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.
Documentary Stamp Tax: When Special Savings Deposits Are Certificates of Deposit Drawing Interest
The Supreme Court rules that special savings deposits with fixed-term features are "certificates of deposit drawing interest" subject to documentary stamp tax.
Certiorari Not a Substitute for Lost Appeal: Lessons from Republic v. Yang Chi Hao
The Supreme Court reminds litigants that certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal, even in naturalization cases where the government seeks to question a trial court's ruling.
Eviction and Urban Land Reform: When Prior Rights Yield to New Ordinances
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when month-to-month leases end, and why new city ordinances and PD 1517 protections cannot stop a valid ejectment.
Squatters Rights vs Absentee Landlords: Resolving Land Disputes in Urban Reform
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on absentee landowners vs renters in urban land reform, explaining who qualifies for lot awards under the Zonal Improvement Program.
Unregistered Land Sales: Why Registration Matters in Ownership Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling explains why an unregistered deed of sale cannot bind third parties in property disputes over unregistered land.
Pre-Existing Conditions and Seafarer Disability Claims Under the POEA Contract
Explaining when seafarers can claim disability benefits under the POEA Standard Contract, using the Supreme Court's ruling in Bandila Maritime v. Dubduban.
Jurisdiction in Swindling Cases: How Penalties Determine the Proper Court
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how penalties and fines determine which court hears swindling cases under the Revised Penal Code.
Annulment of Judgment in Criminal Cases: Llamas v. Court of Appeals
When can a criminal conviction be annulled? The Supreme Court clarifies Rule 47 applies only to civil cases, not criminal ones.
Foreclosure Rights vs BP 22: Understanding Creditors' Remedies and Their Limits
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that annulment of judgment is only for civil cases, not criminal convictions like swindling.
Balancing Efficiency and Discretion: Revisiting PHILJA Staffing Patterns
The Supreme Court clarifies when coterminous status is proper for confidential staff in the Philippine Judicial Academy's executive offices.
Lost Claim: Failure to Prove Open Possession Prevents Land Title Registration
Supreme Court denies land registration where applicant failed to prove open, continuous, exclusive possession since June 12, 1945.
Judge Dismissed and Suspended from Law Practice for Marital Infidelity and Abandonment
Supreme Court dismisses a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and child, suspending him from law practice for three years.
Good Faith Prevails When Public Officials ACT Without Malice IN Granting Benefits
Supreme Court ruling on good faith as a defense in graft cases under RA 3019, Section 3(e), for public officials relying on agency issuances.
Retrenchment Proving Business Losses To Justify Employee Termination Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the stringent standards employers must meet to validly retrench employees under Article 283 of the Labor Code.
Kidnapping for Ransom: Conspiracy and the Element of Deprivation of Liberty
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies kidnapping for ransom elements, conspiracy liability, and what counts as deprivation of liberty.
Resignation vs Retrenchment: When Are Retirement Benefits Required?
Supreme Court clarifies when resigned employees can claim retirement benefits, distinguishing voluntary resignation from retrenchment in Kimberly-Clark case.
Silence Is Not Acquiescence: Delayed Reporting in Philippine Rape Cases
Why a rape victim's delayed report and vague words like "ginalaw" do not weaken a conviction, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Forgery Undermines Real Estate Sale: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how forged deeds transfer no rights, and why good faith buyers can still be protected under Philippine property law.
Parking Fees vs Public Access: Reconciling Building Codes and Private Property Rights in Philippine Malls
Supreme Court rules malls may charge parking fees; building codes require spaces, not free access. Property rights prevail.
Upholding Termination for Theft: Balancing Due Process and Employer Rights in Labor Disputes
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of cable splicers for theft of company property, clarifying that ample opportunity to be heard, not a formal hearing, satisfies due process.
Appeal Bond Rules in Labor Cases: Why Posting the Full Bond on Time Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies when appeal bonds in labor disputes may be reduced, and why employers must post the full amount within the reglementary period.
Compromise Agreements and Illegitimate Filiation: When Settlements Violate Public Policy
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: compromise agreements on filiation and civil status are void. Learn the public policy limits on settlements.
Drug Bust Conviction Upheld: Chain of Custody and Informant Rules in Philippine Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies chain of custody and informant rules in drug cases, upholding a buy-bust conviction under RA 9165.
Credit Card Interest Rates: Balancing Lender Rights and Borrower Protection in the Philippines
The Supreme Court limits credit card interest and penalty rates to 2% monthly, balancing lender rights with borrower protection.