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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Conviction for Statutory Rape of Minor Upheld Despite Accused’s Denial and Alibi
Philippine Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction of an uncle who assaulted his 5-year-old niece, rejecting alibi and denial defenses.
Claim Denied Strict Compliance Required FOR Local TAX Refund Claims IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on local tax refund claims, emphasizing strict compliance with procedural requirements and the consequences of non-compliance.
Prohibition on Land Transfers Protecting Tenant Rights Under Agrarian Reform
Philippine Supreme Court explains why land sales to non-tenants are void under PD 27, protecting agrarian reform beneficiaries.
Security of Tenure Prevails: Tenant Rights in Agrarian Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tenant security of tenure, ejectment grounds, and procedural rules in agrarian disputes.
Salary Standardization Incumbency Determines RATA Entitlement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that RATA benefits under the Salary Standardization Law apply only to incumbents as of July 1, 1989.
Possession vs Ownership: Resolving Ejectment Disputes Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in unlawful detainer cases, courts may provisionally rule on ownership to determine who has the right to possess property.
Court Personnel Neglect of Duty: When Delayed Case Records Trigger Administrative Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on simple neglect of duty by court personnel who delayed transmitting appeal records, with penalties explained.
Directors' Bonuses and Withholding Tax: Clarifying Employee Status in Philippine Tax Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on directors' bonuses, withholding tax on compensation, and the definition of received a Letter of Authority in 1998 to examine its books for taxable year 1997. Followi
The Fencing Law and the Presumption in Dealing With Stolen Goods
Understand the Anti-Fencing Law's presumption of guilt for possessing stolen goods, explained through a Philippine Supreme Court case.
Self-Defense Under Scrutiny: When Does a Threat Justify Homicide in the Philippines?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a threat justifies killing in self-defense, requiring actual unlawful aggression, not mere intimidation.
Valid Contracts Despite Regulatory Lapses: Moldex Realty vs. Flora Saberon
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a developer's lack of license or failure to register does not void a contract to sell.
Writ of Possession After Foreclosure: When a Purchaser's Right Is Absolute
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a foreclosure sale purchaser may demand a writ of possession and when exceptions apply.
Writ of Possession After Foreclosure: When Third-Party Claims and Pending Cases Don't Stop the Writ
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a writ of possession is ministerial and how pending annulment cases, third-party claims, and surplus issues affect the rule.
Seafarer Wins Disability Benefits for Non-Work-Related Illness Under POEA Contract
Philippine Supreme Court rules seafarers can claim disability benefits for illnesses not listed as occupational diseases under the POEA-SEC, if work contributed.
Seafarers' Hyperthyroidism and Disability Benefits: The Disputable Presumption of Work-Relatedness
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarers' hyperthyroidism claims, the disputable presumption of work-relatedness, and disability benefits under POEA-SEC.
Tolerance and Land Ownership: How Permissive Use Impacts Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how possession by mere tolerance cannot ripen into ownership through prescription or adverse possession.
Substitution in Elections: Residency Requirements and Certificate of Candidacy Validity
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a disqualified candidate can be substituted, distinguishing disqualification from certificate of candidacy cancellation.
Constructive Dismissal: Demotion and Intolerable Working Conditions Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies constructive dismissal through demotion and intolerable working conditions in The Orchard Golf and Country Club v. Francisco.
When Banks Can't Be Sued for Subsidiary Debts: Piercing the Corporate Veil in Philippine Banking
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when banks may be held liable for subsidiary obligations and when the corporate veil protects them.
Beyond Labels: Conviction for Rape Stands Despite Mislabeling in Information
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mislabeling a crime in the Information doesn't invalidate a conviction if the facts alleged constitute the offense charged.
Loss of Confidence in Dismissal Cases: Employers Must Substantiate the Breach of Trust
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that loss of trust and confidence requires clear, convincing proof, not mere allegations.
Navigating VAT Refund Claims: Prescriptive Periods and Equitable Estoppel in Philippine Tax Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the two-year prescriptive period for VAT refund claims and the mandatory 120-day waiting period before judicial appeal.
Stock Certificate Delay: When Rescission of Share Sale Is Allowed
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rescission rules for delayed stock certificate issuance and who must return payments in share sales.
Unexplained Wealth and SALN Omissions: Balancing Dishonesty and Simple Negligence in Public Office
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on freeze orders, unexplained wealth, and SALN omissions in public office explained in plain language.