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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VAT Refund Claims: The 120-Day Rule and Timely Appeals to the CTA
Learn the mandatory 120+30 day periods for VAT refund claims and how the Supreme Court applies them in CIR v. GST Philippines.
Judicial Ethics: Avoiding Impropriety and Its Appearance in Judges' Conduct
A judge's off-bench conduct matters. The Supreme Court fined a judge for drinking with a litigant, showing why appearance of impropriety is a serious offense.
Rehabilitation Courts Have Limited Jurisdiction Over Insurance Claims of Corporate Debtors
Supreme Court clarifies that rehabilitation courts cannot adjudicate insurance claims filed by the distressed company against its insurers.
Marriage Validity: Intent vs Motive in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that a marriage entered for immigration purposes is valid if consent is freely given; motive alone does not void it.
Voluntary Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: What Employees Must Prove
The Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is voluntary and not constructive dismissal, and what evidence employees must present.
Love OR LAW Intentions Behind Marriages AND Legal Validity
Philippine Supreme Court rules that marriage for citizenship or money is valid if consent is real, distinguishing motive from lack of consent.
Equitable Mortgage Ruling Reasserts Mortgagor Rights in Property Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that in equitable mortgages, reconveyance to the mortgagor is the principal remedy—not payment of fair market value.
Substantiate Tax Refund Claims with Withholding Tax Certificates: Key Lessons from CIR v. TeaM Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the substantiation requirements for tax refund claims, focusing on the evidentiary value of creditable withholding tax certificates.
Medical Certificate Requirements and Illegal Dismissal: Balancing Employer Prerogative and Employee Rights
When can an employer require a medical certificate without risking illegal dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of management prerogative.
Airport Frisking and Drug Transportation: Upholding Convictions on Reasonable Searches and Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court affirms a drug transport conviction, ruling airport frisking is a valid search and the chain of custody of seized shabu was unbroken.
Equitable Mortgage: Execution and Reconveyance of Property Explained
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how courts must execute judgments involving equitable mortgages, emphasizing reconveyance over payment of fair market value.
Sheriffs' Duties and Ethical Conduct: Receiving Funds and Serving Summons
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies sheriff duties, the proper procedure for travel expense deposits, and the ethics of receiving funds.
Estafa and Agency Criminal Liability Cannot Be Extinguished by Contractual Novation
Supreme Court rules novation cannot extinguish criminal liability for estafa; only the State may waive criminal action.
Prescription and Void Titles: When Real Property Actions Do Not Prescribe
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when actions to declare void titles prescribe, and why quieting title actions may not be time-barred.
Forum Shopping and Protection Orders: Avoiding Conflicting Rulings in Custody Disputes
When a mother filed for a protection order in another court while a custody case was pending, the Supreme Court clarified the limits of forum shopping.
Rescission Rights Clarifying Judicial Intervention In Contract Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts can void contracts and titles, and why Torrens titles cannot be attacked collaterally.
Breach of Contract and Good Faith in Security Service Agreements: Adriano v. Lasala
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unlawful termination of security service contracts, bad faith, and damages under Civil Code.
Land Registration Denied: Proving Possession Since June 12, 1945
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements for land registration under P.D. 1529, emphasizing the need for clear proof of possession since June 12, 1945.
Breach of Contract in Sales: Who Bears Liability for Non-Delivery and Refused Goods
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies liability when a buyer refuses delivery and a seller fails to deliver, with damages computed.
Guilt Beyond Doubt: Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Murder Convictions
The Supreme Court affirms murder convictions based on circumstantial evidence, explaining when such evidence suffices to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Victim Credibility in Rape Cases: Delay in Reporting and Lack of Medical Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a rape victim's testimony alone can sustain a conviction, even with delayed reporting and no medical evidence.
Torrens Title Indefeasibility and the Burden of Proof in Land Registration Applications
The Supreme Court clarifies that tax declarations alone cannot prove possession since 1945, a key requirement for judicial land registration under P.D. 1529.
Navigating VAT Refund Claims: Mandatory Periods and the Operative Fact Doctrine
The Supreme Court clarifies the mandatory 120+30 day periods for VAT refund claims and when the operative fact doctrine applies.
Dismissal for Drug Use Upholding Integrity in the Judiciary
Supreme Court dismisses court employee for shabu use, ruling it grave misconduct that tarnishes the Judiciary's image and integrity.