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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Senior Citizen Discounts: When Golf Clubs Must Comply
The Supreme Court clarifies when private golf and country clubs must grant the 20% senior citizen discount under RA 9994.
Ancestral Land Rights in Baguio City: IPRA, Townsite Reservations, and the Cariño Doctrine
The Supreme Court clarifies IPRA's application to Baguio City, ancestral land claims, and the Cariño doctrine on native title.
Attorney Disbarment When Dishonesty AND Neglect Lead TO Loss OF Legal License
The Supreme Court disbarred Atty. Lorenzo Gadon for profane, misogynistic language against a journalist, reaffirming that lawyers must uphold dignity in public and private life.
Forum Shopping Dismissal of Claims and Preservation of Judicial Integrity
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing multiple suits amounts to deliberate forum shopping and results in dismissal with prejudice.
Unlocking VAT Refunds for Zero-Rated Sales: The Attributability Requirement in Philippine Tax Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that input VAT need not be directly and entirely attributable to zero-rated sales for refund claims, easing the path for VAT-registered taxpayers.
Social Media Conduct AND Lawyer Ethics Balancing Free Speech AND Professional Responsibility
SC rules lawyers' social media posts, even in private accounts, are subject to disciplinary action under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Forged Donation Municipality Liable FOR Taking Private Land Without Just Compensation
Supreme Court rules a municipality must pay just compensation when it builds a road on private land under a forged deed of donation.
Forged Signatures and Municipal Liability: Just Compensation for Illegally Constructed Roads
When a municipality builds a road on private land based on a forged deed, the owner may be entitled to just compensation rather than removal of the road.
When Silence Isn't Golden: Novation and Debtor Substitution in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a creditor's silence or acceptance of payments amounts to novation and debtor substitution.
VAT Refund Claims: Complete Documents and Zero-Rated Sales Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies VAT refund rules on complete documents, zero-rated sales proof, and input tax computation for taxpayers.
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.
When Can a City Demand Access to Private Property? The Caloocan Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may demand access to private roads, balancing public service duties against property rights.
Inter-Company Loans and VAT: When Interest Income Is Not Taxable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when interest on inter-company loans is exempt from VAT and how prescription periods apply.
Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: The Magno Case Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when touching a minor's private parts is lascivious conduct under RA 7610, citing the Magno case.
VAT Refund Claims: The Mandatory 120+30 Day Rule in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that the 120+30 day rule for VAT refund claims is mandatory and jurisdictional. Learn the deadlines and exceptions.
Prior Approval for Hiring Private Lawyers: DSWD Case Limits Government Authority
Supreme Court affirms COA ruling that government agencies must secure prior approval before hiring private lawyers, explaining strict compliance rules.
Prior Approval Is Paramount: DSWD Contract Faces Scrutiny Over COA Concurrence
Government agencies must secure prior COA concurrence and OSG approval before hiring private lawyers, or risk irregular expenditures.
When Government Takes Property Without Expropriation: Just Compensation Over Possession
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that when government occupies private land without expropriation, owners may receive just compensation instead of physical return.
Derivative Works and Copyright Ownership in the Philippines: The Tupaz Case
The Tupaz case clarifies Philippine law on derivative works, copyright ownership, and the idea/expression dichotomy in collaborative designs.
Novation in Construction Contracts: When Revisions Create a New Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when revised construction plans and new contracts extinguish prior agreements through novation.
Unlawful Arrest and the Exclusionary Rule: Protecting Rights Against Illegal Marijuana Seizure
Supreme Court acquits in marijuana cultivation case, ruling that evidence from an unlawful warrantless arrest is inadmissible.
Adultery and Administrative Liability: When a Court Employee's Private Misconduct Becomes a Career Issue
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a married court employee's illicit affair constitutes gross immorality and administrative liability.
VAT Refund Claims: Establishing Zero-Rated Sales as a Prerequisite
The Supreme Court clarifies that unutilized input VAT refunds under Section 112(A) require proof of zero-rated sales in the same taxable period.
Supreme Court on BOC Overtime Pay: Shifting Schedule Valid, Ban on Private Payment Void
The Supreme Court ruled on the validity of BOC overtime policies, upholding the 24/7 shifting schedule but voiding the ban on charging private entities before RA 10863.