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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Local Autonomy vs Congressional Power: Defining the Just Share in National Taxes
The Mandanas ruling redefined the LGU just share in national taxes, expanding the base beyond internal revenue taxes.
When the Court Reduces a Lawyer's Fine: Mitigating Circumstances in Philippine Ethics Cases
In Domingo v. Revilla, the Supreme Court cut a disbarred lawyer's P100,000 ethics fine to P50,000 after he cited illness, remorse, and loss of livelihood.
Taxation OF Government Employee Benefits Defining Taxable Compensation VS Exempt Benefits
Senate Contempt Powers: When Legislative Inquiry Detention Must End
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Senate contempt detention limits during legislative inquiries, balancing legislative power and individual rights.
Mandanas Ruling: LGUs' Just Share Must Come From All National Taxes
The Supreme Court expands the base for computing LGUs' just share in national taxes, clarifying the scope of fiscal autonomy under the Constitution.
Upholding Attorney Accountability: Disbarment for Faking a Court Decision
A lawyer who notarized without the client present and fabricated a court decision was disbarred by the Supreme Court.
Disbarment for Forging Court Decisions: A Lesson in Legal Ethics
When a lawyer faked a court decision to deceive a client, the Supreme Court imposed the ultimate penalty: disbarment.
Assurance Fund Claims: When the Prescriptive Period Starts for Defrauded Landowners
The Supreme Court clarifies when the six-year period to claim the Assurance Fund begins for landowners defrauded under the Torrens system.
Corporate President's Authority to Sign Demand Letters and Verification in Unlawful Detainer
Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate president may validly issue demand letters and sign pleadings without a board resolution.
Upholding Notarial Duties: Proper Identification in Legal Documents
A lawyer's notarial commission revoked and practice suspended for notarizing a deed using only a community tax certificate as identification.
Lawyer Suspended for Signing Falsified Deed in Family Property Sale
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for signing a deed of sale containing falsehoods, reaffirming lawyers' duty to uphold truth.
When Lawyers Sign False Documents: A Cautionary Tale from the Supreme Court
A lawyer's suspension for signing a deed with false statements shows why attorneys must uphold the law, not just their client's wishes.
Breach of Public Trust: Dishonesty in Government Service and Its Consequences
Explaining how the Supreme Court upheld dismissal for dishonesty when a government official misused fuel for personal vehicles, and why length of service cannot excuse grave offenses.
When Investment Promises Fall Short: Estafa and Other Deceits Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a broken investment promise is estafa, and when it becomes
Ombudsman Dismissal for Dishonesty Affirmed: Gasoline Withdrawals for Unserviceable Vehicles
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of city official found guilty of dishonesty for withdrawing government gasoline for unserviceable and personal vehicles.
Divorce Recognition Expanding Rights FOR Filipinos IN Mixed Marriages 2
Loss of Trust and Confidence as Just Cause: Balancing Employer Rights and Due Process in Termination Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal, and when employers still owe employees procedural due process.
Taming Unconscionable Interest: Reassessing Loan Obligations and Attorney's Fees in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts temper unconscionable loan interest rates and when attorney's fees may be awarded in foreclosure cases.
Deception Beyond the Contract: Criminal Liability for Diverting Investments Without Consent
When an investment agent diverts funds to another company without the investor's consent, criminal liability may arise under Article 318 of the Revised Penal Code.
When a Corporate President Can Act Without Board Approval: Key Lessons from Colegio Medico v. Lim
A corporate president may act without board approval in ordinary business matters. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court case.
Eminent Domain Prompt Payment Mandate FOR Government Infrastructure Projects
Supreme Court clarifies RA 8974's 100% zonal value prompt payment rule applies to inverse condemnation cases for government projects.
Illegal Dismissal vs. Abandonment: When Turning Over Files Means Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's turnover of files signals dismissal rather than abandonment, protecting workers' security of tenure.
Attorney Suspended for Six Months for Signing Deed With False Statements
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for six months for signing a deed of sale containing false statements, reaffirming that lawyers must uphold truth even when following client wishes.
Understanding the Burden of Proof in Insanity Defense and Mental State at the Time of the Crime
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof for insanity defense and mental state in criminal cases, using People v. Rupal as a guide.