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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Condominium Corporation Disputes: When Are They Intra-Corporate Controversies?
The Supreme Court clarifies when disputes between condominium corporations and unit owners are intra-corporate controversies under the jurisdiction of special commercial courts.
Treachery in Criminal Law: The Element of Surprise in Murder Convictions
Understand how treachery qualifies killing as murder under Philippine law, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on a sudden stabbing.
Untimely Tax Refund Claims: The 120+30 Day Rule Is Mandatory and Jurisdictional
The Supreme Court clarifies that VAT refund claims must follow the 120+30 day rule under (D) of the NIRC, with limited exceptions.
Protecting Child Victims of Sexual Abuse: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A father's conviction for rape and sexual abuse of his 12-year-old daughter affirmed by the Supreme Court, clarifying legal standards.
Attorney Accountability: Honesty in Legal Practice and Notarial Duties
A Supreme Court ruling holds a lawyer liable for notarial law violations and falsehood, underscoring the personal accountability of notaries and the duty of honesty.
Incidental Fraud Damages FOR Exclusion From Corporate Management
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Tankeh v. DBP on incidental fraud, damages, and exclusion from corporate management.
Navigating VAT Refund Timelines: The Mandatory 120-30 Day Rule and Equitable Exceptions
Understand the mandatory 120+30 day rule for VAT refund claims in the Philippines, its jurisdictional nature, and the equitable exceptions recognized by the Supreme Court.
Trademark Infringement Search Warrants: Probable Cause in IP Cases Explained
Supreme Court clarifies the standard of probable cause for search warrants in trademark infringement and unfair competition cases under the IP Code.
Distinguishing Simple Theft From Qualified Theft: The Critical Role of Grave Abuse of Confidence
The Supreme Court clarifies when theft is qualified by grave abuse of confidence, and when it remains simple theft.
Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accidents: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
A recent Supreme Court ruling clarifies negligence, vicarious liability, and insurer subrogation in Philippine vehicular accident claims.
Judge Dismissed and Suspended From Law Practice for Gross Immorality in Extramarital Affair
Supreme Court dismisses a judge and suspends him from law practice for gross immorality arising from an extramarital affair and child born outside marriage.
Beyond Deadlines: The COMELEC's Power to Ensure Fair Plebiscites Despite Statutory Timelines
When a plebiscite deadline becomes impossible to meet, can the COMELEC reset the date? The Supreme Court says yes, in a ruling that prioritizes the people's right to vote.
When Performance Goals Lead to Disputes: Constructive Dismissal in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when unmet performance targets amount to constructive dismissal, explaining the employee's burden of proof.
Clerks of Court Who Fail to Remit Funds Promptly Face Severe Penalties
Supreme Court clarifies that clerks of court who delay remitting court funds or incur shortages face suspension and other severe administrative penalties.
When Self-Defense Becomes Retaliation: Lessons from a Parricide Conviction
A son killed his father after disarming him. The Supreme Court explains why self-defense failed and became retaliation.
Perfecting Land Titles Strict Requirements FOR Registration Under Philippine LAW
Illegal Delivery vs Illegal Possession: Key Distinctions in Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between illegal delivery and illegal possession of dangerous drugs under RA 9165.
Parental Authority vs Incestuous Rape: Moral Ascendancy and Victim Testimony in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape, moral ascendancy, and the weight of a victim's credible testimony in criminal cases.
When Loan Agreements Clash: Mutuality, Rescission, and the Limits of Bank Discretion
A Supreme Court ruling on when a bank's refusal to release loan proceeds amounts to a slight breach, not grounds for rescission.
Abuse of Rights Damages Awarded for Bad Faith Demand Letter to Employee's Company
Supreme Court affirms damages against employer for bad faith demand letter accusing employee of theft despite receipt.
Tenant Rights Under Scrutiny: Consent and Proof in Agricultural Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that occupation and cultivation alone do not create a tenancy relationship, requiring proof of landowner consent and harvest sharing.
Cessation of Aggression Imperative for Valid Self-Defense Claims in Parricide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that self-defense fails once unlawful aggression ceases, as in this parricide conviction.
Cultivation vs Tenancy: Consent and Harvest Sharing in Agricultural Land Redemption
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere cultivation does not create tenancy; landowner consent and harvest sharing must be proven for redemption rights.
Preliminary Injunctions and Ombudsman Decisions: The Gabuya Case on Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies when preliminary injunctions may stop Ombudsman dismissal orders and the consequences of forum shopping.