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 Illegal Dismissal Claims of Probationary Employees Fall Outside DARAB Jurisdiction: Del Monte Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction over agrarian disputes, distinguishing recovery of possession cases from tenurial controversies under RA 6657.
Unutilized Creditable Withholding Tax: Proving Claims for Refund or Tax Credit
The Supreme Court clarifies what a taxpayer must prove to claim a refund of unutilized creditable withholding taxes, and what need not be proven.
VAT Refund Claims: Authority to Print and Zero-Rated Invoice Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when failure to print "zero-rated" or present Authority to Print defeats VAT refund claims.
Estoppel by Silence in Philippine Insurance Law: When a Bank's Silence Speaks Volumes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estoppel by silence, bank liability for unpaid insurance premiums, and corporate veil in insurance claims.
Understanding Seafarer Disability Claims Establishing Work Relatedness FOR Compensation
Ejectment and Land Ownership: What a Torrens Title Means for Property Owners in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how registered owners can eject tolerated occupants, why laches does not bar recovery, and the limits of ownership claims in ejectment cases.
Prescription and Laches in Land Disputes: Understanding Time Limits to Protect Your Property Rights
The Supreme Court explains when actions for reconveyance of registered land prescribe and how laches can bar claims, even those based on forged titles.
Tenant Rights vs Landowner Claims: Agrarian Reform Protections Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when tenant farmers can invoke agrarian reform coverage and how landowner retention limits affect tenant rights under PD 27 and RA 6657.
Reconveyance Actions in the Philippines: Understanding Prescription and Laches
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when reconveyance actions prescribe and how laches bars claims, even without fraud allegations.
Land Ownership Disputes: Proving Your Claim in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes government instrumentalities from GOCCs in real property tax disputes, and what this means for proving ownership claims.
Liquidation Court Jurisdiction Over Claims Against Insolvent Banks in the Philippines
When a bank is placed under liquidation, all claims against it—including annulment and damages suits—must be filed with the liquidation court.
Proving Work-Related Illness in Seafarer Disability Claims: The Francisco Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's illness is compensable, emphasizing proof of work-relatedness beyond mere occurrence during employment.
Pre-Existing Conditions and Seafarer Disability Claims: Understanding Work-Relatedness in Philippine Maritime
The Supreme Court explains when a seafarer's pre-existing illness is compensable and the limits of the disputable presumption of work-relatedness.
Indirect Employers' Solidary Liability: Protecting Workers' Monetary Claims Under the Labor Code
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on indirect employers' solidary liability for workers' wages, 13th month pay, and other monetary benefits.
Unjust Enrichment in Construction Disputes: Establishing Legal Grounds for Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unjust enrichment claims in construction disputes, explaining legal grounds, burden of proof, and practical guidance.
Ejectment Actions: Registered Title Prevails Over Unregistered Claims
In ejectment cases, a registered owner's title prevails over unregistered claims. The Supreme Court explains in Spouses Beltran v. Nieves.
Invoicing Requirements Strict Compliance for VAT Refund Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court denies VAT refund for failure to comply with invoicing requirements under the NIRC and applicable regulations.
Ejectment Actions and the Primacy of Registered Titles in Philippine Property Law
Philippine courts uphold registered titles over unregistered claims in ejectment cases. Learn the rules and practical implications.
Promissory Notes Enforceability and the Absence of Vitiated Consent
When is a promissory note valid despite claims of pressure? The Supreme Court clarifies consent, consideration, and enforceability.
VAT Refund Denials Strict Compliance With Invoicing Rules Upheld
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on VAT refund claims, emphasizing strict compliance with invoicing and substantiation requirements.
Residency for Public Office: Intent, Incremental Moves, and Misrepresentation Claims
The Supreme Court explains how candidates prove residency for public office and when a certificate of candidacy may be challenged.
Possession vs Ownership: When Land Status Determines Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how land classification as public domain affects possessory rights and estoppel claims.
Protecting Possessory Rights When A Writ Of Possession Cannot Override Third Party Claims
When a third party actually possesses foreclosed property under an adverse claim, a writ of possession is not ministerial. Learn the rule.
The Critical Omission: Why "Zero-Rated" Must Appear on VAT Invoices for Tax Credit Refund Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failing to print on its sales invoices. The CTA En Banc affirmed this denial, and J.R.A. elevated the matter to the Supreme Court.