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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Psychological Incapacity Under Article 36: What Republic v. Pangasinan Teaches Us
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements for proving psychological incapacity to nullify a marriage under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Tax Exemption for PAGCOR Licensees: Understanding the Scope of PD 1869
The Supreme Court clarifies that PAGCOR licensees remain exempt from corporate income tax on gaming operations under PD 1869.
Franchise Tax vs Real Property Tax: Clarifying NGCP's Tax Liabilities
Supreme Court clarifies when NGCP's franchise tax covers real property taxes and when local governments may still collect them.
Torrens Title vs Actual Possession: Ownership Rights in Unlawful Detainer Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how Torrens title and actual possession affect unlawful detainer cases, explained in plain language.
Ejectment Cases: Proving Tolerance and the Limits of Possession Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer, tolerance, and why ownership claims don't decide who keeps physical possession.
Lawyer Disbarred for Misusing Client Funds and Soliciting Bribe
Supreme Court disciplines lawyer for absconding with client money and offering to bribe a judge, reaffirming ethical duties.
Caveat Emptor: The Risk Borne by a Buyer in Bad Faith in Property Transactions
A buyer who fails to verify a seller's title bears the loss. The Supreme Court explains caveat emptor and bad faith in Ranara v. De Los Angeles.
Lawyer Suspended for Abusive Language in Demand Letter: A Lesson in Professional Conduct
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for using abusive, offensive language in a demand letter, reaffirming Rule 8.01 of the CPR.
Mitigating Dismissal Proportionality in Disciplinary Actions for Rank and File Employees
When is dismissal too harsh for a first-time offense? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on dishonesty and grave misconduct in public service.
Proportionality in Dismissal: Balancing Employee Misconduct and Length of Service
When is dismissal too harsh a penalty? The Supreme Court explains the rule of proportionality in labor cases.
Ethical Boundaries: Lawyers' Duty to Avoid Abusive Language in Professional Dealings
The Supreme Court reminds lawyers that demand letters must remain respectful, not abusive or defamatory, under Rule 8.01 of the CPR.
Lawyer Suspended for Taking Client Funds Without Securing US Visas
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer discipline shows why attorneys must account for client funds and charge only reasonable fees.
Caveat Emptor in Philippine Real Estate: Why Buyers Must Verify Title Before Purchase
The Supreme Court's Ranara ruling shows why buyers must verify property titles—failure to do so can mean losing both the purchase price and improvements.
Finality of Judgment and Contempt: Disbarred Lawyer's Post-Decision Maneuvers Rejected
Supreme Court denies disbarred lawyer's bid to reopen case, cites doctrine of finality, and penalizes defiance with contempt fines and writ of execution.
Amending Pleadings: When Courts Should Grant Leave to File Amended Complaints
Explore when Philippine courts should allow amended pleadings, based on a Supreme Court ruling on a bank foreclosure case.
Breach of Trust and Termination: When Is Dismissal Too Harsh in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when dismissal for breach of trust is too harsh, and when separation pay may still be awarded.
Rape Conviction Requires Clear Proof of Force and Victim's Age in Statutory Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies proof requirements for rape convictions, distinguishing simple rape from statutory rape and affirming credibility standards.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim Testimony and the Anti-Rape Law in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court affirms robbery with rape conviction, underscoring the weight of credible victim testimony and the application of anti-rape laws.
Dividends vs Capital Gains: Taxing Share Redemptions Under the RP-US Treaty
Supreme Court rules on whether share redemption proceeds are dividends or capital gains under Philippine tax law and the RP-US Tax Treaty.
Upholding Attorneys Duty Dismissal OF Baseless Disbarment Complaint
The Supreme Court dismissed a baseless disbarment complaint against a lawyer who correctly rejected a claim based on a void Spanish title, and fined the complainant.
Positive Identification Trumps Alibi in Robbery and Rape Convictions
Supreme Court affirms robbery with rape and robbery convictions, ruling positive identification prevails over alibi and denial defenses.
Bouncing Checks and Due Process: Notice of Dishonor as a Shield Against Liability
The Supreme Court acquits a B.P. 22 accused because the prosecution failed to prove she received the notice of dishonor.
Novation Requires Clear Release of Original Debtor: Lessons from Ever Electrical v. PBCOM
When does a new debtor's assumption of a loan release the original borrower? The Supreme Court explains novation rules.
Sheriff Dismissed for Grave Misconduct in Execution Sale: Lessons for Court Personnel
Supreme Court dismisses sheriff for grave misconduct in auction sale irregularities, reinforcing strict compliance with execution rules.