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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Juvenile Justice Balancing Rehabilitation AND Accountability IN HOMICIDE CASES
The Supreme Court clarifies when a child in conflict with the law may still be imprisoned, even under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.
State Sovereignty in Land Registration: Proving Alienability and Disposability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that land registration requires proof of alienability and disposability, not just possession.
Intent to Kill: What Separates Frustrated Homicide from Serious Physical Injuries
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how intent to kill distinguishes frustrated homicide from serious physical injuries, with practical guidance on evidence.
PEZA Tax Exemption: Instrumentality of National Government and Real Property Tax
Supreme Court rules PEZA is exempt from real property tax as an instrumentality of the national government, clarifying local taxing limits.
Lawyer Suspended for Dishonesty and Failure to Pay Debt: A Lesson in Ethical Conduct
The Supreme Court affirms a lawyer's suspension for issuing worthless checks and failing to pay a debt, underscoring lawyers' ethical duty to honor financial obligations.
COMELEC's Budgetary Discretion and the Limits of Recall Election Funding
The Supreme Court ruled that COMELEC's 2014 budget covered recall elections, rejecting the agency's refusal to proceed for lack of funds.
Dual Office Ban and CSC Independence: Funa v. CSC Chairman (G.R. No. 191672)
The Supreme Court strikes down EO 864 for violating the constitutional ban on dual office and CSC independence.
Prescription in Anti-Graft Cases: When Does the Clock Start Ticking?
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period for Anti-Graft Act violations begins, using a behest loan case as the backdrop.
Upholding Ethical Standards Attorney Suspended FOR Dishonest Real Estate Dealings
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for dishonest real estate dealings, reaffirming high ethical standards for attorneys in the Philippines.
Upholding Public Safety: Supreme Court Invalidates Ordinance Permitting Oil Depots in Densely Populated Area
The Supreme Court strikes down Manila Ordinance No. 8187 for allowing oil depots to remain in densely populated Pandacan, reaffirming the primacy of public safety and health.
Unlawful Detainer vs Accion Publiciana: Jurisdiction Depends on the Complaint's Allegations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when ejectment cases belong in MeTC versus RTC, based on the complaint's allegations.
Tax Evasion Cases: When a Prior Assessment Is Not Required for Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies when the BIR can prosecute tax evasion without a prior assessment, and what probable cause requires.
Donor's Tax on Share Sales: Fair Market Value and Donative Intent
Supreme Court rules on donor's tax for share sales below book value, fair market value determination, and CTA jurisdiction.
Unlawful Detainer and Possession Rights in Philippine Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a case is unlawful detainer versus accion publiciana, and why the complaint's allegations determine jurisdiction.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: When a Deadly Response Fails in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies self-defense requirements in homicide cases, explaining why unlawful aggression is essential and must be proven with clear evidence.
Prevailing Medical Opinion Resolving Seafarer Disability Claims Under Poea SEC
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 120-day vs 240-day rule in seafarer disability claims under the POEA-SEC.
Judicial Conduct Upholding Impartiality AND Adherence TO Procedural Rules IN Court Proceedings
The Supreme Court reinstates NLRC dismissals, emphasizing strict compliance with procedural rules in labor appeals and the finality of judgments.
Possession of Forest Products Without Documents: A Primer on the Revised Forestry Code
Learn how mere possession of lumber without legal documents can lead to criminal liability under the Revised Forestry Code, as explained in a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Moral Turpitude and Falsification: Defining the Boundaries of Public Trust
The Supreme Court rules that falsification of a Personal Data Sheet is a crime involving moral turpitude, warranting dismissal from government service.
When Good Faith Can't Excuse Ignoring Red Flags in Government Projects
Supreme Court explains when courts can't stop government projects and why permits are privileges, not property rights.
Government Infrastructure Projects: Restrictions on Injunctive Relief Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may issue injunctions against government infrastructure projects under RA 8975.
VAT Refund Claims: Strict Deadlines and Proper Documentation Required
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies VAT refund rules: strict 2-year filing deadlines and the necessity of official receipts for zero-rated services.
Procedural Rigidity vs Substantial Justice: Navigating NLRC Rules on Appeal
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when procedural lapses before the NLRC can—and cannot—be excused in labor appeals.
When a Seafarer's Disability Claim Fails: The Weight of Medical Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability claim fails, emphasizing the company-designated physician's findings and proper procedure.