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.
Employer’s Subsidiary Liability for Employee Crimes: The Calang Ruling
Employers are only subsidiarily liable for employees’ criminal acts. The Calang ruling explains when and how this liability applies.
Custody Consequences: Understanding Failure to Return a Minor Under Philippine Law
Learn what constitutes the crime of kidnapping and failure to return a minor under Philippine law, explained through a landmark Supreme Court case.
Employer's Duty of Care: When Is a Philippine Company Liable for an Employee's Illness?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer liability for employee illness under Article 161 of the Labor Code in Ocean Builders v. Cubacub.
Irrevocable Choice: Tax Credit Carry-Over and Refund Rules in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that choosing to carry over excess tax credit bars refund claims, but the credit can be used indefinitely.
Land Sale Contracts in the Philippines: Ensuring Object Certainty and Navigating Legal Heirs
A Supreme Court ruling on forged land sales, object certainty, and the rights of legal heirs in Philippine property disputes.
Forged Deeds and Disputed Titles: How Philippine Courts Determine Land Ownership
A Supreme Court ruling explains how courts resolve land ownership disputes when a deed of sale is alleged to be forged.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: Understanding Consent and Legal Implications in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how moral ascendancy replaces force in incestuous rape, and clarifies the applicable law and damages.
Mortgage Obligations and Appeal Rights in Real Estate Disputes
The Supreme Court rules on mortgage obligations, appeal periods, and writs of execution in a dispute between borrowers and PNB.
Official Overreach When Good Faith Isnt A Free Pass For Illegal Demolitions
Court employee fined for stopping execution of sheriff's sale to help a friend. A lesson in official conduct.
Facilities vs Supplements in Wage Disputes: Key Distinctions Under Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the legal distinction between facilities and supplements in computing wages, and when employers may deduct their value.
Supreme Court Affirms Conviction in Incestuous Rape, Adjusts Damages
The High Court affirms a father's rape conviction, clarifies penalties under RA 8353, and adjusts civil, moral, and exemplary damages.
When Public Use Fails: Reclaiming Expropriated Land in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when former owners can reclaim expropriated property after the public purpose is abandoned.
The Fresh Period Rule for Appeals in Philippine Criminal Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the fresh period rule to criminal appeals, giving accused persons a full 15 days from denial of post-judgment motions.
The Fresh Period Rule: Reconciling Procedure and Justice in Appeals
The Supreme Court extends the Neypes fresh period rule to criminal appeals, ensuring uniform 15-day appeal periods and protecting the accused's right to appeal.
Evidence Rules in Philippine Administrative Cases: The Atienza Case Explained
Administrative bodies in the Philippines follow relaxed evidence rules. Learn what Atienza v. Board of Medicine means for professionals facing administrative scrutiny.
Lateral and Subjacent Support: Excavation Limits for Adjacent Landowners in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the legal easement of lateral and subjacent support between adjacent landowners and its effect on property titles.
Conviction for a Different Crime: When Courts Can Convict You of an Uncharged Offense
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a conviction for an offense not charged in the Information is valid under the Rules of Court.
Proof of Service in Philippine Courts: Why Proper Documentation Matters
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling on court fund mismanagement underscores the importance of proper documentation and accountability in Philippine courts.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Parent Companies Face Liability for Labor Violations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when parent companies can be held liable for subsidiaries' labor violations, explained for employees and businesses.
Plain View Doctrine: When Warrantless Seizures Are Admissible in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court explains the plain view doctrine and when evidence seized without a warrant can be used in court.
VAT Refund for Foreign Tourists Upheld: Equal Protection and Tax Classification Under RA 12079
The Supreme Court upholds RA 12079's VAT refund for foreign tourists, ruling it does not violate equal protection or uniform taxation.
Incestuous Rape in the Philippines: Parental Authority, Consent, and the Law
Understand how Philippine courts treat incestuous rape by a father, the role of moral ascendancy, and the penalties imposed.
Due Process in Philippine Tax Assessments: The Critical Role of the Preliminary Assessment Notice
Philippine tax assessments require a Preliminary Assessment Notice; without it, the assessment is void for denying due process.
Custodia Legis and Garnishment: The BSP v. Judge Lanzanas Ruling
Funds in custodia legis cannot be garnished without court approval. The Supreme Court's ruling in BSP v. Judge Lanzanas explains why.