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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Death of Accused Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal Liability in Rape Case
Supreme Court explains how an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal and civil liability ex delicto.
Res Judicata vs Ownership Claims: Understanding Property Disputes in the Philippines
A forcible entry ruling does not bar a later ownership-based recovery case. Learn the key distinctions from a 2014 Supreme Court decision.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Why the Company Doctor's Assessment Prevails Under POEA-SEC
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the mandatory third-doctor referral rule in seafarer disability claims and why the company-designated physician's assessment prevails.
Agricultural Tenancy vs Civil Lease: Land Classification Determines DARAB Jurisdiction
When is a farmworker a tenant? The Supreme Court clarifies how land classification determines DARAB jurisdiction and tenancy rights.
Treachery in Jailhouse Killings: Conspiracy and Criminal Liability Explained
How the Supreme Court applied treachery and conspiracy to convict inmates who murdered jail guards and carnapped a vehicle during a prison break.
PEZA Tax Exemption Clarified: Who Can Claim Excise Tax Refunds
Supreme Court clarifies that PEZA-registered enterprises can claim excise tax refunds on petroleum products used indirectly in their operations.
Seafarer Suicide and Death Benefits: Proving Willfulness Under Philippine Law
When a seafarer dies at sea, who bears the burden of proving suicide? The Supreme Court's ruling in Agile Maritime clarifies willfulness in death benefit claims.
Self-Defense and the Burden of Proof: Evidence Rules in Slight Physical Injuries Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains self-defense burdens and when unoffered evidence may still be admitted in slight physical injuries cases.
Moonlighting Misconduct Supreme Court Upholds Ethical Standards FOR Judiciary Employees
The Supreme Court affirms strict ethical standards for judiciary employees, ruling on theft, dishonesty, and gross neglect of duty.
Navigating Tax Credit Claims: The Mandatory vs Directory Interpretation of Deadlines
The Supreme Court clarifies when VAT refund deadlines are mandatory and when taxpayers get relief from strict compliance.
Theft and Dishonesty in Public Service: Consequences for Retirement Benefits and Re-Employment
Supreme Court rules on theft, dishonesty in public service, and how retirement does not erase administrative liability or preserve benefits.
Casino Chips, Ownership, and the Presumption of Title: Subic Bay Legend Resorts v. Fernandez
A casino confiscated chips from two players, claiming they were stolen. The Supreme Court ruled on ownership, possession, and bad faith.
Balancing Public Infrastructure and Private Property: Limits on Preliminary Injunctions
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may issue injunctions against government infrastructure projects under R.A. 8975.
Mergers and Documentary Stamp Tax: Clarifying Tax Obligations in Corporate Restructuring
The Supreme Court clarifies when documentary stamp tax applies to property transfers in corporate mergers under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Good Faith vs Actual Knowledge: Resolving Land Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgments, petitions for relief, and banks' duty of diligence in land mortgage disputes.
Security Guards Duty to Accept Assignments vs Constructive Dismissal
When does a security guard's floating status become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Exocet v. Serrano.
Unraveling Tax Refund Claims: The Weight of Withholding Tax Certificates
The Supreme Court clarifies when creditable withholding tax certificates suffice to prove a tax refund claim, and why actual remittance need not be shown.
Untangling Mortgage Disputes: Good Faith, Due Diligence, and Finality of Judgments
A Supreme Court ruling on mortgage disputes, good faith, and why final and executory judgments bind all parties.
Breach of Trust and Employee Dismissal: Employer's Burden of Proof in Philippine Labor Law
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling in Temic Automotive v. Cantos on breach of trust dismissals, emphasizing the employer's burden of proof.
Habeas Data and Facebook Privacy: When Photos Posted Online Lose Legal Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when Facebook photos lose privacy protection and how the writ of habeas data applies to social media posts.
Mortgage Disputes, Good Faith, and Final Judgments in Philippine Foreclosure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mortgage foreclosure, good faith of banks, and the finality of judgments in property disputes.
No-Build Zones and National Permits: What Aquino v. Malay Means for Developers
The Supreme Court ruled that a DENR permit does not override local no-build zone ordinances. Here's what developers must know.
Causation vs. Presumption: Understanding Employee Compensation for Illness
The Supreme Court clarifies when an illness is compensable under PD 626, emphasizing proof of work-connection over presumption.
When a Judge Serves as Attorney-in-Fact: A Cautionary Tale on Judicial Impropriety
The Supreme Court reminds judges that serving as attorney-in-fact for non-family members violates the Code of Judicial Conduct and constitutes impropriety.