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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Irrevocability OF TAX Credit Options Understanding Restrictions ON Refunds
Election Returns Exclusion Based on Missing Pages and Evident Irregularities
When a missing page in an election return creates a prima facie irregularity, the Supreme Court explains why pre-proclamation remedies still have limits.
COMELEC’s Decisive Power: Ensuring Fair Elections Beyond Procedural Technicalities
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC’s broad authority to act decisively on election irregularities, prioritizing credible elections over procedural technicalities.
Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriage: Understanding the Limits of Irresponsibility as Grounds for A
The Supreme Court clarifies that joblessness, drug use, and irresponsibility do not automatically constitute psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Psychological Incapacity Mere Marital Infidelity IS NOT Enough FOR Annulment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that psychological incapacity under Article 36 requires more than mere marital infidelity or irreconcilable differences.
Acquisitive Prescription and Laches in Property Disputes: Aguirre v. Heirs of Villanueva
Learn how the Supreme Court applied ordinary acquisitive prescription and laches in a property dispute between heirs and buyers.
Lost Titles AND Stale Claims Understanding Laches IN Land Disputes
A 45-year delay to contest a land title bars the claim under laches, even if the original title may have been irregularly cancelled.
Protecting Childhood Statutory Rape AND THE Irrelevance OF Hymen Integrity
Falsification of Documents: When Can an Employee Be Disciplined?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an employee's DTR irregularities amount to falsification or merely conduct prejudicial to the service.
Mootness in Preliminary Injunctions: When Does a Case Become Irrelevant
Learn when a case becomes moot and how Philippine courts treat preliminary injunctions in this plain-language guide to civil procedure.
Tax Refund vs Tax Credit: Understanding the Irrevocability of Choices in Philippine Tax Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a tax refund or tax credit choice becomes irrevocable under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Why Delayed and Irregular Decisions Cost This Government Lawyer His License
A DARAB adjudicator was suspended for six months for rendering an irregular decision without notice and hearing, violating due process and the Code of Professional Responsibility.
When Can a Proclamation Be Voided: Integrity of Election Returns and Canvass Rules
The Supreme Court explains when a proclamation may be voided for defective election returns and canvass irregularities under RA 7166.
Union Formation Validating Legal Personality Despite Procedural Lapses In Labor Cases
Supreme Court rules a local union may acquire legal personality on the date it files complete documents, even with procedural irregularities.
Irrevocable Agency When A Treasure Hunt Creates Binding Obligations
When is an agency coupled with interest irrevocable? A treasure hunt dispute explains the rule and its practical limits.
Court Employees' Duty to Accurate Timekeeping: Duque v. Aspiras
A look at Duque v. Aspiras on the duty of court employees to keep accurate time records and the consequences of logbook irregularities.
Sheriffs and Public Trust: When a Court Officer Stands By and Does Nothing
A Supreme Court ruling shows that a sheriff's silence during an irregular demolition was neglect of duty, not innocence, and that court officers must act above suspicion.
Full Customs Duty Payment Bars Forfeiture Despite Procedural Lapses
Supreme Court rules that full payment of customs duties and taxes terminates importation, preventing forfeiture despite procedural irregularities in shipment transfer.
Beyond Irritants: Psychological Incapacity and the Limits of Marital Dissolution in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that marital irritants and incompatibility do not amount to psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Judicial Misconduct When Orders Reflect Bias AND Compromise Impartiality
Supreme Court fines judge for gross ignorance, grave misconduct, and bias in issuing irregular orders favoring a party's counsel.
Failure of Election: When the Electorate's Will Cannot Be Ascertained
The Supreme Court explains when a failure of election may be declared and why mere allegations of irregularities belong in an election protest, not a COMELEC petition.
Upholding Migrant Workers Act: Courts Can't Stop Enforcement Without Proof of Harm
Supreme Court rules courts cannot enjoin enforcement of the Migrant Workers Act without clear proof of irreparable injury to those challenging it.
Execution of Judgment: The Writ Must Mirror the Decision’s Terms
A writ of execution that varies from the final judgment is void. DBP v. Union Bank explains why precision matters.
Statutory Rape: Why Physical Injury Is Irrelevant for Victims Under Twelve
The Supreme Court explains why an intact hymen does not negate statutory rape of a child under twelve, and what evidence matters.