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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When Court Employees Fail: Understanding Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of Service
A guide to conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service for Philippine court employees, with case examples and practical compliance tips.
Fatal Flaws in Forum Shopping Certification: NHA v. Roxas and Rule 46 Compliance
A procedural misstep in certiorari petitions—missing certified true copies—can be fatal. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules in NHA v. Roxas.
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.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Possession Case
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug possession accused due to broken chain of custody, emphasizing strict compliance with RA 9165 procedures.
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.
Docket Fee Payment Safeguarding Appeals Through Procedural Flexibility
Learn how the Supreme Court protects appellate rights through flexible docket fee payment rules and the consequences of non-compliance.
Substantial Compliance vs Strict Interpretation: Upholding Appeals in Liquidation Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on substantial compliance in appeals, using a bank liquidation case to clarify procedural rules.
SALN Compliance: Ombudsman’s Authority and the Limits of Employer Review
The Supreme Court clarifies that heads of offices reviewing SALNs cannot bar the Ombudsman from investigating public officials for substantive defects.
Dismissed Appeal: The Perils of Non-Compliance with Rules of Court
A dismissed appeal shows why strict compliance with Rule 44 on appellant's briefs is mandatory, not optional.
Legitimacy vs Illegitimacy: Change of Civil Status Requires Rule 108 Proceedings
Changing a child's status from legitimate to illegitimate is a substantial alteration requiring strict Rule 108 compliance, not a simple name change.
Upholding Drug Convictions: Integrity of Evidence Over Procedural Lapses
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, ruling that minor procedural lapses in Section 21 compliance do not automatically invalidate seized evidence.
Substantial Compliance in Land Registration: When a CENRO Report Is Not Enough
The Supreme Court clarifies when a CENRO certification suffices in land registration cases and when it fails, explaining the substantial compliance rule.
Union Registration in the Philippines: Balancing Compliance and Workers' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when failure to submit union reports warrants cancellation of registration, and the DOLE Secretary's review power.
Late Certiorari Filing Binds Clients to Counsel's Negligence: Labao v. Flores
Supreme Court rules that a client is bound by counsel's failure to file certiorari on time, stressing strict compliance with reglementary periods.
Invoicing Requirements Strict Compliance for VAT Refund Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court denies VAT refund for failure to comply with invoicing requirements under the NIRC and applicable regulations.
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.
VAT Refund Denials Strict Compliance With Invoicing Rules Upheld
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on VAT refund claims, emphasizing strict compliance with invoicing and substantiation requirements.
Dismissal for Non-Compliance: Upholding Procedural Rules in Appellate Review
The Supreme Court affirms the CA's dismissal of a petition for review for failure to comply with Rule 43 requirements, underscoring the mandatory nature of appellate procedure.
Void Donations: Strict Compliance With Will Formalities for Mortis Causa Transfers
Donations mortis causa must follow will formalities or they are void. Learn from Echavez v. Dozen Construction.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Non-Compliance with Section 21 RA 9165 Warrants Acquittal
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where prosecution failed to prove integrity of seized shabu, emphasizing chain of custody under Section 21, RA 9165.
HLURB Jurisdiction: Protecting Subdivision Lot Buyers From Developer Non-Compliance
When a licensed developer sells a lot and fails to deliver title, the HLURB has jurisdiction over the buyer's claim—regardless of project size.
Reinstatement to the Bar: Proving Rehabilitation and Compliance with Disciplinary Orders
The Supreme Court grants a lawyer's petition for reinstatement after serving successive suspensions, showing the path back to practice.
Substantial Compliance in Land Registration: Blueprint Sufficiency and Possessory Rights
The Supreme Court held that a blueprint copy of a survey plan may substantially comply with registration requirements when the original tracing cloth plan is unavailable.
Beyond Labels: Substance Over Form in Appellate Procedure and Drug Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on buy-bust operations shows how courts prioritize substance over form in procedural compliance and evidence.