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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Ethical Conduct Dismissal for Misconduct Stands Despite Complainant's Forgiveness
Philippine Supreme Court rules that administrative cases against court employees continue despite complainant's forgiveness or withdrawal, upholding dismissal for grave misconduct.
VAT on Services: When "Trade or Business" Does Not Require Profit Motive
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that VAT applies to services rendered for a fee even without profit motive. Learn the rules.
Robbery With Homicide: Proving Conspiracy and Liability of All Participants
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on robbery with homicide, conspiracy liability, and the penalty of reclusion perpetua when no aggravating circumstances exist.
Docket Fees and the Right to Amend: Balancing Access to Justice in Patent Infringement Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on docket fees, amendments to complaints, and equitable access to justice in patent cases.
Hearsay Evidence and the Right to Confrontation: Protecting the Accused
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on hearsay evidence, the right to confront witnesses, and why prosecutions must stand on solid proof.
Attorney Suspended Six Months for Deceitful Loan Practices with Client
A lawyer who facilitated a fraudulent loan for his clients was suspended for six months. Learn the ethical rules and lessons from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Court Stenographers' Duty to Transcribe Notes: A Lesson in Timely Justice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on stenographers' duty to transcribe notes within 20 days, and accountability for delays in justice.
Illegal Lumber Possession: Why Correct Forest Product Documents Matter
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal lumber possession clarifies why Certificates of Lumber Origin, not Timber Origin, are required and the penalties involved.
Extending CBA Benefits Protecting Workers Rights Beyond Contract Expiration
Philippine Supreme Court rules CBA economic provisions continue beyond expiration until a new agreement is reached, protecting worker benefits.
CBA Extension Protecting Workers Rights Beyond Contractual Terms
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on CBA extension beyond stipulated term and benefits for employees hired after expiration.
Due Process Denied: The Importance of Hearing Notices in Default Orders Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on default orders without hearing notices, and the duty of clerks of court in safeguarding due process.
Interpleader Actions: Procedure, Jurisdiction, and the Proper Remedy for Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies interpleader procedure, jurisdiction, and why dismissal orders must be appealed, not challenged via certiorari.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Dismissal for Conduct Unbecoming a Judge
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a judge's dismissal of criminal cases constitutes grave abuse of discretion.
Oral Partition and Quitclaims Validating Heirs' Agreements Despite Formal Deficiencies
Philippine Supreme Court rules oral partition among heirs is valid, and notarized quitclaims confirming it are binding absent clear fraud.
Pacto de Retro Sale: Consolidation of Ownership and the Judicial Order Requirement
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a judicial order is needed to consolidate ownership in a pacto de retro sale, and when it is not.
Reckless Imprudence in Vehicular Accidents: Negligence and Penalty Rules
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reckless imprudence in vehicular accidents, explaining negligence standards, proximate cause, and penalty imposition under Article 365.
Entrapment vs Frame-Up: Proving Illegal Drug Sale Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how courts distinguish entrapment from frame-up in drug cases, and why buy-bust operations must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Malicious Prosecution in Philippine Law: Probable Cause and Malice Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a failed criminal complaint becomes malicious prosecution, requiring proof of lack of probable cause and sinister motive.
Delayed Baggage Claims: When Airlines Avoid Moral and Exemplary Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when delayed baggage delivery triggers only limited damages, not moral or exemplary awards.
Rape by Induction: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains how a person who induces another to commit rape can be held liable as a principal by induction.
Pacto de Retro Sales in the Philippines: When a Land Sale Is Not an Equitable Mortgage
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a pacto de retro sale stands as a true sale, not an equitable mortgage.
Judicial Efficiency Mandate: Prompt Resolution of Court Matters and Accountability for Delays
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judges' duty to resolve matters promptly, with accountability for delays in court administration.
Demand to Vacate: What Landlords Must Prove in Philippine Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies demand-to-vacate requirements in unlawful detainer cases, ruling on res judicata and landlord rights.
Retraction of Witness Testimony and Its Impact on Criminal Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how recanted testimony is weighed in criminal cases, using a father's rape conviction as the key example.