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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Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies and Impartiality in HLURB Housing Disputes
The Supreme Court explains why a developer's bid to stop HLURB proceedings for alleged bias failed, and what the ruling means for parties in housing disputes.
Copyright Infringement and Prescription: What Retailers Should Know
A look at how filing a complaint with the DOJ interrupts prescription, and what it means for retailers accused of selling counterfeit goods.
Clerk of Court Liability for Lost Court Records: The Limits of Due Diligence
When court records go missing, who bears responsibility? The Supreme Court clarifies that clerks of court cannot blame subordinates for lost case files.
Court Employee Suspended for Handling Bail Money: Breach of Trust Rules
Supreme Court suspends court utility worker for receiving bail money and drafting motions—acts beyond her authority and a breach of judicial trust.
Tax Declarations as Indicia of Possession: Lessons from Leoncio v. De Vera
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax declarations as evidence of possession and ownership in land reconveyance cases.
Burden of Proof in Tax Refund Claims: Taxpayers Must Provide Sufficient Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Atlas Consolidated Mining clarifies that taxpayers claiming VAT refunds must present complete documentary evidence.
Upholding Judicial Accountability THE Consequences OF Delayed Case Resolution AND Record Mishandling
Ensuring Due Process When Procedural Technicalities Clash With Fair Investigation
The Supreme Court reminds courts that procedural rules must yield to substantive justice, especially when a respondent's right to due process in preliminary investigation is at stake.
Jurisdiction Over Labor Disputes: The Decisive Moment of Filing Claims
A Supreme Court ruling on why filing the wrong remedy — or the right one too late — can end a labor case before the merits are ever reached.
Defining Sexual Harassment: The Intimidation Factor and Employer Accountability
The Supreme Court clarifies that sexual harassment includes acts creating a hostile environment, not just explicit demands for sexual favors.
Mandamus vs. COMELEC Discretion: When Courts Cannot Compel a Specific Ruling
Explore Quizon v. COMELEC, where the Supreme Court clarified that mandamus cannot compel COMELEC to rule a certain way on disqualification cases.
Incestuous Rape: Conviction Based on Victim's Testimony and the Alibi Defense
In People v. Abon, the Supreme Court affirmed a father's conviction for incestuous rape based on his daughter's testimony and rejected his alibi defense.
Employer's Vicarious Liability for Employee Negligence in Quasi-Delict Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability for driver negligence under quasi-delict, explained in plain language.
Union Security vs Due Process: Balancing Rights in Employee Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a union security clause justifies dismissal and what due process employers must observe.
Jurisdiction vs Forum Shopping: RTC Power Over NLRC Execution
Supreme Court rules RTCs lack jurisdiction over NLRC execution incidents; filing both a motion to quash and an RTC complaint constitutes forum shopping.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Owners Face Personal Liability for Corporate Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may disregard corporate fiction and hold owners personally liable for corporate debts and obligations.
Oral Sales and Unlawful Detainer: Resolving Property Disputes in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when an oral sale of real property defeats an unlawful detainer suit, and when it does not.
Balancing Privacy, Bank Inquiry Orders, and Due Process in Anti-Money Laundering Cases
The Supreme Court rules that AMLA bank inquiry orders cannot be issued ex parte, protecting depositors' right to due process.
When Courts Won't Second-Guess the Ombudsman's Dismissal of Graft Complaints
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's wide discretion in dismissing graft complaints, limiting judicial review to grave abuse of discretion.
Ombudsman's Discretion: When Courts Can Compel Criminal Charges for Graft
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may compel the Ombudsman to file criminal charges, balancing prosecutorial discretion with judicial oversight.
Void Marriages and Child Support: When Can a Marriage Be Challenged in Court
The Supreme Court clarifies when a void marriage can be challenged in court and the support rights of children born from such unions.
Sheriffs, Misconduct, and the Duty of Honesty in Judicial Service
A Supreme Court ruling dismisses a sheriff for pocketing execution fees and auction proceeds, underscoring the strict honesty required of court personnel.
Corporate Authority and Tax Credits: Clarifying the Scope for Senior Citizen Discounts
Supreme Court clarifies corporate officer authority in signing pleadings and affirms tax credit entitlement for senior citizen discounts despite net loss.
Litis Pendentia Dismissal Reversed: Lack of Identical Parties and Causes of Action
Supreme Court clarifies litis pendentia elements, reversing a dismissal for lack of identical parties and causes of action.