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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CBA Interpretation Voluntary Arbitration Prevails In Seafarer Death Benefit Claims
Supreme Court rules voluntary arbitrators, not labor arbiters, hear CBA interpretation disputes involving seafarer death benefits.
VAT Refund for Foreign Tourists Upheld: Equal Protection and Tax Classification in the Philippines
The Supreme Court upholds RA 12079's VAT refund for foreign tourists, ruling it does not violate equal protection or tax uniformity.
Attempted Estafa in the Philippines: Proving Intent to Defraud and Penalties
Learn how Philippine courts prove intent to defraud in attempted estafa cases, the elements of the crime, and the applicable penalties under the Revised Penal Code.
Seafarer's Basketball Injury Ruled Work-Related: 2026 Supreme Court Decision Explained
A seafarer injured playing basketball on board a vessel is entitled to disability benefits. The Supreme Court applies the Bunkhouse Rule and Personal Comfort Doctrine.
Court Employees and Financial Obligations: Ethics Beyond the Courtroom
A Supreme Court ruling reminds court employees that personal debts and conduct reflect on the judiciary's integrity and honor.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails Safeguarding Rights IN Drug Possession Cases
Death pending appeal extinguishes criminal liability in drug cases. The Supreme Court clarifies the effect of an accused's death on convictions.
Negligence Beyond Contract: Recovering Damages From Third Parties in Philippine Carriage Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how passengers can recover damages from third-party tortfeasors in breach of carriage cases.
Safeguarding Due Process: The Right to Be Heard in Contempt Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that indirect contempt proceedings require a full hearing and the opportunity to be heard, not just written pleadings.
Excise Tax on Petroleum: Who Bears the Burden When International Carriers Are Involved
The Supreme Court rules oil companies cannot claim refunds for excise taxes on petroleum sold to international carriers—the exemption belongs to the buyers, not sellers.
Just Compensation for Transmission Lines: Full Market Value, Not Easement Fees
Explaining NAPOCOR v. Saludares on just compensation for transmission line easements—full market value, no prescription, and valuation timing.
Probationary Employment: Employers Must Inform Employees of Regularization Standards
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on probationary employment: employers must inform employees of regularization standards at the time of engagement.
Treasury Bill Trading Roles: When a "Conduit" Is Really a Principal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a treasury bill trader acts as principal, not conduit, and when set-off applies.
Guardianship and Competency: Defining the Boundaries of Legal Protection
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a person is legally This requires proof of actual incapacity, not mere difficulty or poor judgment.
When Police Break the Chain of Custody: Acquittal in Drug Possession Cases
The Supreme Court acquits two drug possession convicts after a lone officer broke chain-of-custody rules, reaffirming that proof beyond reasonable doubt cannot rest on presumption of regularity.
Speedy Justice in Ejectment Cases: Understanding Summary Procedure Timelines in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court enforces strict timelines in ejectment cases under the Revised Rule on Summary Procedure, using a 2012 administrative case as a guide.
When Banks and Depositors Share the Blame: PNB v. Spouses Cheah on Negligence
A rubber check, a premature release of funds, and a Supreme Court ruling that split the loss equally between a bank and its depositors.
Corporate Veil Piercing: Directors Held Liable for Fraudulent Misrepresentation in Syndicated Estafa
Supreme Court ruling on when corporate directors can be held criminally liable for estafa despite the separate juridical personality of corporations.
Drug Testing in the Workplace: Employer Rights vs Employee Rights and Due Process
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on drug testing in the workplace, balancing employer rights, employee rights, and due process in dismissal cases.
NEA Supervisory Power Prevails in Resolving Electric Cooperative Disputes
Supreme Court rules NEA has primary jurisdiction over electric cooperative board disputes, not regular courts.
When an Accused Dies Pending Appeal: Extinguishment of Criminal and Pecuniary Liability
A Supreme Court ruling explains how the death of an accused during appeal extinguishes criminal liability and, in drug cases, the fine as well.
Revival of Proceedings Ensuring Fair Trial Rights Despite Procedural Technicalities
Supreme Court rules courts must relax procedural rules in contempt cases to protect due process and fair hearing rights.
Habitual Tardiness and Misconduct: When Repeated Infractions Justify Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when habitual tardiness, absenteeism, and insubordination justify dismissal, and the price of skipping due process.
Condominium Disputes: HLURB Jurisdiction and Indispensable Parties Explained
When do condominium owner complaints belong before the HLURB? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction and the need to implead the condominium corporation.
Establishing Domicile Intent AND Actions FOR Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court clarifies how reinstated Filipino citizens can prove domicile and residency for election candidacy, using Jalosjos v. COMELEC.