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.
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.
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.
Reinstatement to the Bar: Proving Moral Reformation and Rehabilitation
The Supreme Court denies a disbarred lawyer's plea for reinstatement, clarifying the high burden of proving moral reformation.
Final Judgments in Lawyer Discipline: Why They Cannot Be Reopened
The Supreme Court denies a disbarred lawyer's bid to reopen his case, reaffirming the doctrine of finality of judgment.
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.
Dismissal of Action: Intervenors' Rights and the Duty to Diligently Prosecute Claims
When a case is dismissed for failure to prosecute, intervenors generally lose their right to continue the suit. The Supreme Court explains why diligence matters.
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.
When Banks Can Rely on Clean Titles: Mortgagee in Good Faith Explained
The Supreme Court explains when a bank that accepts a mortgage on a clean title becomes a mortgagee in good faith, even if the title later proves defective.
Work-Related Injury Death After Contract Compensable Claim
Supreme Court rules death benefits are payable when a seafarer's work-related injury causes death after contract termination due to medical repatriation.
Seafarers Heart Disease Proving THE Link Between Work AND Illness FOR Disability Benefits
A seafarer's stroke was ruled work-related and compensable. Learn how the Supreme Court proved the link between work and illness.
Co-Ownership and Good Faith: Understanding Property Rights in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a co-owner can only sell their own share, and buyers must verify ownership of unregistered land.
Murder with Direct Assault: Supreme Court Affirms Conviction in People v. Estonilo
The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction for Murder with Direct Assault in People v. Estonilo, highlighting the role of circumstantial evidence and the weakness of alibi.
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.
Forged Documents and Land Titles: Protecting Registered Owners From Fraudulent Sales
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on judicial reconstitution of lost titles under Republic Act No. 26, protecting registered owners from fraud.
PEZA Tax Exemption Clarified: Who Can Claim Excise Tax Refunds
Supreme Court clarifies that PEZA-registered enterprises can claim excise tax refunds on petroleum products used indirectly in their operations.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Why the Company Doctor's Assessment Prevails Under POEA-SEC
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the mandatory third-doctor referral rule in seafarer disability claims and why the company-designated physician's assessment prevails.
Agricultural Tenancy vs Civil Lease: Land Classification Determines DARAB Jurisdiction
When is a farmworker a tenant? The Supreme Court clarifies how land classification determines DARAB jurisdiction and tenancy rights.
Res Judicata vs Ownership Claims: Understanding Property Disputes in the Philippines
A forcible entry ruling does not bar a later ownership-based recovery case. Learn the key distinctions from a 2014 Supreme Court decision.
Self-Defense and the Burden of Proof: Evidence Rules in Slight Physical Injuries Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains self-defense burdens and when unoffered evidence may still be admitted in slight physical injuries cases.
Breach of Trust and Employee Dismissal: Employer's Burden of Proof in Philippine Labor Law
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling in Temic Automotive v. Cantos on breach of trust dismissals, emphasizing the employer's burden of proof.
Habeas Data and Facebook Privacy: When Photos Posted Online Lose Legal Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when Facebook photos lose privacy protection and how the writ of habeas data applies to social media posts.
Lawyer Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds in Breach of Fiduciary Duty
A lawyer's failure to account for and return client funds collected on behalf of a client constitutes gross misconduct warranting suspension.
Preserving Ballot Integrity Ensuring Accurate Reflection OF Voters Intent IN Philippine Elections
Ballot integrity in Philippine elections depends on accurate voter intent. Learn how courts protect the sanctity of the vote.
Good Faith vs Actual Knowledge: Resolving Land Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgments, petitions for relief, and banks' duty of diligence in land mortgage disputes.