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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Mining Rights and State Control: Resolving Disputes in the Diwalwal Gold Rush Area
The Supreme Court rules on the Diwalwal gold rush dispute, clarifying state control over mineral resources and the roles of mining regulatory bodies.
Tax Assessment Prescription: When False Returns Extend the BIR's Reach
A Supreme Court ruling explains when the BIR may assess taxes within ten years instead of three, based on false returns and substantial underdeclaration.
HLURB Jurisdiction in Subdivision Disputes: Residential Use vs Religious Worship
Supreme Court rules HLURB has jurisdiction over subdivision disputes involving residential use violations, including church operations in residential lots.
Qualified Theft and Circumstantial Evidence: When Conviction Stands Without Direct Proof
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for qualified theft, and how courts fix the value of stolen goods.
When Apology and Self-Incrimination Collide: Defining Willful Disobedience in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's refusal to apologize is not willful disobedience justifying dismissal under the Labor Code.
The 120-Day Rule and Equitable Estoppel in VAT Refund Claims
Understand the 120-day VAT refund rule, its exceptions, and how equitable estoppel protects taxpayers who filed judicial claims early.
Title Registration as Proof of Prior Possession in Forcible Entry Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Torrens title can prove prior physical possession in forcible entry cases, protecting landowners from intruders.
Security of Tenure: Regular Employment and Illegal Dismissal in Fixed-Term Contracts
When does a fixed-term employee become regular? The Supreme Court clarifies security of tenure, illegal dismissal, and employer burden of proof.
Prescription in Tax Collection: The Imperative of Valid Waivers and Timely Action by the BIR
When the BIR fails to act on a protest or secure a valid waiver, its right to collect deficiency taxes prescribes. This case explains the rules.
Breach of Contract in Letter of Credit Transactions: Proving Liability in Court
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on what a bank must prove to establish liability in letter of credit transactions, and why pleadings matter.
Breaking the Chain: Upholding Drug Convictions Despite Minor Procedural Lapses
The Supreme Court clarifies that minor gaps in marking evidence do not break the chain of custody in drug cases, affirming a life sentence.
Negligence in Notarial Duty: Lawyers Responsible for Staff Acts
A notary public cannot blame a secretary for unauthorized notarizations. The Supreme Court explains why lawyers bear full responsibility for their office staff's acts.
Forcible Entry and Prior Possession: When a Torrens Title Proves Possession
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Torrens title and tax declarations can establish prior physical possession in forcible entry cases.
Forcible Entry and Prior Physical Possession: When a Torrens Title Proves Possession
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Torrens title and tax declarations can establish prior physical possession in forcible entry cases.
Rape Prosecution: No Requirement of Seclusion or Medical Findings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that rape can occur in public places and medical findings are not indispensable for conviction.
Upholding Corporate Governance: The Limits of Status Quo Orders in Intra-Corporate Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict rules for status quo orders in intra-corporate disputes, emphasizing due process, bonds, and the limits of provisional relief.
Deportation and Due Process: Ensuring Fair Proceedings for Resident Aliens
The Supreme Court clarifies deportation procedures, appeal remedies, and due process rights for resident aliens facing removal from the Philippines.
Grave Misconduct in Public Office: Upholding Ethical Standards in Government Service
Supreme Court clarifies grave misconduct standards, reinstating Ombudsman's dismissal of GSIS executive for irregular surety bond issuance.
Missed Appeal Deadlines in Agrarian Cases: When Negligence Costs the Right to Appeal
The Supreme Court rules on missed appeal deadlines in agrarian disputes, explaining when a motion for reconsideration suspends the period and why certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal.
Valid Substitution Despite Initial Candidates Disqualification Protecting Electoral Participation
A candidate who withdraws can still be validly substituted, even if initially disqualified. The Court protects electoral participation.
Substitution in Elections: Comelec's Discretion and Due Process Rights
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on candidate substitution, the Comelec's ministerial duty, and the due process requirements in election cases.
Dishonored Checks and Moral Turpitude: Dismissal in Public Service
A court employee's conviction for violating Batas Pambansa Blg. 22 (Bouncing Checks Law) constitutes a crime involving moral turpitude, warranting dismissal from public service.
Sheriff's Failure to Implement Writ of Execution Results in Administrative Penalty
Supreme Court holds sheriff liable for simple neglect of duty after failing to implement a writ of execution for over four years, imposing a two-month salary fine.
Defining the Duty of a Company-Designated Physician in Seafarer Disability Claims
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how promptly a company-designated physician must assess a seafarer's fitness to work, and what happens when that duty is delayed.