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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Well-Known Foreign Trademarks Protected in the Philippines Even Without Local Registration
Philippine Supreme Court affirms protection for well-known foreign trademarks like IN-N-OUT Burger, even without local registration or local business presence.
Binding Amicable Settlements: Understanding Repudiation in Barangay Justice
When is a barangay amicable settlement binding? The Supreme Court explains repudiation rules under the Local Government Code.
Boundary Disputes Between Municipalities: Who Has Jurisdiction?
The Supreme Court clarifies which body—the Sangguniang Panlalawigan or the courts—has jurisdiction over municipal boundary disputes under the Local Government Code.
Irrevocability OF TAX Credit Options Understanding Restrictions ON Refunds
Provocation vs Aggression: Distinguishing Mitigating Circumstances in Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that a victim's act may not be unlawful aggression for self-defense but can still be sufficient provocation to mitigate homicide.
Trade Union Centers Cannot Directly Create Local Chapters: Clarifying Labor Organization Legitimacy
Supreme Court rules trade union centers cannot directly charter local chapters, clarifying registration requirements under Philippine labor law.
PCGG v. Sandiganbayan: When Delay and Inaction Create a Cause of Action
A look at the Supreme Court ruling that government inaction on requests can itself create a cause of action, and when foreign court rulings do not bar local suits.
Barangay Official Removal: Due Process and Immediate Execution Under the Local Government Code
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified that decisions removing barangay officials are immediately executory, despite the right to appeal.
Publication Requirement for Tax Ordinances: A Prerequisite to Enforceability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that publication of local tax ordinances is a condition precedent to their enforceability and collection.
Developer's Duty to Maintain Subdivision Streetlights Until Turnover
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies developer obligations for subdivision streetlight maintenance and electricity costs until turnover to local government.
Three-Term Limit: Contested Elections Don't Break Consecutive Service
Philippine Supreme Court rules that serving a full term despite a voided proclamation still counts toward the three-term limit for local officials.
Local Government Authority and Ordinance Enforcement: A Guide for Businesses
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed a city mayor's duty to enforce local ordinances, and what this means for businesses operating under reclassified zones.
Philippine Franchise Tax and Real Property Tax: Exemptions for Telecom Companies
Supreme Court ruling on telecom franchise tax exemptions and real property tax liability under the Local Government Code.
Petrochemical Plant Location in the Philippines: Site Exclusivity and Investment Law
The Supreme Court rules on whether Bataan is the exclusive site for petrochemical plants under P.D. Nos. 949 and 1803.
Employer-Employee Relationship for Foreign Nationals: The Pacific Consultants Case
Learn how Philippine courts determine employer-employee relationships for foreign nationals seconded to local subsidiaries, based on the Pacific Consultants ruling.
Deadline Is King: Perfecting Your Real Property Tax Appeal in the Philippines
Learn why filing a motion for reconsideration with the assessor won't stop the 60-day clock for appealing to the Local Board of Assessment Appeals.
Resolving Land Disputes: Boundary Relocation and Title Amendments in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle boundary disputes, relocation surveys, and when title corrections require court approval under PD 1529.
Decoding Philippine Procurement When Loan Agreements Trump Local Law in Public Bidding
When can a foreign loan agreement override Philippine procurement law? The Supreme Court explains in Abaya v. Ebdane.
Land Reclassification vs Agrarian Reform: When Local Plans Meet National Mandates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on forcible entry clarifies possession, ownership, and the limits of local land reclassification powers.
Notary Publics’ Ethical Duties: Lessons from a Philippine Disbarment Case
A notary public who notarizes a document knowing it contains false statements faces administrative sanctions, including suspension and revocation of commission.
Perfected Contract of Sale: The Necessity of Unequivocal Agreement on Price and Terms in Real Estate Transacti
Learn how Philippine courts treat contracts of sale, emphasizing the need for clear agreement on price and terms to avoid disputes.
Market Stall Leases No Vested Right Against City's Regulatory Power
Stall leases in public markets are privileges, not vested rights, so local governments may impose new occupancy rules under police power.
Respectful Advocacy Limits on Attorney Language in Legal Filings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer discipline for abusive language in pleadings, citing Canons 8 and 11 of the CPR.
Noise as Nuisance When Business Operations Disturb Neighboring Properties
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when business noise becomes a legal nuisance and why courts, not local governments, handle abatement cases.