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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Employer Liability for Vehicular Accidents: Proving Due Diligence in Hiring Drivers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer liability for driver negligence, emphasizing documentary proof of due diligence in hiring and supervision.
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.
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.
Burden of Proof in Cargo Claims: Insurers Must Prove Actual Damages to Recover Subrogated Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when temperate damages apply in cargo loss claims when actual damages cannot be proven with certainty.
Negligence and Fair Compensation: Temperate Damages When Proof of Loss Is Lacking
When a court finds negligence but exact losses are unproven, temperate damages may be awarded. A Philippine Supreme Court case explains.
Balancing Public Safety and Private Property Access Rights on Limited Access Highways
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property owners' rights to access limited access highways like NLEX, balancing police power and private interests.
Employer Liability for Employee Negligence: Proving Diligence in Selection and Supervision
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers can escape liability for employee negligence under Article 2180 of the Civil Code.
Death Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal and Civil Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an accused who dies pending appeal has both criminal and civil liabilities extinguished.
Intent to Kill: What Separates Frustrated Homicide from Serious Physical Injuries
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how intent to kill distinguishes frustrated homicide from serious physical injuries, with practical guidance on evidence.
Temperate vs Nominal Damages: When Philippine Courts Award Moderate Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when temperate damages apply instead of nominal damages, using a shipping collision case as the guide.
State Sovereignty in Land Registration: Proving Alienability and Disposability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that land registration requires proof of alienability and disposability, not just possession.
Unlawful Detainer vs Accion Publiciana: Jurisdiction Depends on the Complaint's Allegations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when ejectment cases belong in MeTC versus RTC, based on the complaint's allegations.
VAT Refund Claims: Strict Deadlines and Proper Documentation Required
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies VAT refund rules: strict 2-year filing deadlines and the necessity of official receipts for zero-rated services.
Prevailing Medical Opinion Resolving Seafarer Disability Claims Under Poea SEC
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 120-day vs 240-day rule in seafarer disability claims under the POEA-SEC.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: When a Deadly Response Fails in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies self-defense requirements in homicide cases, explaining why unlawful aggression is essential and must be proven with clear evidence.
Breach of Trust in Employment: When Misconduct Justifies Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a cashier's mishandling of funds amounts to breach of trust justifying dismissal from employment.
Defective Summons: How Improper Service Can Void an Ejectment Case in the Philippines
Learn how defective summons and improper substituted service can void an ejectment case, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Protecting Property Rights: Good Faith Purchasers vs Unregistered Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on good faith purchasers, unregistered claims, and property rights under Article 1544 of the Civil Code.
Torrens Title vs Unregistered Deed: How Philippine Courts Resolve Land Possession Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Torrens titles, unregistered deeds, and land possession disputes involving public domain classification.
Navigating VAT Refund Timelines: How Premature Filing Can Still Succeed Under Equitable Estoppel
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when premature VAT refund claims may still prosper under equitable estoppel from BIR Ruling No. DA-489-03.
Corporate Elections: Regular Courts, Not SEC, Decide Proxy Validity Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that disputes over proxy validation in corporate elections belong to regular courts, not the SEC.
Strict Deadlines in VAT Refund Claims: The 120+30 Day Rule and Its Exceptions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the mandatory 120+30 day periods for VAT refund claims, and the BIR ruling that temporarily allowed premature judicial appeals.
Quieting of Title: Why Legal or Equitable Title Is a Must for Claimants
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that only those with legal or equitable title may file quieting of title cases.
Loan vs Donation: Proving Intent in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when payments for another's property are loans, not donations, and the formal requirements for valid donations.