentation. Learn the peso limits and who must file.
Party List Nominee Substitution Rules: Safeguarding Electoral Integrity
The Supreme Court clarifies post-election party-list nominee substitution rules, emphasizing mandatory deadlines and the electorate's right to choose.
Consortium Requirement in Subtransmission Asset Acquisition: A Philippine Power Industry Guide
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies mandatory consortium requirement under EPIRA Section 8 for subtransmission asset acquisition by distribution utilities.
Adoption in the Philippines: Consent of Adult Children and Jurisdictional Requirements
Learn why consent of the adopter's legitimate children is mandatory in Philippine adoption and how failure to serve summons voids the judgment.
SALN Compliance: Government Must Notify Officials and Allow Correction Before Penalties
The Supreme Court clarifies that government agencies must follow the mandatory review and compliance procedure before penalizing officials for SALN errors or omissions.
SALN Errors and Government Access: When the Ombudsman Cannot Prosecute
The Supreme Court clarifies that government agencies must follow the mandatory SALN review procedure before prosecuting public officials for omissions.
SALN Compliance: Government’s Duty to Notify and Consequences of Non-Compliance
The Supreme Court clarifies that government agencies must follow the mandatory review and compliance procedure before penalizing officials for SALN errors or omissions.
VAT Refund Claims: The Mandatory 120+30 Day Rule in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that the 120+30 day rule for VAT refund claims is mandatory and jurisdictional. Learn the deadlines and exceptions.
Mining Rights vs Indigenous Rights: Prior Consent Is Paramount for MPSA Renewal
Supreme Court rules FPIC and NCIP certification are mandatory for MPSA renewal, protecting indigenous peoples' ancestral domain rights.
VAT Refund Timelines: The 120+30 Day Rule and Its Window Period Exception
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies VAT refund filing deadlines, the mandatory 120+30 day rule, and the window period exception under BIR Ruling DA-489-03.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Strict Compliance With Three-Day Reporting Rule
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarers' disability claims and the mandatory three-day post-employment medical examination requirement under the POEA-SEC.
Overcoming the Presumption in Seafarer Disability Claims and Employer Responsibilities in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the disputable presumption of work-relatedness in seafarer disability claims, and the mandatory third-doctor referral rule.
Supreme Court Upholds Mandatory SOCE Filing Deadline, Balances Rule of Law with Equity
The Supreme Court ruled COMELEC gravely abused discretion in extending the SOCE filing deadline, but applied the operative fact doctrine.
Written Notice Is Mandatory in Legal Redemption: Rama v. Spouses Nogra
Supreme Court affirms that co-owners must receive written notice of a sale before the 30-day redemption period can begin to run.
Navigating the Philippine Electric Power Industry: Mandatory vs Voluntary Migration
The Supreme Court clarifies when electricity end-users may be compelled to leave the captive market under the EPIRA.
Navigating Disability Benefits: The Importance of Timely Reporting for Seafarers
A seafarer's disability claim can fail without timely reporting and compliance with the POEA-SEC's mandatory procedures.
Attorneys' Fees in Estate Recovery: Insights from the Supreme Court's Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies mandatory personal notice to known heirs in probate proceedings and its impact on estate recovery.
Probate Notices: Personal Notification of Known Heirs Is Mandatory in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that publication alone is not enough; known heirs must receive personal notice in probate proceedings.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Why Court-Appointed Commissioners Are Mandatory
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that appointing commissioners to determine just compensation in expropriation cases is mandatory, even under RA 8974.
Presidential Approval and Legal Compliance in Corporate Incentives: PSALM v. COA
Learn from PSALM v. COA why presidential approval is mandatory for GOCC incentives and how bad faith affects liability for disallowed benefits.
Undue Delay in Case Decisions: A Judge's Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court holds a retired judge liable for undue delay in deciding cases, underscoring the mandatory 90-day period and its consequences.