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.
Disclosure in Fire Insurance Policies: Avoiding Forfeiture Under the Other Insurance Clause
A fire insurance claim can be forfeited for failing to disclose other policies covering the same property. Learn the rules.
Understanding the Legal Boundaries of Performance Incentives in Government Agencies
Explore how the Supreme Court limits COA's power over final judgments on money claims, ensuring fair compensation for government contractors.
Understanding the Limits of COA Jurisdiction Over Final Court Judgments in Money Claims Against the Government
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when the COA can deny money claims against the government, and when contractors can recover under quantum meruit.
Navigating Seafarers' Rights to Disability Benefits in the Philippines: Key Lessons from Blue Manila v. Jamias
Learn how the Supreme Court protects seafarers' disability claims when company doctors fail to give complete medical assessments.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Leaves a Client in the Dark: Lessons from Quitazol v. Capela
The Supreme Court reminds lawyers that neglecting a client's case is inexcusable negligence, even if the client later withdraws the complaint.
COLA Integration Into Government Salaries: What the Lumauan Ruling Means
The Supreme Court explains when cost of living allowance is deemed integrated into government salaries and who must refund disallowed payments.
Navigating Liability in Government Housing Loan Disbursements: Insights from a Landmark COA Ruling
Learn how the Supreme Court rules on COA disallowances, good faith defenses, and liability for government employees who received disallowed benefits.
Safeguarding Notarial Seals: A Lesson from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
What happens when a notary's seal is used without authorization? A Supreme Court ruling on a lawyer's administrative liability.
Execution Sales, Cash Payment Rules, and Third-Party Claims in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when failure to pay bid in cash or state third-party claims voids execution sales.
Navigating Labor Disputes: The Importance of Procedural Compliance in Philippine Employment Law
A look at Luces v. Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils., Inc., where the Supreme Court clarified labor-only contracting rules and the need for procedural compliance.
Overlapping Land Titles in the Philippines: Priority of Registration and Legal Remedies
When two titles cover the same land, the earlier registered title prevails. Learn the rules and remedies in Philippine property disputes.
Proving Illegal Dismissal: The Burden of Substantial Evidence in Philippine Labor Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court defines the employee's burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases, based on the Jarabelo ruling.
Navigating Employee Dismissal: Just Cause and Procedural Due Process in the Philippines
Learn the two-part test for lawful dismissal in the Philippines—substantive just cause and procedural due process—from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Unlocking Tax Refunds: How the Supreme Court's Ruling on VAT Compliance Impacts Businesses in the Philippines
A guide to the Supreme Court's ruling on VAT refund claims, tax compliance, and what it means for Philippine businesses.
Self-Defense and Homicide: Key Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails in homicide cases and the penalties that follow.
Proving Legitimate Filiation: Key to Winning Philippine Inheritance Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in Bernardo v. Fernando clarifies what evidence proves legitimate filiation for inheritance claims.
Judicial Misconduct: The Consequences of Bribery in Philippine Courts
A court stenographer's dismissal for soliciting money from a litigant shows the strict ethical standards for Philippine court personnel.
Judicial Authority and Bank Liquidation: Understanding the Limits of Court Intervention
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when judges overstep their authority in bank liquidation proceedings, and the consequences of doing so.
Understanding Disturbance Compensation in Land Conversion: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on disturbance compensation claims in land conversion, including prescription periods and evidentiary requirements.
Understanding Judicial Misconduct and Its Consequences: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Case
Learn how the Supreme Court defines judicial misconduct and its serious consequences for judges and the justice system in the Philippines.
Lawyer's Duty to Account for Client Funds: A Case of Trust and Misappropriation
When a lawyer fails to account for client funds, the Supreme Court steps in. Learn the rules on fiduciary duty and the penalties for misappropriation.
Understanding Tax Implications of Initial Public Offerings: Separate vs Joint Computation
The Supreme Court clarifies how IPO taxes on primary and secondary offerings are computed under the National Internal Revenue Code.
The Sweetheart Defense in Philippine Rape Cases: What the Supreme Court Teaches Us
The sweetheart defense cannot justify rape. Learn what the Supreme Court ruled and why consent matters in Philippine law.
Navigating Tax Law Conflicts: Understanding the Jurisdictional Limits of Courts in Tax Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the boundaries of judicial review in tax cases, emphasizing that courts cannot substitute their judgment for that of tax authorities.