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.
LIVE'S vs LEVI'S: Supreme Court Rules on Trademark Confusion and Cancellation
The Supreme Court cancelled the LIVE'S trademark registration, ruling it confusingly similar to LEVI'S under the Dominancy Test.
Residency Rules for Local Candidates: When Incumbency Defeats a Domicile Transfer Claim
The Supreme Court cancels a governor's COC for false residency declaration, clarifying when an incumbent mayor cannot claim a new domicile.
Lawyer Disbarred for Borrowing From Client and Using Fake Title
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a lawyer's loan from a client, fake title, and bounced check led to disbarment.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: Extramarital Affair and Its Professional Consequences
A judge's extramarital affair leads to dismissal from service and suspension from law practice, underscoring strict moral standards for the judiciary.
COA Primary Jurisdiction Over Disallowances: Insights From a 2020 Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court reaffirms COA's primary jurisdiction over audit disallowances and bars trial courts from reviewing final Notices of Disallowance.
Prosecutorial Authority and Criminal Jurisdiction: The Villa Gomez Doctrine
The Supreme Court clarifies when a prosecutor's lack of authority to file an Information affects a trial court's jurisdiction over a criminal case.
Understanding Gross Immorality When Personal Conduct Leads to Disbarment in the Philippines
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer-judge for continuing an illicit relationship despite prior warning. Learn the rules on gross immorality.
Gross Misconduct and Serious Dishonesty: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A lawyer who abandoned his client, ignored court orders, and borrowed money from a client faced a three-year suspension. Learn the ethical rules.
Understanding the Prohibition on Fringe Benefits for COA Personnel: Insights from a Landmark Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies why COA personnel cannot accept fringe benefits from audited agencies, based on Section 18 of RA 6758.
Judicial Integrity and Procedural Rules in Marriage Annulment Cases: A Cautionary Tale
When a judge ignores procedural rules in annulment cases, the consequences are severe. Learn from a Supreme Court decision on judicial accountability.
Understanding Tax Compromise Agreements: Validity and Implications for Taxpayers
The Supreme Court affirms the validity of tax compromise agreements under the NIRC, protecting good-faith settlements with the BIR.
Mandatory SSS Coverage for Filipino Seafarers: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court upheld the mandatory SSS coverage of Filipino seafarers under RA 11199, ruling it constitutional and valid.
Lawyer Misconduct: The Duty to Return Client Funds in the Philippines
When a lawyer fails to render service and keeps client money, the Supreme Court imposes suspension and restitution. Learn the rules.
Limits of Clerks of Court Misconduct and Judicial Integrity
A clerk of court dismissed for simple misconduct after overstepping duties during writ implementation. Learn the boundaries of court personnel authority.
Preventive Suspension and Compassionate Justice: The Buan Case in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court balances judicial accountability with humanitarian considerations in preventive suspension cases, as shown in the Buan case.
Tax-Free Share Swaps in the Philippines: The Co Ruling and CGT Exemptions
The Supreme Court's Co ruling clarifies when share swaps are tax-free under (C)(2) of the NIRC, saving businesses millions.
Moral Character and Bar Admission: Overcoming Obstacles to Legal Practice
How the Supreme Court weighed pending criminal cases against moral fitness in bar admission, and when a bar applicant may finally take the oath.
Non-Payment of Debts and Insubordination in Court Employment: A Cautionary Tale
The Supreme Court explains when a court employee's failure to pay debts and defiance of Court orders can lead to dismissal from service.
Security of Tenure vs Qualification Standards Resolving Employment Disputes in Philippine Higher Education
Supreme Court clarifies retirement age rules, security of tenure, and CBA benefits for managerial employees in Philippine schools.
Mamasapano Tragedy: Determining Liability in Complex Military Operations
The Supreme Court clarifies the standards for determining criminal negligence and probable cause in the Mamasapano tragedy, addressing command responsibility and intervening causes.
Retroactive GCTA: Supreme Court Upholds Inmates' Right to Good Conduct Time Allowance
The Supreme Court struck down the IRR's prospective application of R.A. 10592, affirming inmates' right to retroactive good conduct time allowance credits.
Dismissal for Dishonesty When Soliciting Money Violates Public Trust
Supreme Court dismisses sheriff who solicited and pocketed execution expenses from a litigant, ruling that grave misconduct and dishonesty warrant dismissal even for first-time offenders.
VAT Refund Timelines: Strict 120+30 Day Rule Under the Tax Code
Philippine Supreme Court affirms strict 120+30 day VAT refund appeal deadlines; late judicial claims are jurisdictionally fatal.
Bidding Rights No Cause of Action for Disappointed Bidders Under Philippine Law
A contractor overpaid by the government must refund the excess, even if the contract was void for lack of appropriation.