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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Constructive Dismissal: When Forced Resignation and Unpaid Wages Become Illegal Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal when an employer withholds work assignments to force resignation, and procedural rules that protect labor.
Constructive Dismissal: When Unpaid Wages Force an Employee to Resign
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal, unpaid wages, and when resignation is actually illegal dismissal.
Non-Diminution of Benefits: When Employer Practices Become Enforceable Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on non-diminution of benefits—when employer practices ripen into enforceable rights under the Labor Code.
Just Compensation in Philippine Expropriation: Beyond BIR Zonal Values
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that BIR zonal valuation is not the sole basis for just compensation in expropriation cases, requiring courts to consider all RA 8974 factors.
Client Neglect and Conflict of Interest: Attorney Suspended for Six Months
Philippine Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for neglecting a client's land titling case and appearing against the client without consent.
Possession Is Key: Unpaid Trust Certificates and Bank Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a bank client holding original unpaid trust certificates can enforce payment, even years after maturity.
PLDT Network Integrity: Defining Theft in Telecommunications Fraud
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether ISR network fraud constitutes theft under the Revised Penal Code, and search warrant standards.
VAT Refund Claims: The Mandatory 120+30 Day Rule and Why Timing Matters
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that VAT refund claims must strictly follow the mandatory 120+30 day period under the NIRC.
Psoriasis Seafarers and the Burden of Proof in Work-Related Illness Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on proving work-related illness for disability benefits, with lessons for seafarers.
Forum Shopping and Attorney Sanctions for Relitigating Settled Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court sanctions lawyer for forum shopping in relitigating settled estate property claims, explaining the rules and consequences.
Circumstantial Evidence and Reasonable Doubt: Safeguarding Justice in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the sub judice rule, freedom of speech, and the limits of contempt power in Marantan v. Diokno.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Marking Seized Items Immediately and in the Accused's Presence
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where police failed to mark seized shabu immediately and in her presence, breaking the chain of custody.
Tenancy Rights: Landowner's Consent Required for Valid Leasehold Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that tenancy requires landowner consent; a mortgagee or possessor cannot install tenants without authority.
Inefficiency VS Neglect Charting THE Boundaries OF Just Cause Termination IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between inefficiency and neglect as valid grounds for terminating employment under the Labor Code.
Land Registration: Proving Alienable and Disposable Status of Public Land
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves land is alienable and disposable for registration under PD 1529.
When Can a Party Be Held Liable for Another Person's Debt? A Philippine Supreme Court Guide
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a person may be held liable for another's debt under Article 1311 of the Civil Code.
Double Sale of Land: Prior Knowledge Defeats Claim of Good Faith
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sales of land: a buyer who knows of prior claims or occupants cannot claim good faith.
Presumption of Marriage Overcomes Lost Records in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how lost marriage records affect proof of marriage, presumption of marriage, and bigamy claims.
Writ of Possession in Foreclosure: Ministerial Duty of Courts Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the ministerial duty of courts to issue writs of possession in extrajudicial foreclosure, and the binding effect of prior judgments.
The Ministerial Duty Securing Property Possession After Foreclosure in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies a sheriff's ministerial duty to enforce writs of execution in ejectment cases and the limits of that duty.
VAT Refunds: Strict Compliance With the 120+30 Day Rule and Invoicing Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the mandatory 120+30 day rule for VAT refund claims and invoicing requirements in Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Toledo Power Company.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty Banks Must Uphold Transparency in Trust Accounts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Land Bank v. Oñate clarifies banks' fiduciary duties, transparency obligations, and liability for undocumented trust account withdrawals.
VAT Refund Timeliness: Strict Deadlines for Appealing BIR Decisions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies mandatory 120+30 day periods for VAT refund judicial claims, citing CBK Power v. CIR.
Premature Foreclosure: Protecting Mortgagors' Rights Before Default
Philippine Supreme Court rules that foreclosing a mortgage before the debtor defaults on the principal loan is void and ineffectual.