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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BIR Assessments Without a Letter of Authority Are Void for Lack of Due Process
Philippine Supreme Court voids BIR deficiency assessments issued without a Letter of Authority, and clarifies HMO gross receipts for VAT.
Correcting Birth Certificate Entries: When to File with the Civil Registrar or the Court
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when birth certificate corrections need administrative filing under RA 9048 versus judicial action under Rule 108.
Correcting Birth Certificate Entries: When Courts Lack Jurisdiction Under RA 9048
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when correction of first name in birth certificate requires administrative remedy under RA 9048, not court petition.
Determining Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Balancing Land Value and Legal Mandates
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation is determined in agrarian reform cases, balancing land value factors and legal mandates.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: How Courts Value Expropriated Property
Philippine Supreme Court explains how courts determine just compensation in expropriation cases, using Republic v. Heirs of Santiago as guide.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform Courts Must Apply Legal Formula for Fair Land Valuation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that agrarian reform courts must follow DAR valuation formulas when determining just compensation for land.
Automatic Revocation Clauses in Donations: When Breach Immediately Returns the Property
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that automatic revocation clauses in donations take effect immediately upon breach, without need for judicial action.
Good Faith and Land Titles: When a Contract to Sell Expires in Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a contract to sell expires, the parol evidence rule, and refund rights for unpaid buyers.
Constructive Dismissal: When Work Conditions Become Unbearable Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies constructive dismissal standards and service incentive leave pay prescription in Rodriguez v. Park N Ride.
Torrens Title vs Prior Possession: Resolving Ejectment Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a Torrens title holder can eject occupants who claim prior possession and ownership.
Right of Way in the Philippines: Balancing Property Rights and Legal Easements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a landowner can demand a legal easement of right of way and how courts balance property rights.
Arbitration Agreements Need Not Be Signed: CIAC Jurisdiction in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court rules that an arbitration agreement need not be signed to vest CIAC jurisdiction over construction disputes, as long as intent is clear in writing.
Implied Trusts Protecting Shared Property Interests Despite Title Registration
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how implied trusts can protect co-ownership rights even when property titles name only one person.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Due Process in Anti-Drug Operations
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody, reinforcing Section 21 RA 9165 safeguards.
Forced Resignation: When a "Voluntary" Resignation Is Really Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is forced and amounts to illegal dismissal, protecting employees from undue influence.
Neglect of Duty: Reliance on Subordinates Does Not Excuse Lack of Due Diligence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on managerial employees, loss of trust and confidence, and dismissal for breach of security protocols.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody, underscoring strict Section 21 RA 9165 compliance.
Project Employment vs Regular Employment: What Philippine Law Says
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are project employees and not regular employees, and what this means for termination rights.
Defamation and Free Speech: Balancing Criticism and Accountability in Libel Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when statements in legal pleadings lose privileged communication protection and become libelous.
Tax on Non-Profit Hospitals: Balancing Charity and Commerce in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that non-profit hospitals like St. Luke's pay 10% tax on income from paying patients, balancing charity and commerce.
Untangling VAT Refund Timelines: How a Misleading BIR Ruling Saved a Taxpayer's Claim
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a prematurely filed VAT refund claim survives, and why strict invoicing rules still apply.
Construction Delays and Liquidated Damages: Defining Substantial Completion in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when liquidated damages stop accruing in construction delays—actual substantial completion, not projections, matters.
Insurance Policy Incontestability Clarifying Reinstatement Dates And Insurer Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the incontestability period starts after policy reinstatement, and what insurers must prove to deny claims.
Corporate Representation: The Necessity of Board Resolutions in Legal Actions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers need board resolutions to file or defend legal actions, and the limits of derivative suits.