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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Foreign Land Ownership Restrictions in the Philippines: Constitutional Limits Explained
Philippine law bars foreigners from owning private land, with narrow exceptions. This article explains the rule through a landmark Supreme Court case.
VAT Exemption for Steam Supply: Protecting Taxpayers From Erroneous Payments
The Supreme Court ruled that geothermal steam sold to NPC is VAT-exempt, entitling the supplier to a full refund of erroneously paid taxes.
VAT Zero-Rating for Services Performed in the Philippines Paid in Foreign Currency
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies VAT zero-rating rules for services performed locally but paid in foreign currency, striking down restrictive BIR regulations.
Lawyer Suspended for Dual Government Posts and Unauthorized Private Practice
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for holding a prohibited second government post and engaging in private practice without required written permission.
Judicial Misconduct AND Evidence Preservation Judges Suspension FOR Negligence AND Ignorance OF LAW
Court Dismisses Clerk of Court for Misusing Judicial Office to Harass Private Individuals
Supreme Court dismisses court clerk who used court letterhead to summon persons with no pending cases, ruling the acts constitute gross misconduct.
When a Bank's Oversight Triggers a Land Ownership Dispute: Davao New Town v. COSLAP
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when COSLAP lacks jurisdiction over private land disputes and the limits of agrarian reform adjudication.
Vehicular Homicide vs. Murder: Intent and the Use of a Motor Vehicle
When does a fatal vehicular incident become murder? The Mallari case shows how intent and the use of a motor vehicle elevate the crime.
Abandonment of Tenancy Affirming Land Rights Based on Continuous Cultivation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that continuous cultivation and possession can establish land rights, even without formal title.
Emancipation Patent Cancellation: Land Cultivation and Tenant Rights Under Agrarian Reform
Supreme Court ruling on when an emancipation patent can be cancelled for violating agrarian reform rules on personal cultivation and tenancy.
Senior Citizen Discounts as Tax Credits: Ensuring Equitable Compensation for Private Establishments
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 20% senior citizen discount is a tax credit, not a mere deduction, ensuring fair treatment for private establishments.
When Can a Former Government Lawyer Represent Private Clients? PCGG v. Sandiganbayan Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies Rule 6.03 on former government lawyers, defining "matter" and "intervention" in disqualification cases.
Part Time Faculty AND Security OF Tenure Examining Employment Status IN Private Universities
When a Judge's Private Act Crosses the Line: Lessons from Perez v. Costales
A judge's letter to university officials about his wife's cases was reprimanded for impropriety. Learn the boundaries of judicial conduct.
When a Judge's Private Letter Undermines Judicial Impartiality
Supreme Court reprimands a judge for writing university officials about his wife's cases, violating judicial conduct rules on impartiality.
PEZA VAT Refund: Zero-Rated Export Sales and Input Tax Credit Rights
Explaining CIR v. Cebu Toyo Corporation on PEZA enterprises' VAT refund rights for zero-rated export sales and unutilized input taxes.
VAT Refund Eligibility for PEZA-Registered Enterprises: Key Lessons from Seagate
The Supreme Court clarifies when PEZA-registered enterprises can claim VAT refunds on capital goods, distinguishing exempt entities from exempt transactions.
Judicial Overreach Limits on Notarial Authority of Judges in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies limits on judges' notarial authority under Circular No. 1-90, penalizing unauthorized notarization of private documents.
Competitive Bidding and the Right to Top in Philippine Privatization: The J.G. Summit Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a "right to top" in government privatization bidding is valid, and when losing bidders may be estopped from challenging the award.
Creek Ownership and Land Disputes: Public vs. Private Property Rights
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that creeks are public property, not private land, and how this affects boundary disputes.
Forum Shopping Dismissal: Redundant Suits to Prevent Conflicting Judgments
The Supreme Court explains when filing two derivative suits for the same underlying dispute constitutes forbidden forum shopping, leading to dismissal.
When Judges Cannot Notarize Documents: Limits on Notarial Authority and Admissibility in Philippine Law
Supreme Court clarifies when judges may notarize documents, why invalid notarization affects admissibility, and what makes a deed private.
LGU Right to Immediate Possession in Expropriation: City of Iloilo v. Legaspi
When can an LGU take immediate possession of private property in expropriation? The Supreme Court explains the 15% deposit rule.
Shareholder Derivative Suits and Private Prosecutor Intervention in Falsification Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a shareholder suit is truly derivative and when private prosecutors may intervene in criminal falsification cases.