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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Renewable Energy Incentives Registration IS KEY TO VAT Zero Rating
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that renewable energy producers must register with the DOE to enjoy VAT zero-rating on power sales.
Land Registration in the Philippines: Understanding Alienable and Disposable Land
Learn how RA 11573 changed proof requirements for registering alienable and disposable land in the Philippines, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Constructive Delivery in Property Sales: What the Tamayao Case Teaches Buyers
A notarized deed can transfer ownership, but registration is key. The Tamayao case shows why due diligence matters in Philippine property sales.
Good Faith and Land Titles: A Purchaser's Duty Until Registration
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a land buyer's good faith is measured—from purchase until registration of the deed.
Trademark Ownership in the Philippines: Prior Use vs. Registration
The Supreme Court clarifies that trademark ownership in the Philippines is rooted in actual use, not mere registration. Learn the rules.
Trademark Ownership in the Philippines: Prior Use vs. Registration
The Supreme Court clarifies that trademark ownership in the Philippines is anchored on actual use, not mere registration, in a landmark ruling.
Land Registration Reopened: New Evidence and RA 11573 Can Overcome Res Judicata
The Supreme Court allows previously denied land registration applications to proceed under RA 11573, easing proof requirements and overcoming res judicata.
Proving Alienable and Disposable Land: The Evolving Standard After R.A. 11573
The Supreme Court clarifies how to prove land is alienable and disposable for registration, and how R.A. 11573 changed the rules.
Finality of Labor Judgments: DMCI vs Bernadas on Land Registration and Execution
Supreme Court affirms that final labor judgments are immutable and registrable, and that appeals must be filed on time.
Challenging Labor Only Contracting: Regular Employment Rights Affirmed
Supreme Court affirms that DOLE registration alone does not prove legitimate job contracting; workers performing principal business tasks are regular employees.
Missing Land Records Do Not Invalidate Decree: Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court ruled that a land registration decree remains valid even when government records are missing, protecting landowners from administrative oversights.
Land Registration With Missing Cadastral Records: The Supreme Court's Ruling in Tapay
Can land be registered when government records from a prior cadastral case are missing? The Supreme Court says yes, under certain conditions.
Extinctive Prescription and Land Ownership When Delay Bars Recovery
When does delay bar recovery of land? The Supreme Court clarifies extinctive prescription and the rules on land ownership and registration.
Trademarks and Domain Names in the Philippines: The Kolin Case on Registration Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies how trademark rights apply to domain name registrations under the IP Code, using the Kolin dispute as a guide.
Regulating Psychologists: When Professional Standards Meet Constitutional Rights
The Supreme Court upholds the 100-hour training requirement for psychologists seeking registration without examination under RA 10029.
Proving Land Ownership Since 1945: What Philippine Courts Require
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves open, continuous possession since June 12, 1945 for land registration under PD 1529.
Understanding Res Judicata: How Final Judgments Impact Property Disputes in the Philippines
Learn how the doctrine of res judicata and stare decisis shape property registration cases in the Philippines, and what applicants must prove.
Double Voter Registration in the Philippines: Legal Consequences Under RA 8189
Learn the legal consequences of double voter registration in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Labay v. People.
Land Registration and the Integrity of Torrens Titles in the Philippines
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on land registration, double titling risks, and the integrity of Torrens titles.
LIVE'S vs LEVI'S: Supreme Court Rules on Trademark Confusion and Cancellation
The Supreme Court cancelled the LIVE'S trademark registration, ruling it confusingly similar to LEVI'S under the Dominancy Test.
Trademark Cancellation: When Registration Does Not Guarantee Ownership
The Supreme Court explains when a trademark registration can be cancelled despite the prima facie presumption of ownership it grants.
Proving Land Is Alienable and Disposable: Key to Philippine Land Registration
Learn the strict proof required to register land in the Philippines, from the Supreme Court's ruling in Republic v. PNP.
Unlocking Land Registration: Proving Alienable and Disposable Land in the Philippines
Learn how to prove land is alienable and disposable for Philippine land registration, based on a 2021 Supreme Court ruling.
Overlapping Land Titles in the Philippines: Priority of Registration and Legal Remedies
When two titles cover the same land, the earlier registered title prevails. Learn the rules and remedies in Philippine property disputes.