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.
Summary Judgment vs Trial: Protecting Rights in Contract Disputes
How the Supreme Court protects judgment debtors from irregular execution sales in contract disputes, and what it means for your rights.
Taxation and Freeport Zones: The Limits of Executive Power in Revenue Regulation
The Supreme Court strikes down a revenue regulation imposing VAT and excise tax on freeport zone importations, affirming that tax exemptions cannot be revoked by executive issuance.
Duty of Disclosure in Insurance Contracts: Insurers Must Prove Concealment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that insurers bear the burden of proving concealment or misrepresentation by convincing evidence before rescinding policies.
Assignees of Bank Mortgagee Entitled to Shorter Redemption Period Under General Banking Law
Supreme Court rules assignees of a bank mortgagee benefit from the shorter three-month redemption period under the General Banking Law.
Foreign Ownership in Public Utilities: The High Court Defines "Capital"
The Supreme Court clarifies that Under the Constitution
Probable Cause and Customs Seizure: Protecting Due Process in Forfeiture Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that probable cause must precede customs seizure and forfeiture, protecting claimants from arbitrary government action.
Probable Cause Required Before Customs Seizure: Commissioner of Customs v. Singson
Philippine Supreme Court rules customs forfeiture requires probable cause first, not mere suspicion or certification.
Breach of Contract: Temperate Damages Awarded for Failure to Deliver Property Titles
Supreme Court awards temperate damages to buyer when developer failed to deliver deeds and titles, explaining when such damages apply.
When a Lawyer Buys a Client's Property: The Business Deal Exception
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's purchase of a client's property is a valid business deal, not a breach of professional ethics.
Due Process in Club Membership Suspensions: The Ching v. QCSC Ruling
When can a club suspend a member without a hearing? The Supreme Court clarifies due process rules in Ching v. Quezon City Sports Club.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as Ground for Dismissal: What Employers Must Prove
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies employee dismissal, requiring willful breach proven by substantial evidence.
Breach of Trust in Employment: Upholding Employee Rights Against Unsubstantiated Claims
Employers cannot dismiss on loss of trust without proof. Learn the legal requisites from a 2016 Supreme Court ruling.
Enforcement of Government Contracts: Recovery Allowed Despite Lack of Funds Certification
Supreme Court allows contractor recovery for government equipment leases despite missing funds certification, citing quantum meruit and equity.
Cooperative Debt Collection: Jurisdiction, Authority, and Interest Rates Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on cooperative debt collection, officer authority, and interest rate reductions in Fausto v. Multi Agri-Forest.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Appealing MARINA Decisions to the Office of the President
When must MARINA decisions be appealed to the Office of the President before going to court? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule.
Cargo Loss Liability: When Bad Weather Is Not a "Peril of the Sea"
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when bad weather excuses a common carrier from cargo loss, defining "storm" and "peril of the sea."
Tenant Rights Under Urban Land Reform: Proving Legitimate Tenancy for Protection Against Eviction
The Supreme Court clarifies that only legitimate tenants with proof of tenancy, not mere occupants, receive protection under P.D. No. 1517.
Eminent Domain Easements Just Compensation For Perpetual Restrictions ON Property USE
When a right-of-way easement for transmission lines permanently restricts property use, full just compensation, not a mere easement fee, is due.
Mining Rights vs. Indigenous Peoples: Exhaustion of Remedies and Grave Abuse of Discretion
The Supreme Court in Alecha v. Atienza underscores the exhaustion doctrine and limits of grave abuse of discretion in mining disputes.
Premature Environmental Challenges Clarifying EIS Requirements in Public-Private Partnerships
Supreme Court clarifies when EIS and ECC duties arise in PPP projects, ruling that pre-bidding environmental challenges are premature.
Constitutional Ban on Land Ownership: Filipino Spouses and Foreign Nationals
The Supreme Court rules that land bought for a foreigner and titled in a Filipino spouse's name is void, reaffirming the constitutional ban.
Corporate Records Access: Stockholder Rights and Officer Duties After Dissolution
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a stockholder's right to inspect corporate records survives corporate dissolution and continues during liquidation.
Res Judicata in Annulment of Judgments: Prior Relief Bars Subsequent Action
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a petition for annulment of judgment under Rule 47 is barred by a prior petition for relief.
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.