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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Jurisdiction in Property Disputes: Assessed Value of the Whole Lot Controls
Philippine Supreme Court rules that in property disputes, jurisdiction is determined by the assessed value alleged in the complaint, not the disputed portion's value.
Supreme Court: Membership Fees of Non-Profit Clubs Not Subject to Income Tax and VAT
The Supreme Court ruled that membership fees and assessment dues of non-profit recreational clubs are not income or VAT-liable, limiting BIR RMC No. 35-2012.
Buy-Bust Operations and Warrantless Arrests: Lessons from People v. Juguilon
The Supreme Court affirms that buy-bust operations and warrantless arrests in drug cases are valid when the accused is caught in flagrante delicto.
Are Club Membership Fees Taxable Income? The Supreme Court Weighs In
The Supreme Court ruled that membership fees and assessment dues of non-profit recreational clubs are not income or VAT-able receipts.
Why Witness Presence in Drug Case Inventories Can Make or Break a Conviction
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to secure an elected official during inventory, explaining the mandatory witness rule.
Ombudsman’s Discretion in Probable Cause Determinations Upheld in Anti-Graft Case
Supreme Court affirms Ombudsman’s dismissal of graft charges, emphasizing courts only review probable cause findings for grave abuse of discretion.
Chains Unbroken Safeguarding Rights In Drug Cases Through Strict Evidence Procedures
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing strict chain-of-custody rules.
Seafarers Right TO Compensation Injury During Employment Overrules Accident Requirement
Beyond the Hearing Room: Upholding Due Process in Employee Dismissal Cases
This article examines the Supreme Court's ruling on due process in employee dismissal cases, clarifying the requirements for valid termination.
Are Membership Fees of Recreational Clubs Taxable Income? SC Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when membership fees and assessment dues of recreational clubs are subject to income tax and VAT.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Gaps Lead to Acquittal Under RA 9165
The Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody. Learn the four links and why each matters.
Compromising the Chain: Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, reinforcing strict evidence rules under RA 9165.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug accused over broken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165.
Treachery in Criminal Law: When a Sudden Attack Does Not Qualify as Murder
Supreme Court clarifies that sudden attacks after heated altercations may not constitute treachery, reducing murder to homicide.
Contract Termination Expiration CAN Trigger Restrictive Covenants
Philippine Supreme Court rules that "terminationin the event of terminationin the event of Termination,terminationterminationearlier terminatedterminationterminationearlier terminated" elsewhere in th
From Murder to Homicide: The Crucial Role of Treachery in Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is murder or homicide, focusing on treachery and its elements.
Protecting Good Faith Purchasers: Due Diligence in Philippine Land Sales
The Supreme Court clarifies when buyers of registered land may rely on the Torrens title and be protected as innocent purchasers for value.
Equitable Mortgage vs Sale With Right to Repurchase: Redemption Rights and Prescription
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when redemption periods apply in equitable mortgages versus sales with pacto de retro.
Safeguarding Rights: The Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on the chain of custody rule in drug cases shows why strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 is vital.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Child Victim Testimony and Flight as Evidence of Guilt
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a child victim's credible testimony suffices and why the accused's flight indicates guilt.
Project vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure and Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between project and regular employment, and the security of tenure rights of employees.
Upholding Employers Prerogative Valid Suspension FOR Employee Misconduct
Supreme Court affirms that employers may validly suspend employees for misconduct, even when guest complaints are not firsthand testimony.
When Club Dues Are Not Income: BIR Circular Partly Invalidated
The Supreme Court ruled that membership fees and assessment dues of recreational clubs are not income or VAT receipts, partly invalidating BIR RMC No. 35-2012.
Interpreting Termination Clauses in Franchise Agreements: Makati Water v. Agua Vida
When does a franchise agreement "terminate"? The Supreme Court rules on whether expiration counts as termination under non-compete clauses.