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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Philippine Foreclosure Law: Why Publication Is Non-Negotiable for Banks
Philippine Supreme Court rules banks must prove newspaper publication in foreclosure sales; failure voids the entire proceeding.
Service of Judgment to Deceased Lawyer: Ejectment and Annulment in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court rules on validity of judgment service to deceased counsel, finality of ejectment decisions, and limits of preliminary injunction.
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.
Balancing Technical Rules and Substantial Justice in Illegal Dismissal Cases
The Supreme Court rules on when procedural lapses in appeals may be relaxed, and what due process truly requires in employee dismissal.
Zonal Valuation vs. Actual Use: What Governs CGT and DST on Property Sales
The Supreme Court rules that existing zonal valuations, not actual property use, govern capital gains tax and documentary stamp tax computations.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: Company Doctor's Assessment Prevails Without Substantial Evidence
Supreme Court rules seafarer's brief psychotic disorder not work-related; company-designated physician's assessment prevails absent substantial evidence of work causation.
The Critical Omission: Why "Zero-Rated" Must Appear on VAT Invoices for Tax Credit Refund Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failing to print on its sales invoices. The CTA En Banc affirmed this denial, and J.R.A. elevated the matter to the Supreme Court.
Seafarers Must Comply With Post-Employment Medical Exams or Forfeit Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules seafarers who skip mandatory post-employment medical exams within three days forfeit disability claims, even for mental health conditions.
Preventive Suspension: Strong Evidence of Dishonesty Justifies Temporary Removal in Public Service
Supreme Court rules on when preventive suspension of public officials is justified, clarifying the "strong evidence" standard under the Ombudsman Act.
Bank Not Liable for Employee's Promise to Seller: Relativity of Contracts in Loan Proceeds Release
Supreme Court rules bank not subsidiarily liable for employee's alleged promise to pay seller directly from loan proceeds, citing relativity of contracts.
Bank Not Subsidiarily Liable for Loan Proceeds Released to Borrower
Supreme Court rules banks are not automatically liable when loan proceeds go to a borrower instead of a third-party seller.
Bank Not Subsidiarily Liable Without Clear Obligation: Prudential Bank v. Abasolo
Supreme Court rules a bank is not subsidiarily liable for a loan officer's alleged promises absent a clear obligation or written request.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: A Prerequisite to Judicial Intervention in Environmental Cases
The Supreme Court rules that parties must exhaust administrative remedies before seeking judicial intervention, even when challenging an agency's power to impose fines.
Resignation Does Not Erase Grave Misconduct: Court Stenographer's Administrative Liability
Supreme Court rules resignation does not absolve court personnel of administrative liability for grave misconduct like soliciting money.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Courts Must Follow DAR Valuation Formula
Philippine Supreme Court rules that courts must apply DAR's mandatory valuation formula under RA 6657 in determining just compensation for agrarian reform lands.
Unjust Enrichment: Security Agency Must Return Illegally Garnished NFA Funds
Supreme Court rules security agency must return P8.4M garnished from NFA under a void writ of execution, citing unjust enrichment.
When Pilots' Negligence Is the Proximate Cause: The 2010 Runway Collision Ruling
Supreme Court rules on proximate cause in the 1996 NAIA runway collision, holding pilots liable for gross negligence despite air traffic clearances.
Guaranty Obligations DBP's Liability Despite Supplier Change
Supreme Court rules on guaranty liability when supplier changes, implied approval, and burden of proof in payment claims.
Breach of Banking Duty, Gross Negligence, and Loss of Confidence as Grounds for Dismissal
The Supreme Court rules that a bank officer's gross negligence in failing to secure documents justifies dismissal for loss of confidence.
Judge Fined for Using Judicial Prestige in Personal Dispute Over Piggery
Supreme Court rules judge violated judicial conduct by using his official title to pressure local officials in a personal dispute.
Sales Invoice Suffices for VAT Refund Claims: Disparity Between Goods and Services Eliminated
Supreme Court rules sales invoices can substantiate VAT refund claims for zero-rated services, not just official receipts.
Void Sale of Market Stall: Buyer Can Recover Price Despite Null Contract
Supreme Court rules on void sale of city-owned market stall, allowing buyer to recover P20,000 with interest despite null contract.
Tax Credit Certificates: Good Faith Transferees Protected Despite Fraudulent Origins
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a good faith transferee of tax credit certificates cannot be reassessed when the original grantee committed fraud.
Torrens Title Prevails Over Unregistered Deed in Possession Dispute
Supreme Court rules registered owners have better right to possession than occupants holding unregistered deeds, even notarized ones.