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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When Checks Prove a Loan: The Supreme Court Ruling on Evidence of Indebtedness
The Supreme Court clarifies when checks alone establish a loan obligation and shift the burden of proof to the debtor under Philippine law.
Election Contests and Jurisdiction: When the HRET Takes Over from COMELEC
The Supreme Court explains why election contests involving proclaimed congressional winners belong exclusively to the HRET, not the courts.
Sexual Harassment by a Lawyer: When Misconduct Erodes Client Trust
A lawyer who sexually harasses a client faces suspension. The Supreme Court explains why such conduct betrays the profession's core values.
Party List Registration Misrepresentation and the Right to Representation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal, not the COMELEC, has jurisdiction over congressional election disputes.
Electoral Tribunal Jurisdiction: Proclamation Is the Decisive Factor in Election Contests
The Supreme Court clarifies that once a congressional candidate is proclaimed, the HRET, not the COMELEC, has sole jurisdiction over election contests.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Ignorance of Law in Land Title Reconstitution Case
Supreme Court dismisses Judge Omelio for gross ignorance of law in reconstituting previously cancelled land titles, reversing inhibition and citing contempt without hearing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When Can a Substitute Candidate Validly Replace Another in Philippine Elections
Philippine election law on substitution of candidates: grounds, deadlines, and rules for valid replacement under the Omnibus Election Code.
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.
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.
Treachery and Evident Premeditation in Murder: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Conviction upheld where treachery and evident premeditation were proven; circumstantial evidence sufficed to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
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.