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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Treachery and Self-Defense: Understanding the Elements of Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains treachery and self-defense in murder cases, using People v. Samuya as a guide.
Understanding Documentary Stamp Tax on Trust Agreements: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Case
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when documentary stamp tax applies to trust agreements and the evidence needed for tax refund claims.
When Tenancy Claims Fail: Ejectment Jurisdiction After Corporate Revocation
The Supreme Court clarifies when an ejectment case stays with regular courts despite tenancy defenses, and how corporate dissolution affects legal standing.
Equitable Estoppel and Tax Refund Claims: Understanding the San Roque Exception
The Supreme Court clarifies when taxpayers may file judicial VAT refund claims without waiting 120 days, citing equitable estoppel.
Default Demand and Interest: Understanding Promissory Note Obligations in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a debtor is in default, how interest is computed, and what makes stipulated rates unconscionable.
Understanding Frustrated Homicide: Intent to Kill and Penalties in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies intent to kill in frustrated homicide and corrects penalty and damages awards in De Guzman v. People.
Navigating SEC Appeals: Understanding the Scope of Review and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies when appellate courts may relax procedural rules and the limits of certiorari review in labor appeals.
Co-Ownership and Good Faith: Understanding Property Rights in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a co-owner can only sell their own share, and buyers must verify ownership of unregistered land.
Disbarment for Bigamy Upholding Marital Sanctity and Legal Ethics in the Philippines
Explore how Philippine courts treat bigamy as a grave offense affecting a lawyer's moral fitness and professional standing.
Res Judicata vs Ownership Claims: Understanding Property Disputes in the Philippines
A forcible entry ruling does not bar a later ownership-based recovery case. Learn the key distinctions from a 2014 Supreme Court decision.
Causation vs. Presumption: Understanding Employee Compensation for Illness
The Supreme Court clarifies when an illness is compensable under PD 626, emphasizing proof of work-connection over presumption.
Shared Intent, Shared Guilt: Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Homicide Law
The Supreme Court explains how conspiracy works in homicide cases—when one acts, all are liable, even without direct participation.
Enforcement Deadlines: Understanding the Five-Year Rule for Executing Court Judgments
A final court ruling is not the end of the story. Philippine law sets strict deadlines for enforcing judgments, and missing them can cost a winning party the case.
When Can Government Agencies Appeal Labor Case Decisions: Standing Rules Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies standing rules for government agencies appealing labor case decisions, with practical guidance for litigants.
Condonation and Concubinage: Understanding Marital Forgiveness in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how condonation affects criminal liability for concubinage under the Revised Penal Code, and what spouses should know.
Ministerial Duty and Abuse of Authority: Understanding the Writ of Possession and Judicial Misconduct
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a writ of possession is ministerial, and when a judge's discretion becomes grave abuse of authority.
Contractual Breach Understanding Rescission Rights IN Mining Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a mining operating agreement may be validly rescinded for breach under Article 1191 of the Civil Code.
Breach of Contract and Banks' Liability: Understanding Hold Out Clauses in Deposit Agreements
When can a bank freeze a depositor's account? The Supreme Court explains the limits of "hold out" clauses in deposit agreements.
Tax Exemption vs Assessment: Understanding Payment Under Protest in Real Property Tax Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that claiming tax exemption does not excuse payment under protest before appealing a real property tax assessment.
Losing the Right to Appeal: Understanding Finality of Judgments in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a convicted person who misses the 15-day appeal period loses the right to appeal—and why counsel's negligence binds the client.
Taxpayer Standing in Philippine Law: Protecting Public Funds Through Legal Action
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Remulla v. Maliksi on taxpayer standing to challenge government contracts and protect public funds.
Standing TO SUE Intervention AND THE Finality OF Dismissed Cases IN Philippine LAW
When Business Downturns Lead to Employee Layoffs: Understanding Retrenchment Under Philippine Law
Learn the legal rules on retrenchment in the Philippines, including valid grounds, procedural requirements, and worker protections.