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.
Right of First Refusal in Lease Agreements and Property Sales in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lessee's right of first refusal when leased property is sold, explained in plain language.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Qualifying Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, and why self-defense failed in People v. Manulit.
When a Guilty Plea Is Not Enough: Proving Murder Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains why a guilty plea to a capital offense still requires the prosecution to prove guilt and the precise degree of culpability.
GSIS Pension Rights: Recovering Retirement Benefits After a Wrongful Denial
Learn how the Supreme Court protects government retirees' pension rights, even when GSIS initially approved benefits under the wrong law.
Partial Summary Judgments: Why They Are Not Immediately Executable
A partial summary judgment is interlocutory, not final. It cannot be executed while the main case is pending, explains Philippine Business Bank v. Chua.
When the Secretary of Labor May Award Higher Wages Than a Union MOA
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether the Labor Secretary can grant wage increases higher than a union's memorandum of agreement.
Paraffin Tests and Witness Credibility in Philippine Homicide Convictions
Learn how Philippine courts weigh negative paraffin test results against eyewitness testimony in homicide cases, and why credibility prevails.
Regular vs Project Employees: Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
Supreme Court clarifies when project employees become regular employees entitled to security of tenure under Philippine labor law.
Immorality in the Workplace: When Personal Conduct Leads to Professional Consequences
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a government employee's extramarital affair constituted disgraceful and immoral conduct, even after resignation.
Seafarers Disability When Standard Contracts Limit Compensation For Illnesses
SC rules basketball injury on board is work-related under the Bunkhouse Rule, entitling seafarer to disability benefits.
Corporate Officers vs Employees: Who Hears Dismissal Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate officer's removal is an intra-corporate dispute, not an illegal dismissal case for labor tribunals.
Ombudsman's Concurrent Authority Over Public School Teachers Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Ombudsman shares concurrent disciplinary authority with DepEd over public school teachers, but estoppel may bar late jurisdictional challenges.
Chain of Custody: Why Drug Sale Convictions Fail Without It
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, underscoring strict compliance with R.A. 9165 procedures.
Buy-Bust Operations and the Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Protecting Rights While Combating Crime
The Supreme Court explains the objective test for buy-bust operations and why chain-of-custody objections must be raised at trial.
Novation in Philippine Law: Understanding the Requirements for Extinguishing Obligations
Learn how novation extinguishes obligations under Philippine law, its requirements, and how the Supreme Court applies these rules in corporate rehabilitation cases.
Zonal Valuation vs. Actual Use: What Governs CGT and DST on Property Sales
The Supreme Court rules that existing zonal valuations, not actual property use, govern capital gains tax and documentary stamp tax computations.
Court Stenographer Dismissed for Habitual Absences, Tardiness, and Dishonesty
Supreme Court dismisses court stenographer for habitual tardiness, absenteeism, and submitting a falsified medical certificate to cover unauthorized absences.
Toll Regulatory Powers Defining Limits In Public Private Infrastructure
Supreme Court defines TRB's franchise powers, toll regulation, and public bidding requirements in Luzon expressway cases.
Possession vs Ownership: When Land Status Determines Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how land classification as public domain affects possessory rights and estoppel claims.
Pawnshops and VAT: Clarifying Tax Exemptions for Non-Bank Financial Intermediaries
The Supreme Court clarifies that pawnshops, as non-bank financial intermediaries, were not liable for VAT in 2000 due to deferred effectivity.
Navigating Land Disputes: Reversion, Expropriation, and Title Conflicts Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies how reversion cases, expropriation proceedings, and quieting of title actions interact when land titles are challenged.
Corporate Officer vs Employee: Who Hears Illegal Dismissal Cases?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an illegal dismissal case belongs to the Labor Arbiter versus the Regional Trial Court.
Continuing Suretyship Scope and Enforceability in Loan Renewals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a continuing suretyship covers renewed credit facilities and subsequent loan availments.
Just Compensation Under CARP: Courts Must Follow DAR Valuation Formula
Supreme Court clarifies that courts determining just compensation under CARP must strictly apply the DAR valuation formula, not substitute their own methods.