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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Flexibility in Certiorari Petitions: Courts May Still Grant Extensions Despite Procedural Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that courts retain discretion to extend the 60-day period for certiorari petitions despite A.M. No. 07-7-12-SC.
Illegal Dismissal Claims and the 60-Day Rule for Certiorari Petitions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may extend the 60-day period to file certiorari petitions, and discusses forced resignation in illegal dismissal cases.
Balancing Company Rules and Employee Rights: The Doctrine of Proportionate Penalty in Illegal Dismissal Cases
When does a company rule violation justify dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the doctrine of proportionate penalty in illegal dismissal cases.
Just Compensation and Voluntary Land Sales: Valuing Property Under Agrarian Reform
A landowner who accepts payment and transfers title under agrarian reform cannot later seek higher just compensation. The Supreme Court explains.
Bank's Duty of Diligence in Home Loans: Comsavings Bank v. Capistrano
When a bank makes a borrower pre-sign a house completion certificate, it breaches its duty of highest diligence and may be liable for damages.
Just Compensation and Land Valuation: Fairness in Agrarian Reform
When a landowner accepts the government's valuation and transfers title, can they later seek a higher price? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Proving Illegal Dismissal: The Employee’s Initial Burden in Labor Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases and when dismissal for willful disobedience is lawful.
VAT Refund Claims: Strict Compliance with Invoicing Requirements Required
Philippine Supreme Court rules strict compliance with VAT invoicing requirements is mandatory for input VAT refund claims on zero-rated sales.
Jurisdictional Thresholds in Collection Cases: Learning from Cabrera v. Francisco
How courts determine jurisdiction in collection cases, using the Supreme Court's ruling in Cabrera v. Francisco as a guide.
Upholding Arbitration Finality and the Limits of Judicial Review in Construction Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when CIAC arbitral awards may be reviewed and the rules against forum shopping in construction arbitration.
When Post-Employment Death Isn't Necessarily Non-Compensable: Establishing Causation in Seafarer Benefit Claim
A seafarer's death after repatriation may be compensable, but only with substantial evidence of work-related causation, not mere presumption.
Seafarer Death Benefits: Proving Work-Related Illness After Contract Termination
Learn when a seafarer's death after contract end is compensable, and the evidence needed to prove work-related illness under the POEA Contract.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: Supreme Court Affirms Stepfather's Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms a stepfather's rape conviction, explaining moral ascendancy, victim-survivor credibility, and increased damages in G.R. No. 271812.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: When Courts Can Restore Destroyed Land Records
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on judicial reconstitution of lost or destroyed land titles under Republic Act No. 26.
Tax Treaty Relief vs. BIR Rules: When Administrative Deadlines Cannot Defeat Treaty Benefits
Supreme Court rules that failure to file a prior tax treaty relief application with the BIR does not automatically forfeit a taxpayer's right to preferential rates under an international tax treaty.
Res Judicata Bars Repeated Litigation Over Same Land Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how res judicata prevents endless litigation over the same property and title.
Tax Treaty Benefits vs. BIR Rules: The Deutsche Bank Ruling on Prior Application
The Supreme Court clarifies that failure to comply with the BIR's prior application rule does not automatically bar tax treaty relief.
Dismissal for Loss of Confidence: When a Validly Dismissed Employee Cannot Claim Retirement Pay
The Supreme Court ruled that an employee lawfully dismissed for serious misconduct and loss of confidence cannot be awarded retirement benefits as a measure of social justice.
When a Trust Receipt Is Really a Loan: Acquittal in Estafa Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a corporate officer of estafa under the Trust Receipts Law, ruling that transactions the bank knew were not for resale are simple loans, not trust receipts.
When Business Downturns Lead to Employee Layoffs: Understanding Retrenchment Under Philippine Law
Learn the legal rules on retrenchment in the Philippines, including valid grounds, procedural requirements, and worker protections.
Trust Receipts vs Loans: When Intent Defines the Contract
Supreme Court clarifies when a trust receipt is really a loan, acquitting a corporate officer of estafa under PD 115.
Grave Negligence and Public Office Accountability for Improper Land Use in Infrastructure Projects
When can a city engineer be criminally liable for a public works project built on private land? The Supreme Court explains gross inexcusable negligence under R.A. 3019.
Probable Cause in Kidnapping Cases: When Prosecutors Overstep Their Role
The Supreme Court clarifies the standard for probable cause in preliminary investigations and when a prosecutor's dismissal amounts to grave abuse of discretion.
Barangay Election Protests: Finality of Decisions and Execution Pending Appeal
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on execution pending appeal in barangay election protests, emphasizing finality and proper procedure.