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 a Company Car Plan Lacks Terms: Refund of Employee Payments Explained
Philippine Supreme Court rules on employee car plan refunds when no forfeiture terms exist, citing unjust enrichment principles.
Real Property Tax on Franchise Holders: When Tax Exemptions Apply
Supreme Court rules on real property tax exemptions for franchise holders, explaining what "exclusive of this franchise" means under RA 7678.
Right to Remain Silent Prevails: Silence at Custodial Investigation Not an Admission of Guilt
Supreme Court rules silence during custodial investigation cannot be used as implied admission of guilt in rape case.
When Property Appraisal Cannot Delay Foreclosure: Sycamore Ventures v. Metrobank
Supreme Court rules mortgaged property appraisal value is not a prejudicial question that can suspend extrajudicial foreclosure proceedings under Act No. 3135.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Misuse of Government Resources and Retirement's Effect on Administrative Cases
Supreme Court rules retirement does not end administrative liability for dishonesty and misuse of government resources in Ombudsman v. Dechavez.
Love OR LAW Intentions Behind Marriages AND Legal Validity
Philippine Supreme Court rules that marriage for citizenship or money is valid if consent is real, distinguishing motive from lack of consent.
Estafa and Agency Criminal Liability Cannot Be Extinguished by Contractual Novation
Supreme Court rules novation cannot extinguish criminal liability for estafa; only the State may waive criminal action.
Right to Match in Government Contracts: When Bidding Preferences Violate Public Policy
Supreme Court rules right of first refusal clauses in government procurement contracts are void, reaffirming public bidding as the cornerstone of public contracts.
Judicial Independence: No CSC Clearance Required for Retiring Judiciary Employees
The Supreme Court rules that retiring judiciary employees need not secure CSC clearance for administrative cases, upholding judicial independence.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Intimidation Overcomes Lack of Physical Resistance
Philippine Supreme Court rules that intimidation, not physical resistance, is key in rape cases, upholding a conviction based on a knife threat.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Private Individuals in Marcos Ill-Gotten Wealth Cases
The Supreme Court rules the Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over private individuals in cases involving recovery of Marcos ill-gotten wealth.
When Insurance Exclusions Cover Damage But Not Loss: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court rules that "malicious damage" exclusion in insurance policies does not cover theft or loss of a vehicle.
VAT Refund Claims: Strict Compliance with Invoicing Requirements Required
Philippine Supreme Court rules strict compliance with VAT invoicing requirements is mandatory for input VAT refund claims on zero-rated sales.
Tax Treaty Relief vs. BIR Rules: When Administrative Deadlines Cannot Defeat Treaty Benefits
Supreme Court rules that failure to file a prior tax treaty relief application with the BIR does not automatically forfeit a taxpayer's right to preferential rates under an international tax treaty.
Res Judicata Bars NHA From Relitigating Bad Faith in Land Expropriation Case
The Supreme Court rules that conclusiveness of judgment prevents the NHA from re-arguing ownership and bad faith issues already settled in prior final cases.
Tearing Time Cards as Constructive Dismissal: Employer Accountability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules that tearing an employee's time card constitutes constructive dismissal, entitling workers to backwages and separation pay.
Speedy Trial vs Consolidation: Protecting the Accused's Rights
The Supreme Court rules that consolidating criminal cases cannot override an accused's constitutional right to a speedy trial.
Strict Compliance with Publication Rule Is Jurisdictional in Title Reconstitution
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failure to strictly comply with the 30-day publication requirement in reconstitution cases deprives courts of jurisdiction.
Quarrying Rights: Local Permits Prevail Despite National Authorization
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a national quarry permit does not override local government requirements like the governor's permit.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Murder Conviction
Supreme Court rules positive identification by credible eyewitnesses outweighs denial and alibi defenses in murder cases.
Preliminary Attachment Lien Survives Compromise Agreement Until Debt Paid
Supreme Court rules attachment liens continue until debt is fully paid, even after a compromise agreement ends the main case.
Fruits of Ownership: Who Gets Rental Income in Contested Property Foreclosures
Philippine Supreme Court rules on who keeps rental income when a foreclosed property's title is later voided for fraud.
Just Compensation for Agrarian Reform: Value at Time of Payment, Not Taking
Philippine Supreme Court rules just compensation for agrarian reform land should be valued at time of payment, not time of taking.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Valuing Land at Time of Payment
The Supreme Court rules that just compensation for agrarian reform land should be valued at the time of payment, not at the time of taking in 1972.