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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Standing to Sue, Heirs' Rights, and Property Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land registration, heirs' rights, and the standing of the Republic to oppose property claims.
Preliminary Injunctions, Grave Abuse of Discretion, and Protection of Substantive Rights
When can a court issue a preliminary injunction against a foreclosure purchaser? Learn the rules from a 2015 Supreme Court ruling.
Insurance Claim Denied for Drunk Driver: Proving Intoxication in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when insurers may deny claims due to driver intoxication and the evidence required.
Land Registration and Laches: Strict Proof Required in Vega-Era Property Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling shows that registered landowners who sleep on their rights for decades can lose their claim through laches and extinctive prescription.
Forged Signatures and Property Rights: How Laches and Prescription Can Defeat a Land Claim
A Supreme Court ruling shows why delay can destroy a landowner's claim, even when fraud is alleged, and how laches and prescription bar stale property suits.
Surety Bonds Solidary Liability Despite Contract Amendments In Construction Projects
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on surety bonds, solidary liability, and why contract amendments don't automatically release sureties.
Supervening Events and Restitution: When Final Judgments Can Be Overturned
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when supervening events justify setting aside final judgments and ordering restitution of executed amounts.
When Can RTCs Correct MTC Errors in Land Disputes? A Primer on Jurisdictional Boundaries
Explore when RTCs may correct MTC errors in land disputes, based on a 2015 Supreme Court ruling on venue and jurisdiction.
Tax Amnesty and Economic Zones: Puregold Case on VAT and Excise Tax Liabilities
Supreme Court ruling on RA 9399 tax amnesty covering VAT and excise tax liabilities of Clark ecozone enterprises.
Navigating Appeals Jurisdiction of the Court of Tax Appeals in Collection Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that the CTA has exclusive appellate jurisdiction over tax collection cases, and wrong appeals must be dismissed.
Intra-Corporate Disputes as Prejudicial Questions in Estafa Cases
When an intra-corporate dispute over officer authority can suspend criminal estafa proceedings, explained through a 2015 Supreme Court ruling.
The Impact of a Lost Title: Protecting Property Rights and Innocent Purchasers
A Supreme Court ruling on lost titles clarifies when a court can issue a new owner's duplicate and how innocent purchasers are protected.
Proving Co-Ownership of Inherited Land: Lessons from Heirs of Bulawin
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies what evidence truly proves co-ownership of inherited land—and why harvest-sharing alone is not enough.
Government Contracts and Procurement: Why Funding Rules and Indispensable Parties Matter
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on local government loans, procurement funding requirements, and the need to implead indispensable parties in taxpayer suits.
Seafarers Must Comply With Timely Medical Reporting To Claim Disability Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why seafarers must undergo post-employment medical exams within three days to claim disability benefits.
Amending Complaints Upholding Justice AND Preventing Delay
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on consolidating reivindicatory and cancellation of title actions to avoid conflicting decisions and delay.
VAT Refund Denials: Why "Zero-Rated" Must Appear on Invoices
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on VAT refund claims: strict invoicing rules, including the "zero-rated" imprint, determine success.
Trademark Registration: Similarity and Consumer Confusion in Electronic Goods
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when identical trademarks can coexist on different electronic goods under Philippine IP law.
Novation Requires Clear Creditor Consent Protecting Banks IN Debt Assumption Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on debt assumption, assignment of credit, and the need for creditor consent under Civil Code.
Theft or Mistake: Gauging Intent in Employee Dismissal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an employee's taking of company property constitutes theft justifying dismissal, and when it is merely a mistake.
Understanding Documentary Stamp Tax on Trust Agreements: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Case
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when documentary stamp tax applies to trust agreements and the evidence needed for tax refund claims.
Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody: Key Lessons from a Drug Conviction
A Supreme Court ruling on a buy-bust operation clarifies the rules on warrantless arrests, chain of custody, and the defenses of denial and frame-up.
Beyond the Contract: Can Seafarers Claim Disability Benefits After Employment Ends?
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies why death and disability benefits under the POEA contract must be claimed correctly and within the proper proceedings.
The Doctor's Dilemma: Hospital Liability in Medical Negligence Cases in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on medical negligence, physician-patient duty, and hospital solidary liability under Article 2180 of the Civil Code.