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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Untangling VAT Refund Claims: The 120-Day Rule and Reliance on BIR Rulings
The Supreme Court clarifies when VAT refund judicial claims must be filed, and how BIR Ruling No. DA-489-03 protected taxpayers.
Unbearable Conditions Defining Constructive Dismissal in the Workplace
When employer hostility becomes unbearable, an employee may be constructively dismissed. The Supreme Court explains the test and remedies.
Upholding Attorneys Good Faith Erroneous Legal Advice Without Malice IS NOT Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lawyers are not liable for honest mistakes or erroneous advice absent proof of malice or bad faith.
Reconstitution of Title: Strict Compliance with Notice Requirements for Jurisdiction
Philippine Supreme Court nullifies a title reconstitution for failure to notify the registered owners' heirs, stressing mandatory notice rules.
Upholding Due Process in Administrative Cases: Impartiality and Fair Procedure
The Supreme Court clarifies due process requirements in administrative cases, emphasizing substantial evidence and the right to an impartial tribunal.
Undue Delay in Rendering Decisions: When Judicial Efficiency Becomes a Disciplinary Matter
A judge's 11-year delay in deciding an ejectment case leads to a P40,000 fine and a stern warning from the Supreme Court.
Eyewitness Testimony and the Standard of Proof in Murder Convictions: People v. Watamama
The Supreme Court clarifies when eyewitness testimony suffices for conviction and why treachery must be proven, not presumed, in murder cases.
Circumstantial Evidence and Conviction: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for homicide, and clarifies the rules on incomplete self-defense and voluntary surrender.
Qualified Rape: How the Offender's Relationship to a Child Victim Raises the Crime
In People v. Traigo, the Supreme Court explains how a child's age and the offender's relationship to her parent turn statutory rape into qualified rape.
Squatters Rights vs Government Housing Programs When Occupancy Doesnt Guarantee Ownership
Explore the 2014 Supreme Court ruling on corporate dissolution and property rights in Alabang Corporation v. Alabang Hills Village Association.
Inconsistent Positions and Agency Liability: Protecting Overseas Workers From Deception
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling holds recruitment agencies and their officers solidarily liable for overseas workers' claims, rejecting inconsistent defenses as deception.
Corporate Transparency: Enforcing Stockholder Rights to Inspect Corporate Records
Supreme Court clarifies when refusal to allow inspection of corporate records and stock and transfer books is punishable under the Corporation Code.
Grave Misconduct for Negligent Tax Credit Evaluation: Eijansantos v. SPTF 156
The Supreme Court rules that an evaluator's failure to physically verify tax credit claims constitutes grave misconduct, not mere negligence.
Rape and Statutory Rape: Establishing Guilt and Proper Penalties in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when rape becomes qualified rape, the penalties involved, and how courts assess victim testimony.
Lack of Treachery Reduces Murder to Homicide in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when lack of treachery reduces murder to homicide, affecting penalties and damages.
Grave Misconduct of Tax Credit Evaluator: Physical Verification Is a Duty, Not an Option
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a DOF evaluator for grave misconduct after he failed to physically verify a tax credit applicant's facilities, allowing a P867,680 fraud.
Lease Agreements and Inheritance: What Tenants Should Know About Property Transfers
A lessee's occupancy does not create a vested right to buy property. Learn the limits of tenant rights when ownership changes.
Overseas Dreams, Broken Promises: Criminal Liability for Illegal Recruitment and Estafa
A Supreme Court ruling explains when illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa may be charged together, and how conspiracy is proven.
Safeguarding Public Funds: When Officials Can Be Held Liable for Negligence in Disbursement
A Supreme Court disbarment case clarifies how negligence and dishonesty in handling client money and documents can lead to suspension, fines, and worse.
VAT Refund for Foreign Tourists Upheld: Equal Protection and Taxation Rules Explained
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the VAT refund law for foreign tourists, explaining the limits of equal protection in taxation.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Rules on Lost Owner's Duplicates
Supreme Court clarifies when courts may grant reconstitution of lost titles and what evidence suffices under Republic Act No. 26.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Lead to Higher Penalties
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why using Facebook raises the penalty.
Fraternity Violence and Eyewitness Identification: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld convictions for fraternity violence based on positive eyewitness identification despite masks and chaotic circumstances.
Tax Treaty Benefits: Prior Application Not Always Required for Refunds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when tax treaty benefits can be claimed without prior application, impacting refund claims.