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 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.
Judicial Ethics and the Price of Impropriety: Lessons from the Court of Appeals Controversy
The Supreme Court's ruling on the CA justices' conduct in the Meralco-GSIS case underscores the strict standards of judicial ethics and propriety.
Reconstitution of Cadastral Records: Publication Requirement for Court Jurisdiction
Learn when publication in the Official Gazette is required to reconstitute cadastral records under Act 3110, and how the Supreme Court resolved this property law dispute.
Warrantless Arrest in Marijuana Plantation Raid: People v. Alunday Explained
A look at when police may arrest without a warrant in flagrante delicto, based on People v. Alunday (G.R. No. 181546).
Circumstantial Evidence and Conviction: Rape with Homicide Requires Moral Certainty
When can circumstantial evidence convict someone of rape with homicide? The Supreme Court explains the moral certainty standard.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Legal Threshold for Carnal Knowledge and Victim Credibility
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, clarifying that slight penetration of the labia suffices for carnal knowledge and that a credible victim's testimony alone can convict.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Moral Ascendancy as Intimidation in Familial Settings
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of a cousin, ruling that moral ascendancy in familial settings constitutes intimidation, and clarifies penetration standards.
When a Father's Betrayal Meets the Eyes of Justice: Re-evaluating Guilt in Incestuous Rape Cases
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows how incestuous rape is proven, why a victim's testimony carries weight, and what penalties and damages the law imposes.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Victim Testimony and the Rejection of Alibi
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a credible victim's testimony outweighs alibi and denial defenses.
Illegal Recruitment Conviction Stands Even Without Direct Misrepresentation of Authority to Deploy Workers Abr
The Supreme Court affirms that giving the impression of ability to send workers abroad, without express claims of authority, constitutes illegal recruitment.
Twin Resolutions and Forum Shopping: Lessons from Heirs of Valdez v. Court of Appeals
When a court issues two conflicting resolutions on the same day, what happens to the case and the forum shopping rule? The Supreme Court explains.
Election Gun Ban vs Illegal Firearm Possession: Avoiding Double Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a person can be convicted of illegal firearm possession during an election gun ban period.
Substantial Compliance Upholding Justice Over Strict Procedural Rules in Labor Disputes
In Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Foundation v. Garchitorena, the Supreme Court ruled that substantial compliance with procedural rules can prevent outright dismissal of appeals.
Rape Conviction Affirmed on Credibility of Testimony and Weak Defense of Alibi
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction, explaining why credible eyewitness testimony outweighs alibi and denial in Philippine criminal cases.
Overseas Dreams, Broken Promises: The High Cost of Illegal Recruitment
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a Japanese national for large-scale illegal recruitment and estafa, clarifying penalties and damages.
Valid Service of Summons on Corporations: Strict Rules Protect Corporate Rights
Learn how strict service of summons rules protect corporations from default judgments in Philippine civil procedure.
Witness Credibility and Treachery in Murder: People v. Goleas
Philippine Supreme Court affirms murder conviction despite witness inconsistencies and defense alibi, explaining treachery and witness credibility rules.
Upholding Workers' Rights: The Extent of DOLE's Authority and the Validity of Labor Standards Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of DOLE's visitorial powers over labor standards claims and the limits of its jurisdiction.
Due Process and DOLE Jurisdiction: Lessons from Bay Haven v. Abuan
Supreme Court clarifies DOLE visitorial powers, due process in labor inspections, and limits on monetary awards in compliance orders.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Warning and Vulnerability in Determining Guilt
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how treachery is determined, even when a victim receives a verbal warning before a sudden attack.
Buy-Bust Operations: Conviction Upheld Despite Procedural Lapses in Drug Cases
Supreme Court affirms drug conviction despite missing pre-operation reports and inventory lapses, clarifying what really matters in buy-bust cases.
Arson Conviction Upheld: Eyewitness Testimony Enough for Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Supreme Court affirms arson conviction, ruling a single credible eyewitness can prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt and establish corpus delicti.
Parol Evidence Rule and Oral Agreements in Lease Contracts: Key Lessons from Amoncio v. Benedicto
When can oral agreements modify a written lease? The Supreme Court explains the parol evidence rule and its exceptions.
Protecting the Innocent: Statutory Rape and the Incapacity of Minors to Consent
Explaining statutory rape under Philippine law, why minors cannot legally consent, and how courts protect child victims.