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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Tax Evasion and Probable Cause: BIR v. Manila Home Textile Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies the standard of probable cause in tax evasion cases and the burden on the BIR in preliminary investigations.
Correcting a Title’s Civil Status: When a Full Court Hearing Is Required
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when changing a name or marital status on a Torrens title needs a full adversarial hearing, not summary correction.
Accountability in Public Service: Defining Misconduct and the Limits of Official Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between grave and simple misconduct for public officials, and the limits of their liability.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Why Timely Assessment by the Company Doctor Matters
If a company-designated doctor fails to assess a seafarer's fitness within 240 days from repatriation, the seafarer is deemed totally and permanently disabled.
Defining Misconduct in Public Service: The Faller Case on Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between simple and grave misconduct in public service, and when receiving funds without proper documentation becomes an administrative offense.
HLURB Contempt Powers: When to File Indirect Contempt in Housing Disputes
Learn when to file indirect contempt before the HLURB rather than the Supreme Court, based on Spouses Trinidad v. Fama Realty.
Judicial Review in Illegal Dismissal: Balancing Labor Rights and Employer Prerogatives
The Supreme Court clarifies the CA's power to review NLRC factual findings in illegal dismissal cases, emphasizing substantial evidence over technicalities.
Final Judgment Immutability and Double Interest Under the Insurance Code
A final judgment cannot be altered during execution. The Supreme Court also clarifies the double interest rate under the Insurance Code.
Eyewitness Testimony and Alibi Defense in Robbery with Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court explains when eyewitness identification prevails over alibi and denial in robbery with homicide prosecutions.
Challenging Land Ownership Claims Establishing Lessor Lessee Relationships IN Unlawful Detainer Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer cases, lessor-lessee relationships, and the res inter alios acta principle in property disputes.
Marriage Nullity for Absence of Marriage License: What the Supreme Court Says
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on declaring marriage void for lack of marriage license, evidence rules, and practical implications.
Large Scale Illegal Recruitment: Promising Overseas Jobs Without Authority Is a Crime
The Supreme Court explains when promising overseas jobs without lawful authority constitutes large scale illegal recruitment under Philippine law.
SEC Retains Oversight Power to Investigate Corporate Irregularities and Protect Stakeholders
The Supreme Court affirms the SEC's regulatory power to investigate corporate irregularities and create a management committee to protect stakeholders.
Corporate President’s Authority to Sign Forum-Shopping Certifications
Supreme Court clarifies that a corporate president can sign verifications and forum-shopping certifications without a board resolution.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Why Substantial Evidence and the 3-Day Medical Exam Rule Matter
A Supreme Court ruling explains why seafarers must comply with the mandatory post-employment medical exam and prove work-related illness with substantial evidence.
Ensuring Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Safeguarding Rights and Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies the chain of custody rule in drug cases, emphasizing substantial compliance and integrity of evidence.
Salary Standardization vs Local Autonomy: Resolving Compensation Disputes in Water Districts
The Supreme Court clarifies that water districts must follow the Salary Standardization Law when fixing general manager pay, but good faith may excuse refunds.
Advisory Bodies in Philippine Automated Elections: Chong v. Senate
The Supreme Court upheld the Advisory Council and Technical Evaluation Committee in automated elections, ruling they support rather than diminish the COMELEC's powers.
Supreme Court Cancels Free Patent Over Timberland, Orders Reversion to State
SC rules DENR's presumption of regularity prevails; titles over inalienable timberland are void and must revert to the State.
Corporate Powers and Member Discipline: When Can Associations Suspend Member Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation may discipline members and suspend privileges without committing an ultra vires act.
Breach of Trust in Employment: When It Justifies Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence can justify dismissing a managerial employee, and when it cannot.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: When "Other Documents" Suffice Under RA 26
Supreme Court clarifies when "other documents" may support reconstitution of lost land titles under Republic Act No. 26.
Homestead Rights Prevail: Reclassification of Land Does Not Extinguish Right to Repurchase
Learn how the Supreme Court protects homestead rights in expropriation, ruling on right-of-way measurement and just compensation.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Higher Penalty for Social Media Offenses
Supreme Court rules that using social media to commit psychological abuse under RA 9262 warrants a higher penalty under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.