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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Refund of Excess Withholding Taxes: Proving Entitlement Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on refund of excess creditable withholding taxes, the two-year prescriptive period, and evidence required.
Defamation and Privileged Communication: Protecting Reputation in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies libel, privileged communication, and damages in Almendras v. Almendras, balancing free speech with reputation protection.
Proving Forgery in Land Registration: Burden Falls on the Party Alleging It
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who bears the burden of proving forgery in land registration cases and why expert testimony alone is not conclusive.
Unconscionable Compromises Protecting Employees From Unfair Labor Settlements
Learn how Philippine courts protect employees from unfair labor settlements, illegal strike dismissals, and double compensation risks in this ruling.
Mining Rights vs Land Ownership: Reconstitution Rights Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that mining patent holders cannot seek reconstitution of land titles they do not own.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Integrity of Evidence Prevails
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on chain of custody in drug possession cases, explaining why substantial compliance with Section 21 suffices.
Reassessing Psychological Incapacity Expert Testimony in Philippine Marital Nullity Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how expert testimony on psychological incapacity should be weighed in Philippine marriage nullity cases.
Clarifying Deposit Substitutes: The 20-Lender Rule and Tax Implications in Bond Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies when treasury bonds qualify as deposit substitutes subject to 20% final withholding tax, and the limits of BIR ruling retroactivity.
Cashier Liability for Robbery Losses: Negligence Bars Relief from Accountability
A cashier who negligently keeps government funds outside a vault remains liable for robbery losses, the Supreme Court ruled.
Standardized Salaries vs Additional Compensation: Navigating Government Employee Benefits
The Supreme Court clarifies when government employees may receive allowances beyond standardized salaries under RA 6758, the Salary Standardization Law.
Intent to Kill: Distinguishing Attempted Murder From Physical Injuries in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how intent to kill separates attempted murder from physical injuries, and what evidence proves it.
Vested Mining Rights Prevail Protecting Claims Under THE Philippine Bill OF 1902
The Supreme Court rules that mining patents issued under the Philippine Bill of 1902 are vested rights that cannot be impaired by later laws or agreements.
Ejectment vs Ownership: Defining Jurisdiction in Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a property dispute is ejectment or an ownership action, and limits RTC appellate powers.
Ejectment Appeals: No Trial De Novo and the Boundary Dispute Rule
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ejectment appeals, boundary disputes, and why RTCs cannot conduct trial de novo.
Reconstitution of Torrens Titles: Strict Compliance and the Hierarchy of Courts
A petition to reconstitute a lost Torrens title must strictly follow RA 26; wrong remedy and forum doom the case.
Self-Defense Claims in Murder Cases: Proving Unlawful Aggression in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails in murder cases, explaining the burden of proof and the elements required to invoke this justifying circumstance.
Surety Agreements, Demand Requirements, and Interest on Delayed Payments: G.R. No. 280513 Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when a demand for deficiency payment is valid, and why a statement of account must be substantiated.
Psychological Incapacity Under Article 36: When Falling Out of Love Is Not Enough
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between questions of fact and law in Article 36 nullity cases, and what evidence proves psychological incapacity.
Marital Rape Upholding A Wifes Bodily Autonomy AND Rejecting THE Implied Consent Theory
The Supreme Court affirms that marriage does not imply consent to sexual relations, upholding a wife's bodily autonomy and rejecting the implied consent theory.
Ombudsman’s Discretion Limits on Certiorari in Anti-Graft Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified the proper remedy for assailing Ombudsman rulings in consolidated anti-graft cases.
Employer Liability for Vehicular Accidents: Proving Due Diligence in Hiring Drivers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer liability for driver negligence, emphasizing documentary proof of due diligence in hiring and supervision.
Equitable Estoppel in VAT Refund Claims: When Taxpayers Can Bypass the 120-Day Rule
The Supreme Court clarifies when taxpayers may file VAT refund claims with the CTA without waiting for the 120-day period.
Due Process and Prosecutorial Review: Ensuring Fair Hearings in Philippine Justice
Explore how the Supreme Court protects employee rights through due process, prosecutorial review, and fair hearings in Philippine labor disputes.
Counsel's Negligence and Due Process: When Can a Client Reopen a Case
When a lawyer's mistake hurts a client's case, can the case be reopened? The Supreme Court explains the limits of due process and counsel negligence.