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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Fair Price or Land Grab: Determining Just Compensation in Philippine Expropriation Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how Philippine courts determine just compensation in expropriation cases, rejecting reliance on outdated zonal valuations.
Force AND Consent IN Rape Examining Standards OF Proof AND Victim Behavior
Jurisdictional Thresholds Determining Court Competence In Property Disputes
A 2019 Supreme Court ruling clarifies what courts must decide in land registration cases and the limits of Rule 45 review.
Just Compensation and Agrarian Reform: When Courts Can Deviate From DAR Guidelines
The Supreme Court clarifies when Special Agrarian Courts may deviate from DAR valuation formulas in determining just compensation under RA 6657.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Key Witnesses Contradict Each Other in Drug Case
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after prosecution witnesses gave conflicting accounts of the buy-bust operation, undermining proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Hacienda Luisita Determining Legitimate Corporate Expenses AND FWB Compensation
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on legitimate corporate expenses and FWB compensation in the Hacienda Luisita case.
Tax Exemption for Coal Operators: Interpreting Special Laws and VAT Obligations
The Supreme Court affirms Semirara Mining's VAT exemption under PD 972, clarifying how special laws interact with the NIRC.
Just Compensation and Judicial Notice Limits in Expropriation Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may take judicial notice of other cases in determining just compensation for expropriated property.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Zonal Value Is Not the Sole Basis
The Supreme Court affirms that BIR zonal value is only one factor in determining just compensation for expropriated property.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Why Zonal Value Is Not the Sole Basis
The Supreme Court clarifies that BIR zonal valuation is only one factor in determining just compensation in expropriation cases, not the sole measure.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Determining Employer Status in Labor Disputes
Learn when courts pierce the corporate veil in labor cases and how legitimate job contracting differs from prohibited labor-only contracting.
Filiation and Estate Administration: Clarifying the Scope of DNA Evidence in Determining Heirship
The Supreme Court clarifies when DNA test results may—and may not—be used to remove a special administrator in estate proceedings.
Treachery and Witness Credibility: Examining the Conviction in People v. Condino
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction, explaining how treachery is established and why trial court findings on witness credibility are given high respect.
Mining Rights Due Process Prevails Over Automatic Abandonment in Philippine Mining Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mining claims cannot be automatically abandoned for failure to file work obligation reports; due process must first be observed.
Who Bears the Loss? Examining Fault in Poultry Growing Contracts
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when poultry growers bear the risk of loss under continuing credit agreements with feed suppliers.
Agrarian Reform OR Industrial Activity Determining Jurisdiction Over Fishpond Disputes After R A 7881
The Supreme Court clarifies when fishpond disputes fall under DARAB jurisdiction or regular courts after R.A. 7881.
Bail and Plunder: Examining the Strength of Evidence for Provisional Liberty
The Supreme Court upholds denial of bail in plunder case, explaining the standard of "strong evidence" and the limits of certiorari review.
DARAB Overreach: Examining the Limits of Administrative Authority in Agrarian Disputes
The Supreme Court rules that DARAB cannot issue writs of certiorari, as administrative agencies lack judicial power.
Fair Price OR Land Grab Determining Just Compensation IN Agrarian Reform
Willful ACT VS Mental State Determining Compensability IN Seafarer Death Claims
Seafarers Willful ACT Determining Liability IN Maritime Death Benefit Claims
When a seafarer dies from a willful act like jumping overboard, employers may be exempt from death benefits under POEA rules.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Valuing Land Beyond BIR Zonal Valuation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that BIR zonal values are mere guides, not binding limits, in determining just compensation for expropriated property.
Determining Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Balancing Land Value and Legal Mandates
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation is determined in agrarian reform cases, balancing land value factors and legal mandates.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform Courts Must Apply Legal Formula for Fair Land Valuation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that agrarian reform courts must follow DAR valuation formulas when determining just compensation for land.