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 Self-Defense Fails: Superior Strength in Philippine Murder Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains when self-defense fails and how abuse of superior strength qualifies a killing as murder in the Philippines.
Regular Employment vs Apprenticeship: Protecting Workers' Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when apprenticeship agreements cannot defeat regular employment status and workers' rights.
Voluntary Arbitration vs. Labor Arbiter: Philippine Labor Dispute Jurisdiction
When does voluntary arbitration prevail over Labor Arbiter jurisdiction? The Supreme Court clarifies in University of the Immaculate Conception v. NLRC.
Accountability of Court Personnel Handling Judiciary Funds and Fiduciary Duties
Supreme Court ruling on clerks of court and cash clerks liable for shortages in judiciary funds, and the consequences of negligence and dishonesty.
Can a Defective Oath Disqualify a Candidate? The Amora Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a defective oath in a Certificate of Candidacy can—and cannot—disqualify a candidate.
Employee vs Independent Contractor: Key Factors in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the control test distinguishing employees from independent contractors, using an insurance agent case as guide.
PDIC Investigation vs Examination: When Is Monetary Board Approval Required
The Supreme Court clarifies when PDIC needs Monetary Board approval—investigation and examination are distinct powers under the PDIC Charter.
Psychological Incapacity and the Adultery Defense: What Yambao v. Republic Teaches About Marital Nullity
The Supreme Court clarifies the high bar for declaring a marriage void due to psychological incapacity under Article 36.
Just Compensation in Eminent Domain: Valuing Property at the Time of Taking
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how just compensation in expropriation is determined by the property's value and character at the time of taking.
Donation vs Devise: How Philippine Courts Distinguish Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court explains how to tell a donation inter vivos from a devise, and why the distinction decides who owns the property.
Attorney Ethics: When Filing Pleadings for Deceased Clients Is Not Dishonesty
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's act of filing pleadings for deceased clients amounts to dishonesty, and when it does not.
Contract to Sell vs Dacion en Pago: Protecting Subdivision Lot Buyers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how PD 957 protects subdivision lot buyers even when a developer transfers the property to a bank through dacion en pago.
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.
Overcoming Jurisdictional Hurdles in Philippine Property Disputes: The Philippine Veterans Bank Case
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified jurisdictional boundaries between courts and DARAB in expropriation cases involving agrarian reform lands.
Intra-Corporate vs Illegal Dismissal: Where to File Your Case
Learn when a dismissal case is intra-corporate or a labor dispute, and which forum has jurisdiction, based on a 2011 Supreme Court ruling.
Philippine Foreclosure Law: Why Publication Is Non-Negotiable for Banks
Philippine Supreme Court rules banks must prove newspaper publication in foreclosure sales; failure voids the entire proceeding.
When Can a Judge Be Held Liable: Lessons from Rubin v. Judge Aguirre
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges face administrative liability, distinguishing mere errors from misconduct requiring bad faith or malice.
When a Void Marriage Decree Can Be Issued Without Waiting for Property Liquidation
Supreme Court clarifies that Article 36 void marriage decrees need not wait for property liquidation under Article 147 of the Family Code.
Excise Tax Refunds: Who Can Claim for Petroleum Products Sold to International Carriers
Learn who may claim excise tax refunds on petroleum products sold to international carriers under Philippine law, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Procedure Protects Your Rights
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody and procedural lapses. Learn your rights.
Philippine Red Cross Charter: Understanding Its Unique Legal Status
The Supreme Court explains why the Philippine Red Cross is neither a private corporation nor a government entity, and why its charter remains valid.
Negligence and Misconduct of Court Personnel: Lessons from a Clerk of Court and Sheriff Case
A Supreme Court ruling shows how negligence by clerks of court and grave misconduct by sheriffs can derail justice and bring severe penalties.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Ignorance of Law in Reversing Final Order
Supreme Court dismisses judge who reversed a final and executory order, reaffirming the immutability of final judgments in Philippine courts.
Judicial Accountability: Court Personnel Disciplined for Delayed Execution and Misconduct
Supreme Court disciplines court personnel for delaying execution of judgment, issuing defective writs, and sheriff misconduct in administrative case.