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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Seafarers Disability Claims Strict Compliance With POEA SEC Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why seafarers must strictly comply with POEA-SEC disability claim procedures, including the 3-day post-employment medical examination rule.
Self-Defense and Proximate Cause: When a Killing Is Homicide, Not Murder
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies self-defense requirements and treachery in homicide cases, reducing murder conviction to homicide.
Formal Will Requirements: Strict vs Substantial Compliance in Probate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when defective attestation clauses invalidate wills, distinguishing strict from substantial compliance under Civil Code Articles 805 and 809.
Due Process in Homeowners Association Expulsions: Lessons from Arroyo v. Rosal Homeowners Association
Supreme Court clarifies due process requirements for homeowners association expulsion and eviction under the Community Mortgage Program.
Breach of Trust: Upholding Employers' Right to Terminate Managerial Employees in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers may validly terminate managerial employees for breach of trust, examining the legal standards and evidentiary requirements.
When Due Process Is Denied: Judge Fined for Ignoring Indispensable Parties and Legal Procedures
A Supreme Court administrative case shows how a judge was fined for ignoring indispensable parties, skipping summons rules, and violating notice requirements.
Timeliness and Sufficiency in Election Protests: Balancing Procedure and Substance
A look at Lloren v. COMELEC on appeal fee deadlines, motion fees, and the mandatory requirements for a valid election protest.
Seafarers Disability Benefits: When 120-Day Rule and POEA Reporting Requirements Apply
Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability benefits, the 120/240-day rule, and POEA contract reporting requirements explained in plain language.
Zero-Rated Sales: Strict Invoicing Requirements for VAT Refund Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: failure to comply with invoicing requirements is fatal to VAT refund claims. Learn the strict rules.
Perfecting Title: Strict Requirements for Land Registration in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the strict rules on land registration, including proof of alienability and possession periods.
Intervention in Land Registration: Timeliness and Legal Interest Requirements
Learn when courts allow intervention in land registration cases and why timing and legal interest matter, based on Ongco v. Dalisay.
Expropriation for Socialized Housing: Balancing Public Needs and Private Property Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements local governments must meet before expropriating private land for socialized housing under R.A. 7279.
Dying Declarations in Philippine Law: When Can a Victim’s Last Words Convict
Philippine law admits dying declarations as evidence. Learn the legal requirements and limits of this exception to hearsay.
Probating Foreign Wills in the Philippines: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to probate a foreign will in the Philippines, including the legal requirements, court process, and practical steps for heirs and executors.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Rules on Destroyed Land Records
Supreme Court clarifies rules on reconstituting lost land titles when registry records were destroyed by fire, easing documentary requirements.
Reconveyance Claims: Proving Land Identity Under Article 434 of the Civil Code
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reconveyance actions: claimants must prove land identity and title. Learn the requirements under Article 434.
Project Employees and Due Process: Clarifying Notice Requirements for Contract Completion
The Supreme Court clarifies when project employees must receive notice of contract completion and the due process requirements for termination.
Jurisdictional Defect: Strict Compliance in Land Title Reconstitution
Reconstitution of lost land titles requires strict compliance with RA 26's jurisdictional requirements; defects are fatal.
Dinagat Islands Case: Supreme Court on Province Creation Requirements
The Supreme Court's Dinagat Islands ruling clarifies the constitutional and statutory requirements for creating a new province in the Philippines.
VAT Compliance Strict Invoicing Requirements FOR Tax Credit Claims IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict VAT invoicing requirements for zero-rated sales tax credit claims.
Environmental Compliance vs. Business Operations: When Is a Jewelry Maker Exempt From LLDA Clearance
The Supreme Court clarifies when a jewelry maker is exempt from LLDA clearance requirements, and why size and assets matter more than the nature of the business.
Land Registration: Proving Ownership and Possession for Public Land Titles
Learn the strict requirements for registering public land under PD 1529, including proof of possession since June 12, 1945.
Impeachment and the Dual Requirements of Filing and Referral in Philippine Law
Explains the Supreme Court's ruling on the two distinct requirements for a valid impeachment complaint under the Constitution.
Cityhood Laws and Equal Protection: The League of Cities Doctrine
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of 16 cityhood laws, ruling that Congress validly exempted certain municipalities from higher income requirements.