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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Directors' Bonuses and Withholding Tax: Clarifying Employee Status in Philippine Tax Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on directors' bonuses, withholding tax on compensation, and the definition of received a Letter of Authority in 1998 to examine its books for taxable year 1997. Followi
Quantum Meruit: Fair Pay When Contracts Lack Clear Terms
Learn how quantum meruit ensures fair compensation when contracts lack clear payment terms, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in International Hotel Corporation v. Joaquin.
Overseas Workers' Full Compensation for Illegal Dismissal: Key SC Ruling
SC clarifies that illegally dismissed overseas workers with contracts under one year get full unexpired term salaries, including benefits.
Just Compensation and Timely Payment: Landowners' Right to Interest for Delayed Agrarian Reform Payments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when landowners may claim 12% interest on delayed just compensation in agrarian reform cases.
Courts, Not Legislators, Set Just Compensation in Philippine Eminent Domain Cases
Supreme Court rules statutory caps like NPC's 10% easement limit cannot override judicial determination of just compensation.
Easement vs Expropriation: Just Compensation for Right of Way Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court clarifies that statutory caps on easement fees do not bind courts in determining just compensation for transmission line right of way.
Determining Fair Compensation in Philippine Expropriation Cases: Key Lessons from Republic v. Heirs of Bautist
Learn how Philippine courts determine just compensation in expropriation cases, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Republic v. Heirs of Bautista.
Causal Connection in Seafarer Death Claims: Proving the Link Between Injury and Fatality
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the evidentiary standard for death compensation claims in seafarer cases, requiring substantial proof of causation.
Just Compensation for Agrarian Reform Land: What Land Bank v. Costo Teaches
The Supreme Court affirms that courts, not agencies, have the final say on just compensation for agrarian reform land.
Certiorari as a Substitute for Appeal: Navigating Procedural Deadlines in Expropriation Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when courts may take judicial notice of land values and why the DAR formula must govern just compensation in agrarian expropriation.
Seafarers Disability Claims Upholding Timely Medical Assessments FOR Fair Compensation
NHA Incentive Allowances Disallowed: When Government Compensation Rationalization Prevails
Supreme Court affirms COA disallowance of NHA incentive allowances, ruling that PD 1597 and RA 6758 repealed the NHA Board's power to grant them.
CARP Landowner Rights After CLOA Issuance: Diamond Farms Case on Just Compensation and Beneficiary Possession
Supreme Court ruling on landowner rights, just compensation, and beneficiary possession under CARP after CLOA issuance in Diamond Farms v. Diamond Farm Workers.
Double Compensation and Gratuity Pay: Constitutional Limits for Government Workers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when gratuity pay becomes prohibited double compensation under the Constitution for government employees.
Eminent Domain vs Easement: Just Compensation for Transmission Lines in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when transmission line projects require full just compensation rather than mere easement fees.
EX Officio Roles and Compensation When Extra Pay Violates the Constitution
The Supreme Court upholds COA's disallowance of P5.45M in per diems paid to ex officio PEZA board members, citing the constitutional ban on additional compensation.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Balancing Landowner Rights and Social Justice
The Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation is determined in agrarian reform cases, balancing landowner rights with the state's social justice mandate.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Valuing Land Fairly Under RA 6657
How Philippine courts determine just compensation in agrarian reform, using Land Bank v. Heirs of Juan Lopez as a guide.
Custodia Legis: Ensuring Impartial Custody of Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform
The Supreme Court affirms that trial courts may order physical turnover of agrarian reform deposits to the clerk of court for custodia legis, ensuring impartial custody pending final valuation.
Just Compensation IN Agrarian Reform Valuing Land AT THE Time OF Taking
Just Compensation for Transmission Lines: Full Market Value, Not Easement Fees
Explaining NAPOCOR v. Saludares on just compensation for transmission line easements—full market value, no prescription, and valuation timing.
Eminent Domain: Public Use Prevails Over Private Business Interests in Expropriation
Supreme Court nullifies RTC orders denying expropriation of private lots for state university, reaffirming eminent domain for public use with just compensation.
Timeliness is Key: Understanding the 15-Day Rule for Agrarian Disputes
The Supreme Court explains why landowners must file just compensation cases within 15 days of the DARAB decision, or lose their right.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Upholding Fair Market Value for Property Owners
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that just compensation in expropriation is based on fair market value, not tax or zonal valuations alone.